Executive Profile
Steely Confidence Paved Way To Success
Victoria Kim
President
Universal Wireless
Paragon at Satellite
By Andrian Putra Posted Feb 1, 2008
Driving south on Satellite Boulevard past the former Harry’s Farmer’s Market, you will notice a brand new commercial development inspired by French chateau designs. This multi-million dollar project is the brainchild and latest endeavor of a successful Korean-American entrepreneur who made her fortune in cellular telecommunications. Victoria Kim is a model minority entrepreneur who successfully perseveres against all odds.
Victoria Kim was born in Chun Chan, a small town located near the DMZ in South Korea. Farming is the primary economic activity in her hometown and people were living beneath poverty levels. At an early age, Kim decided that she wanted to improve her standard of living. The opportunity came when she decided to move to Ohio in 1984.
Kim settled down and met her husband while working in Ohio. They later married and moved to Atlanta in 1993 where he was from originally.
To keep herself occupied, Victoria started a small photography business at Candler Road Flea Market. Her business was brisk and she maintained a roster of regular clients. She was asked to buy the pager business located next door. Despite the fact she didn’t know anything about telephone pagers; she reluctantly agreed to do so as she followed her gut instinct.
Her intuition paid off handsomely as the telecommunication industry was evolving from pagers to cell phones. More customers are switching to cell phones daily and her business took off. Her stores received incentives and fat commissions by phone companies to lure new cell phone customers.
She started another store on Lawrenceville Highway and her new store carried a wide variety of cell phones, pagers, and phone accessories. Business was booming and she could hardly keep up with demands. Being an astute entrepreneur, she also began to notice a niche within this fast growing industry.
“I noticed the phone manufacturers are not communicating directly with the phone carriers. This leaves a big void to be filled -- I quickly saw an opportunity in this fast-growing industry,” said Kim beamingly.
Kim started a company named Universal Wireless dedicated to serve as a wholesaler in the cell phone industry in 1996. Universal Wireless made about $10 million in revenue during its first year in business.
“Revenues doubled every year for the next five years,” said Kim proudly upon reflection.
Kim also started another company in 2000 to manage the franchise stores awarded by T-Mobile. Southeast Wireless was managing about 180 franchisee operations throughout the region.
By this time, Kim was managing two multi-million dollar companies and had to travel worldwide for business. Her travel destinations would include Latin American countries, China, Europe and Russia. Universal Wireless achieved record revenue of $50 million in 2002.
“I believe in myself and my own capabilities. But I also know my limit,” explains Kim philosophically. “I am humbled by my success as I worked very hard for it.”
Universal Wireless currently has 35 employees and an annual revenue of $10 million. The industry has been in a decline since September 11, according to Kim.
“Always challenge and strive to improve yourself. Stay confident and maintain positive thinking at all times,” stressed Kim when asked about the secrets to her business success.
She feels the “telecommunication industry is moving too fast for a ‘first-generation’ like her” -– jokingly referring to her immigrant background.
Kim credits her children as her source of inspiration and strength. “Being a mother to a 24-year old young lady, 12-year old girl, and a 7-year old boy -– that’s what drives me everyday!”
She admits that she is ready to seek fresh challenges in her life. One of the new challenges is a 12 acres and 170,000 square feet of commercial retail development named “The Paragon at Satellite.”
“The idea came to me in 2002 when I was traveling around the world for business. I noticed Korean owners do actually not own ‘Korean Towns’ in major metropolitan cities. These ‘Korean Towns’ are shrinking in size. I was inspired to build a commercial project that would last permanently under Korean-American ownership.”
Kim purchased 45 acres of land from Gwinnett developer Wayne Mason. The tract of land sits near a wetland reserve, which is currently being developed into Beaver Ruin Park by Gwinnett County authorities. Of the 45 acres, 27 acres are being zoned for commercial development and the rest are designated as wetland sanctuary.
“I didn’t tell anyone when I bought the land. Not even my husband. When I informed him, he almost fell flat to the ground!” said Kim with laughter.
Kim started researching on concepts and the type of development that would fit into the 27 acre tract of land. She wanted to create a “high-end retail resort” address for the site. She insisted on beautiful landscapes, wide sidewalks, and a beautiful water fountain for the project.
The Paragon’s aesthetic design was inspired by French chateau architecture. The project broke ground in 2007 and is divided into three phases of development. Phase one encompassed 170,000 square feet of retail space, Phase two included a seven acre multi-level golf driving range, and Phase three included a Four Point Sheraton Hotel featuring a high-end banquet hall.
A range of quality restaurants featuring Italian, Chinese fusion, Japanese, Korean, and ethnic restaurants are scheduled to open. Burger Factory, a popular hamburger chain from Minnesota has signed a multi-year lease. Negotiations with Starbucks are underway to build an independent store at the corner of the center, according to Kim.
The shopping center will feature a 10,000 square feet anchor store showcasing luxury apparels such Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, Rolex, etc.
Entertainment outlets unique to Japan and Korea will be imported to the center. A game center featuring cutting edge games will be catered to the youths. Also in the plan is a sophisticated 50,000 square feet bowling center featuring family entertainment on ground level and a sports bar at the upper level.
“Overall, I wanted to set a new threshold for Paragon in terms of shopping experiences and entertainment,” explains Kim who forecasted a May opening for the shopping center pending any bureaucratic delays.
Kim remains optimistic despite the recent economic downturn and she maintains “people will still need to enjoy themselves even at tough times.”
She has already started setting her sights on opportunities beyond the Paragon project. This youthful and confident entrepreneur is ready to take on the next challenge.
Victoria Kim’s List of Favorites:
Favorite book/author: Books by Samsung founder Byung-Chul Lee and Hyundai founder Chung Ju Yung
Favorite type/piece of music: Smooth jazz
Favorite place in Georgia: Lake Lanier
Favorite place to visit in world: Seoul, Korea
Favorite food: Chinese
Favorite restaurant: Tofu House
Favorite movie: Love Story
Favorite charity: Korean American Scholarship Foundation
Favorite hobbies: Shopping
Favorite car: Hummer H2
Favorite website: missyusa.com