Meet The Team: Sam Chang – Independent Consultant for Virginia, DC, Southern Maryland

Sam, where did you grow up?

I was born in Seoul, Korea.  I came to the US at age three.  I grew up inside the Washington DC beltway in McLean, Virginia.

Where did you study for college?  

I have been fortunate to have studied at numerous great colleges.  The simple answer is that I got my BSBA in International Business from Boston University.

What was the first job you had out of college? What was the most important lesson you learned there that has stuck with you for your entire professional career?

I was an investment broker with Shearson Lehman Hutton.  There are no short cuts to building a sales pipeline.  The numbers don’t lie.   

What drew you to working with A Neumann and Associates?  

I have always been interested in business, all kinds and industries.  After operating my own company for 20 + years, I wanted to see what opportunities were available with more structure, resources, and different levels of responsibility.  The Neumann Associates opportunity provides a good hybrid between both. Although I am green to this industry, I’m not new to business and I have tremendous hope and excitement for future opportunities.

What counties and states do you represent?  

I am an currently serving as a trusted consultant for Virginia, DC, and S. Maryland.  The main counties in this region would be Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fauquier in Virginia.  Montgomery, Fredrick, Charles, Calvert, Somerset, Caroline in Maryland. Washington DC as well.

What do you feel makes your region unique compared to others? (tax benefits, special laws, etc.)?   

There is definitely a business influence being so close to the Federal Government.  With elections/transitions every year, there is a certain amount of turnover that has an impact on local businesses.  Not withstanding any real policy/law changes.

What do you find is the biggest challenge in your region compared to others?

Traffic.  Traffic.  Traffic.

What do you find is the biggest advantage working in your region compared to others?  

Growing up in this region, I understand the different counties, population mix, traffic patterns, centers of commerce and new development areas.

What do you think is the most underrated opportunity in your region?  

Government contractors (all industries, technology, defense, information systems, etc), health care industry, franchises (food services), minority businesses.

What is the most rewarding experience you’ve had working in your region?

It is a very educated region, not just in a formal way, but just down to earth street smarts. Dealing with people that “get it” and don’t have to spend time “getting up to speed” on certain matters, can be time saving.  Although, this can be one of the biggest challenges (per previous question) when you have the negative impact of ego/knowledge/resources centered density population.

Best advice for someone considering selling a business in Maryland, DC or Virginia?  

In any region, GET MULTIPLE OFFERS.

Best advice for someone considering buying a business Virginia, Maryland, or DC?  

Do your due diligence and have MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES.

To reach Sam Chang, please click here.