Eugene Park ’07 takes after his father Hae Park ’78 in many ways. Yet, this young businessman is taking charge and making an impact in his own way. BY LISA MCPHERON
PASSING THE TORCH
A 16
lot of teenage boys like video games and slushies. But, few have the business sense or opportunity to turn them into profitable ventures. For Alumnus Eugene Park ’07, these two particular interests gave him his first entrepreneurial successes. Park’s parents, Shina and Hae Park ’78, own and operate two outdoor swap meets in Southern California as well as a real-estate development company. Wanting their son to eventually become a partner in the family business, they encouraged him at a young age to think critically and supported his ideas. “He asked me to try, so we tried,” Hae Park recalled of the time he took Eugene’s advice to replace old-fashioned snow cones with ICEEs at their concession stands. It became an instant success as was an overhaul of the arcade games, also his son’s idea. “I was lucky that my first try was a success. My father was very surprised at how well the ICEEs were selling. I’m glad he made the right decision and allowed me to introduce the product to our business,” Eugene Park added. Taking risks and trying new ideas was a reoccurring topic between father and son during a recent lunch at the Oak Quarry Golf Course
in Riverside. There have been many moments when the younger generation Park proposed a new idea hoping his father would give it a try. However, it was not until Eugene graduated from The Collins College of Hospitality Management that his footing as a partner took hold. “Eugene’s business mind is very clear, and when he says ‘try’ we try something new,” Hae Park said. In addition to several commercial real-estate properties, the Parks own and operate the Bel-Air Swap Meet in Fontana and the Pro Swap Meet in San Bernardino. Both locations are successful and generate a lot of foot traffic encouraging vendors to return on a regular basis. On a busy Sunday, more than 20,000 guests may shop at the Bel-Air Swap Meet. Over the years, as their company grew, so did their philanthropic support of the college. They have given more than $3 million to the college. “The Parks are incredibly humble and generous people,” said Dean Andy Feinstein. “They do not have a lavish lifestyle. The college is very fortunate to receive their support.” The Park family story is a true American tale. Hae Park immigrated to the United States in search of a bright future. He found a mentor in