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    Shi Hao


    Shi Hao

    In 1980, he enrolled at Changsha Railway Institute (now Central South University), dedicating himself to the study of rail vehicles. Four years later, he graduated smoothly and, responding to the nation’s assignment policy, joined CRRC Yangtze Vehicle Group to pursue technical work. He felt fortunate that at the time, he hadn’t simply followed the crowd—hadn’t, like most people, settled for a comfortable life, believing that merely holding onto a stable job would ensure an easy existence. Instead, apart from occasionally enjoying leisurely soccer matches with colleagues, he preferred spending his free time immersed in books on literature, economics, and law—and he has maintained this habit ever since. These readings, especially biographies of successful individuals, have provided him with invaluable life lessons and wisdom, planting one after another seeds of both temptation and hope in his mind. Moreover, he actively participated in activities organized by the workshop’s Youth League, not only taking on specific tasks but also proactively initiating and engaging in numerous professional events. Such experiences have significantly honed his organizational, coordination, and leadership skills. Yet, despite diligently working in this role for six years, he gradually realized that it diverged considerably from his personal interests and passions, leaving him yearning for an opportunity to transform the status quo.

     

    As the planned economy transitioned toward a market-oriented system, railway enterprises began building their own marketing teams and independently exploring new markets. He keenly recognized this as the opportunity he had long dreamed of. So, after the announcement in 1990, he immediately and without hesitation signed up to join the sales department, thus embarking on his career in marketing. Over the next six years, he traveled across most regions of China aboard green-skinned trains, relying solely on the strength of his own two legs—though he never ventured into Tibet or Xinjiang. Despite the arduous and challenging journey, he never felt weary; instead, he found immense joy in it. He loved soaking in the diverse landscapes, relishing conversations with people from all walks of life, and marveling at the rich cultural tapestry of "different customs every ten miles, unique traditions every hundred." These experiences not only humbled him but also ignited an unyielding yearning for broader horizons and a deeper connection to the world beyond. Through six years of relentless dedication and tireless effort, he not only gained invaluable expertise in marketing but also cultivated an unwavering resilience and forged an extensive network of meaningful relationships. These invaluable assets have since provided a solid foundation for his future career, further strengthening his conviction that greater success—and even greater adventures—await him ahead.

     

    In 1996, he finally got his wish. A chance encounter led him to join Foshan Hengtai Machinery Co., Ltd., where he took on on-site technical management—and settled down in this city, which, being relatively close to the forefront of China's reform and opening-up policy, is brimming with vitality, energy, and endless opportunities.

     

    During one of his evening walks, the store on Jiangwan Road belonging to Zhengda Machinery & Electronics caught his attention. He was drawn to this trendy new approach of displaying products directly for customers to browse and choose from, sparking a deep sense of curiosity and a strong desire to explore further. As a result, in 2000, he took the initiative to join Zhengda Machinery & Electronics—and not only did he succeed in doing so, but he also began a unique career path: working at the company during the day, while returning to the office—still wearing his slippers and accompanied by his child—at night and on weekends. There, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the company’s mission, striving alongside his colleagues and continuously learning alongside the organization.

     

    When he first joined the company, drawing on his extensive past experience, he was assigned to the newly established Bearing Division, which at the time had only 3 to 4 employees. Due to a lack of customer resources, the division’s products were primarily promoted through indirect sales via other departments, with their main clientele being ceramic factories. However, issues such as unstable supply, inconsistent product quality, and unfavorable pricing frequently led to customer complaints, making the department’s operations exceptionally challenging. Yet, he refused to be discouraged. With an unwavering determination not to give up, he persevered and diligently worked to find solutions to these persistent problems.

     

    In 2002, Foshan Zhengda Mechanical & Electrical Bearing Co., Ltd. was established, initiating a collaboration with SKF bearings. By 2006, the company had secured authorization and has since grown to operate five branches located in Foshan and Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province; Changsha, Hunan Province; and YueXin branches in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, as well as Anhui Province. This year, the company’s annual cumulative sales exceeded 100 million yuan, and its team has expanded to nearly 50 members, with 26% of the core leadership team now becoming shareholders.

     

    Around business development, he and his team have gone through numerous trials and innovations. From the very beginning of the department, they’ve poured tremendous effort into areas such as brand building, sourcing channel selection, securing agency qualifications, and expanding into new markets. These experiences have been marked by unwavering determination and relentless perseverance—as they remained steadfast in their pursuit of success, refusing to settle for mediocrity, and showcasing boundless courage and wisdom.

     

    In 2010, they began expanding their business into markets outside the province, a strategic move that opened up broader opportunities for growth. As their operations continued to deepen, in 2018, they partnered with SKF to establish the Changsha Bearing Repair Factory, entering the realm of technical services and further diversifying the company’s product portfolio.

     

    In 2019, they kept pace with the latest trends by venturing into e-commerce, actively managing their presence on platforms like 1688 and Tmall, and collaborating closely with industrial MRO suppliers such as Zhenkunxing. At the same time, they leveraged new media channels like live streaming and Douyin to promote their products, successfully implementing a diversified business model strategy.

     

    By 2020, they partnered with WZ Group, a leading brand in the domestic bearing industry. This move not only strengthened their brand strength but also helped them achieve a differentiated branding strategy.

     

    These remarkable development milestones not only highlight their forward-thinking and innovative approach to business expansion, but also profoundly demonstrate the unwavering confidence and relentless dedication they’ve shown in the face of challenges. Their hard work has been duly recognized and praised by suppliers as well. In 2014 and 2015, they were honored with SKF’s “Best Value-Added Business Development Award” and China’s Industrial Market Distributors’ “Best Operational Excellence Award,” respectively. Most recently, in 2023, they were awarded SKF’s prestigious “Service Transformation Pioneer Award.”