Charles Zhang is the founder of Zion Enterprises and a celebrated entrepreneur and success story. With only $20 dollars in his pocket, but a strong determination to succeed, Charles arrived in California in 1980 and began supporting himself as a restaurant dishwasher and as gas station attendant. In a few years, he saved enough money to fund his own modest restaurant. It didn’t take Charles long to develop a strong understanding of the restaurant business. Pairing his strong work ethic with sharp business acumen, he founded Pick Up Stix, a popular Chinese fast food chain, which eventually expanded to more than 100 restaurants, and was later sold to TGI Fridays in 2001.
He also founded Aseptic Solutions USA, the top beverage manufacturer and Zion Enterprises, a real estate development firm, focused on revitalizing communities and increasing investor value. Charles has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young and the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, bestowed on those who have made a significant contribution to the United States.
Charles received an honorary Doctoral Degree from Concordia University and is Executive in Resident at Cal State Fullerton Business School.
