" I am a firm believer that any idea, regardless of how simple or complicated, is worth your attention. By taking action, I believe an individual can improve his or her abilities and open the door to endless possibilities. "
Issac Hwang
Issac Hwang is the Founder & CEO of Cali Finance Group, Inc., a finance company that offers variety of loans, debt resolution programs, and consultations for individuals & businesses alike. Cali Finance Group specializes in providing services to individuals & businesses with challenged credit scores, subpar documents, and other challenged factors that traditional financial institutions would deny. Issac is also a founder or partner in more than 8 private companies in various industries, ranging from technology (Fintech), food & beverage to fashion. With his knowledge in business, he has also helped hundreds of entrepreneurs to find financing, increase revenue, & stay ahead in a tough economy. He has helped start-ups & other challenged companies to overcome their adversities by offering them solutions ranging from market research, product development, & more. He has helped his customers overcome $1 million dollars in credit card debt alone, educate them on credit management, manage their finances, and help them a step closer to “financial freedom” through other techniques.
Where did the idea for Cali Finance come from?
Numerous of factors shaped the creation of Cali Finance, but the deciding moment was seeing the absence of financial solutions for the general population. I noticed that the general public is never informed or properly educated about personal finance throughout different point of their lives. In the end, people are naturally encouraged to accept financial hardship as the consequence of “being an adult.”
Therefore, I wanted to create a finance company that will not only educate the consumers but also provide straightforward initiatives and solutions to resolve their financial hardships.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
The typical work day usually consists of financial consultations with clients, approving financial documents of underwriters, & managing other business ventures (currently 8) that I am a part of.
How do you bring ideas to life?
It’s fairly simple: just do it. I am a firm believer that any idea, regardless of how simple or complicated, is worth your attention. By taking action, I believe an individual can improve his or her abilities and open the door to endless possibilities.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Blockchain technology. I believe that blockchain, if used properly, can be revolutionary in improving the logistics of our lives.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Probably, being curious in all things. I make the conscious effort to look more deeply into a particular field/industry, which motivates me to utilize my newfound knowledge to create and build.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Enjoy challenges and failures. The realization that negative events in our lives are actually trivial in determining success.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Knowledge and advancement has limitations.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise is pivotal in maintaining a quality life and developing discipline, which is why it is one of the foundations to success.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Never underestimating the word of mouth marketing. Each client that walks through our door does not have a fixed price tag. Rather, they are opportunities for the company to build solid clientele and customer loyalty that all companies aim to achieve.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Not acknowledging and attempting to hide my weaknesses. I learned that accepting and revealing my vulnerabilities motivated me to improve my entrepreneurship.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Establishing a non-profit shared office space with numerous suites. I believe that such an establishment will not only benefit the entrepreneurial spirit, but also provide the general public access to create a startup able to revolutionize our society.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Going out to eat with my family. I think everybody could agree that good food with family is always a plus.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I am a big user of calendars or any sorts of organizers. The act of planning your day or future helps you to stay aligned with your vision.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Bible. I understand that some people are not religious, etc. However, I believe that principles in the bible are beneficial in aiding one in a variety of dilemmas entrepreneurs face.
What is your favorite quote?
“Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose.” – C.S. Lewis
Key learnings:
• Improve on yourself (ex. Physically, mentally, & emotionally) to become a successful entrepreneur
• Never underestimate the word of mouth marketing. Treat each client as your next.
• Be curious in all things. Any type of knowledge has its merits.
• Negative circumstances do not dictate your outcome.
• Do not let vulnerabilities define you. Utilize your vulnerability to work on yourself continuously.