Early Life
Chen Tei-fu was born in Chiayi, Taiwan, in 1948. Growing up after World War II, he experienced poor health, which led him to rely on traditional Chinese herbal remedies prescribed by his grandfather. This early exposure ignited his passion for herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine. Chen's early life experiences shaped his dedication to health and nutrition.
Rise to Success
In 1974, Chen and his wife, Oi-Lin Chen, immigrated to the United States. He studied microbiology at Brigham Young University. In 1982, Chen and his wife founded Sunrider International in Orem, Utah. The company, which initially produced herbal mixtures, later expanded to include a wide array of products, including cosmetics and household cleaners. Sunrider employed a multi-level marketing strategy. Over the years, Sunrider expanded globally, establishing manufacturing facilities and retail stores in numerous countries.
Key Business Strategies
Chen's business philosophy centers on quality and holistic health. Sunrider's products are based on ancient Chinese herbal formulas. The company has been distinguished by its focus on in-house research, development, and manufacturing, allowing for rigorous quality control. Sunrider's strategy also involves a multi-level marketing model that has helped the company reach millions of distributors and customers globally. Sunrider has over 7,000 retail stores in China.
Philanthropy
Chen has been recognized for his philanthropic endeavors. In 2009, Forbes Asia recognized him as one of Asia's leading philanthropists. Chen and his wife made a $2.5 million donation towards the construction of the Torrance Memorial Medical Center's Lundquist Tower. Sunrider has also been involved in supporting charitable causes worldwide.