Hi, I'm Dawei. I’m a 44-year-old entrepreneur in Shanghai and a big fan of open-source software.
My Background
My background is in business. I studied Business Administration in university and graduated in 2004. For the next seven years, I worked as a Sourcing Engineer for German and American global companies.
Working for those giants taught me a lot. I saw firsthand how world-class systems really run, and I learned what makes a business truly efficient. It wasn’t just about the equipment or the tech. It was about the way the entire organization was built to work.
My Business and Entrepreneurship
In 2011, I took the leap and started my own business. I’ve been a supplier of commercial kitchen equipment and hotel supplies for 15 years now, working with clients both in China and around the world. If you are looking to import equipment from China, I can help you navigate the process.
But I am not just a supplier. Since 2021, I have been on the front lines owning and operating a fast-food chain. Having five years of hands-on experience means I truly understand the restaurant business from the inside out. I know the daily challenges of running a kitchen because I face them too. I don’t just sell equipment; I understand the operations behind it.
My Passion for Open Source
I’ve always been a huge fan of open-source software. I love the spirit behind it—the freedom, openness, and transparency it provides. It has become a core part of how I run my business and manage my life. I use open-source tools for almost everything:
- Debian: To run my servers.
- Odoo: To manage my business operations.
- Nextcloud: For all my file management and syncing.
- FreeCAD & Blender: To create design presentations for my clients.
- Drupal: To build this blog and my other websites.
- GIMP: For photo editing.
- Inkscape: For vector icons and graphics.
- GnuCash: To manage my personal and family finances.
To me, using these tools isn't just about saving money. It's about having total control over my own systems. It’s about building a digital foundation that is transparent, independent, and efficient.
Building for the Future
While my daily businesses provide the necessary cash flow, I dedicate my remaining energy to three core pillars that align with my long-term vision of freedom and contribution:
- Always Pay Myself First: I save 10% of everything I earn, without exception. This is the seed money I’m planting to build my long-term wealth.
- Invest for Steady Returns: I put that capital into stocks and funds with a proven track record and consistent dividends. My target is a reliable 5% annual return. I’m not chasing "get-rich-quick" schemes; I’m building a stable financial engine.
- Build a Lasting Digital Asset: I am developing kingchefs.com, a community platform for the foodservice industry. By building this with open-source tools and a "no-leads-for-sale" philosophy, I am creating a high-value digital asset. My goal is to transform my industry experience into a transparent platform that serves the public while monetizing it in a more open and ethical way.
Welcome to my digital workshop. This blog is where I document my experiments, share my technical guides, and track my roadmap to freedom. I’m glad you’re here to witness the journey.
Whether you’re a fan of open-source software, a fellow traveler on the path to financial independence, or someone looking for a reliable partner in the foodservice industry—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s build something lasting together.