Meet Arthur Wei

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Arthur Wei. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Arthur below.

Arthur, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

When I was 11 I learned a valuable lesson. I was faced with two choices – to continue the path towards being a world chess champion or to quit the game that I identified with. After winning 3 US National Championships, I had to ask myself a tough question – is this my purpose?

Well, it wasn’t. An existential crisis that young was crushing and depressing. A fellow chess player named Robert Byrne famously said “The purpose of life, is a life of purpose”. I felt the importance of a purpose, yet also the hurt from losing one.

I did learn at that young age that I never wanted a life of extrinsic or materialistic reward. To put it in terms I understood back then would be to say “money and fame ain’t important”.

At 24, I got rid of all my stuff, packed the remaining in a car and later a carry-on and travelled for 4 years and 35 countries to find my purpose. I tried a lot of different things, and fell in love with being a one-person-film-crew. Then I got passionate about environmental activism.

From these experiences, I realized that my purpose isn’t one thing. I change over time. The important part is to be present, and never miss an opportunity to wholeheartedly pursue what I am passionate about.

Life is like a surfer eyeing for the right wave to come. Once it comes, there needs to be 100% commitment.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Brooklyn Campervans and it’s new sister company Next Gen Vans are a wonderful labor of love. With BKC, we aim to build the best camper vans customized to your style and needs. Think of a beautiful apartment on wheels that you get to design and live out of anywhere. The world is your backyard.

This is not your uncle’s RV. These vans are completely self-sustainable, meaning you can drive into the wilderness (or the city) and live out of it until your food or water run out. Enjoy satellite internet, AC, home theater, hot showers, a kitchen and all the comforts of a home. If you’re more into the idea of a mobile office or a custom commercial van, then Next Gen Vans got you!

These ideas originally started from a brainstorming session on building community. For a long time we thought about buying land, building tiny homes, starting art residencies and cultural programs, but really had no funding. We then thought about other ways of getting a space, and the idea of turning our passion for camper vans into a business unfolded.

Now you can enjoy events throughout the year at our warehouse in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, so stay connected with us!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Know yourself: Understand your strengths and weaknesses. I can’t tell if it’s blind luck or some master plan, but my business partner, who is also my best friend, is strong in all the areas I am weak (and vice versa).

2) Make good decisions: In chess we think of all the moves and possible variations. A decision is like a tree with many branches of possibilities. It’s important to understand all the upsides, downsides, opportunities, and risks with plan A, B, and C laid out. It may seem obvious, but it’s a systematic way of thinking.

3) Diversify: Be a jack of all trades, gain experience and skills that can be stepping stones. You’ll have your hands everywhere when you start a business. Your purpose and passion might change, so be ready to pivot. The world is changing fast too. Everything is changing, faster and faster. Be ready.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

They supported me in doing what I want.

Even though they were artists trying to make ends meet, they still poured everything into my upbringing. They took me to chess lessons and tournaments every week for starters.

They sacrificed a lot, but as artists they also knew how important it is to pursue your passion.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

1st. Photo is me and Oliver (the co-founder)
No credits applicable.

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