Episode 82: Building a Boba Empire (Featuring Henry Liu)

The Endless Growth Podcast

Welcome to Episode 82 of The Endless Growth Podcast!
In this episode, we sit down with Henry Liu, the passionate owner of Pearl Milk Tea Club, to discuss the rollercoaster journey of managing multiple business locations. Henry shares his experiences running three boba shops in Northern Utah, diving into the challenges of scaling, managing employees, and navigating tricky business environments.
Henry’s story is deeply rooted in Ogden, where two generations of his family—his grandfather and father—both owned restaurants. He reflects on his shift into the boba business after the 2008 financial crisis and the valuable lessons learned from past ventures. From the ups and downs of locations like Gateway and City Creek to adapting for different clientele and financial realities, Henry offers a raw, inspiring look into entrepreneurship.
We also explore the tough decisions around location selection, employee management, and his ambitious plans for growth. Henry explains how the local community plays a pivotal role in his success and how the work ethic of his immigrant parents continues to guide him today.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or curious about the behind-the-scenes of running a food and beverage business, Henry’s journey will captivate and motivate you. Tune in for an authentic conversation filled with real-life challenges, business insights, and the relentless hustle it takes to keep moving forward in today’s economy.
Be sure to visit Henry’s Pearl Milk Tea Club locations in Ogden and Gateway (Salt Lake), and support local businesses!
You can check out his website at followthepearl.com and make sure to follow him and his business on Instagram at: @pearlmilkteaclub
00:09 Meet Henry: Our Special Guest
01:16 Henry's Business Ventures
04:59 Challenges and Lessons in Business
09:51 The Importance of Location
24:39 Distribution and Future Plans
32:32 Local Politics and Community Issues
43:39 Navigating Taylor and Surrounding Areas
44:06 Career Moves and Living in Ogden
44:58 Business Development and Local Economy
46:21 Challenges and Incidents in Business
52:51 Innovative Ideas and App Development
01:09:04 Cultural Influences and Family Background
01:24:29 Personal Definitions of Time Off
01:24:46 Commitment to Staff and Work Ethic
01:25:25 Balancing Busy Schedules and Personal Well-being
01:26:21 Gym Routines and Mental Health
01:28:03 Financial Challenges and Business Strategies
01:32:31 Economic Outlook and Investment Insights
01:39:07 Marketing Strategies and Social Media Presence
01:57:36 Community Engagement and Personal Branding
01:59:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts