Portfolio Blog Resume

Starting A Business In The Middle of Covid-19

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In February 2021, along with numerous colleagues, I was part of a round of layoff at Cognizant Softvision. Consulting clients had adjusted their 2021 budget to take Covid-19 into account, and slashed their budgets accordingly.

It was a traumatic experience suddenly finding myself with no financial support or security. But I knew that life wasn't fair and I always tried to keep things in perspective. I still had the support of my family and I wasn't sick with Covid-19. That's not something others could say.

Having always been interested in e-commerce, I wanted to find a way to both start a business to support myself as well as support New York City during the height of Covid-19. I recognized that there was a huge public demand for inexpensive, readily available personal protective equipment (PPE). So, I took the plunge into the world of e-commerce and established myself as a facilitator and provider of affordable PPE.

Over a span of just five months, I made connections with large PPE manufacturers around the world. I used these connections to purchase tens of thousands of face masks and shields to undercut predatory sellers on Ebay, as well as to donate to first responders. I was able to use my proceeds and connections to donate $20,000 worth of PPE to first responders and hospitals around the country. It was a nice surprise when I received a letter from nurses at Columbia University Medical Center telling me how my face masks kept them safe. They were kind enough to include a photo of them holding some of my delivery as a sign of thanks.

My goal was always to use this opportunity to gain deeper insights into the inner workings of e-commerce as well as support my local community. I am proud to say I accomplished that. My time running a successful store on Ebay and community outreach brought me the attention of a recruiter at Rouse Services, who then helped me secure a job as a product manager on their appraisals team.

Let's get in touch

justintsn10@gmail.com

Justin Hinh | Product Manager‍