Business In:Brief with Des Hang (Carbar)
Des Hang
CEO and co-founder of Carbar, 2016-Present
Des Hang is the CEO and co-founder of Carbar, the digital car marketplace that aims to take the stress out of buying and selling vehicles. Customers can buy a car directly from the website and have it delivered to their door, and then have a 3-day or 300km test period to see it they want it. The company also launched the car subscription service, Carbar+, last August, which lets drivers rent a car with no lock-in contracts and switch cars as they wish.
What was your first job?
My first ever job was as an intern analyst at Nissan Australia. It sounds like a glamorous first job, but in reality it was a whole lot of grunt work and odd-jobs that others didn't want to do.
What's your proudest achievement?
Well before co-founding Carbar, I was part of the founding team of a business called ILOVEDISCOUNTS, based out of Malaysia. We spent two years growing the business, and then we were able to sell it. It got me hooked on entrepreneurship, but also was an incredibly proud moment.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned?
In everything that you do, take a step back and think first before reacting. Give it a day if you need to. That will keep you composed and help you make the right decision.
What other business leader do you most admire and why?
Warren Buffett. Mainly because of his composure in making tough business decisions and his willingness to share his expertise with all.
What's the best piece of business advice you've ever received?
Making a decision is better than making no decision. Indecision is a killer in any business situation.
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