The Wangkhang family owns and runs three gas stations in the U.S. capital area, including one in Rockville, Maryland (12151 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852).
Their journey began in 2003, when Tsering Wangkhang’s father started their first gas station.
“The first four years were very tough, but with customers’ trust and growing experience, the business slowly improved,” Tsering Wangkhang said in an conversation with The Bridge Conversation YouTube channel hosted by Dorjee Damdul.
The business does more than sell fuel. The family also runs an auto repair center and a snack shop. The repair center uses modern tools and offers services such as oil changes, tire replacements, engine repairs, and body work.
“Gas stations and auto services are stable businesses because people always need fuel and vehicle repairs,” Wangkhang said.
He said that starting a gas station usually requires a minimum investment of $300,000 to $400,000.
For people who want to start a business, he shared this advice:
“Knowledge and investment are important, but 50 percent is about taking risks. You won’t know unless you try. I gave the same advice to a friend—he followed it and is doing well now.”
Here is The Bridge Conversation Interview in Tibetan language:
