Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a penchant for calculated risks, Chantho Sar shapes vibrant spaces, embraces change and is on a quest for early retirement.
Chantho Sar embodies the essence of the modern entrepreneurial spirit in his understated yet impeccably tailored ensemble. He is driven not solely by financial ambition but by the desire to leave an imprint on the world. After leaving his family’s business, Chantho set out independently and found success in cleaning services, restaurants, and real estate. His journey, marked by calculated risks and a relentless pursuit of passion, has set him apart as a unique force in business. Like many, he aspires to retire early and relishes the finer things in life.
Chantho embarked on his business journey like numerous Cambodians who returned home after studying abroad. Having spent 13 years in Singapore, he felt Cambodia had transformed. His two favourite places, Starbucks and 7/11, previously absent, had now found a home in Cambodia. He keenly observed how the country had swiftly embraced wireless payments, surpassing even Singapore and America in this domain. According to Chantho, Cambodia is progressing, albeit at its own pace.
Upon his return, Chantho initially lent a hand in the family business, but the challenges he craved were absent. His entrepreneurial spirit urged him to diversify, leading him into the realms of fashion, real estate, and other ventures that stirred his passions.
Family Values
As the second eldest in a family of five, Chantho is the only one who deviated from the family tradition of government service. Yet, familial bonds remain strong, grounding him in his pursuit of an unconventional path. He cherishes the autonomy that allows him to shape his destiny, asserting, “This is my luxury, my freedom.”
Chantho shares a profound connection with his father, especially when they shop together. He admires his father’s style, particularly from the 70s to early 90s. Their shared interests strengthen their bond and impart a sense of continuity. He fondly recalls, “I came across photographs of when my dad was my age—he was wearing these big Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses and printed shirts.” Chantho attributes his entrepreneurial acumen to his mother, acknowledging her as a fountain of inspiration and wisdom. He muses, “I got my business side from my mom; my mom is super sweet and smart. I’ve learned a lot from her.”
A Clean Start
For Chantho, success transcends financial gains. He believes that true success lies in accomplishing personal aspirations. One prime example of this philosophy is the establishment of his power-cleaning laundry business. Chantho, with sensitive skin, experienced mild reactions to harsh detergents available in Cambodia. This predicament led him on a quest to find a solution for himself and others struggling with similar issues. His search led him to procure specialised machines from Germany and source chemical-free detergents from Indonesia. Employing a method called “soft wash,” the process is eco-friendly and gentle on the fabric. This concept, borne out of personal necessity, has evolved into a business providing a vital solution.
With a touch of serendipity, Chantho unveiled his cleaning company, Power Clean, just before Covid, ushering in a time of heightened hygiene protocols. The initial struggle of introducing cutting-edge technology to the cleaning service market dominated by the harsh chemicals of dry cleaners was arduous. As demand for meticulous, hygienic practices surged, so did Power Clean’s reputation. Chantho’s unwavering commitment to cleanliness became the cornerstone of his venture, earning him admiration and setting him apart in the industry. It’s a story of a seemingly risky venture turning into a triumph, leaving Chantho with a smile and a thriving business.
A Vision of Community
Chantho’s trajectory veered from real estate to community development, a decision prompted by an innate desire for new challenges. A housing project evolved into the Boeung Snor Food Village, a vibrant community mall adjacent to his housing complex. It is a testament to his commitment to creating spaces for people to meet, experience, and enjoy. He envisioned Boeung Snor Food Village to be a place where families and young professionals could thrive.
The Boeung Snor Food Village is a community and lifestyle mall in Phnom Penh. It comprises two-storey buildings gathering a wide range of food and beverage options, services, supermarkets, convenience stores, entertainment venues, a playground and a cinema. Conveniently situated along National Road 1, the mall boasts six distinct buildings, each housing air-conditioned shops. It has become a favoured spot where people come together, creating a lively atmosphere. Chantho’s dream is similar to an expansive outdoor playground, inviting everyone in the Boeung Snor Food Village area to gather, connect, and enjoy.
Inspired by The Factory Phnom Penh’s vision of fostering an inclusive space for small enterprises, Chantho embarked on a similar venture. His vision is to establish a locale characterised by impeccable cleanliness, organisation, and professionalism. He started constructing shared office spaces, driven by his desire to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs. These communal areas and meeting spaces are tailored for startups with limited resources. This initiative is a way of giving back to the community by offering vital support to budding businesses.
“I aim to create an environment where people won’t rush to judge a business based on initial impressions,” Chantho explained. His aspirations reach far beyond immediate projects. He aims to leave behind a legacy through strategic property investments. His approach is anchored in the idea of long-term value creation, prioritising enduring worth over immediate financial gains.
Redefining Success
At 41, Chantho recognises that monetary gains, though enticing, are not the ultimate measure of success. He reflects, “When you are young, you want to chase money. I think I have already accomplished that part of my life.” Chantho’s outlook on life and business is deeply rooted in his father’s wisdom—to pursue one’s passions with clarity. He acknowledges that his approach to life sets him apart from others, and he thrives on taking risks. To him, life devoid of risks is uninspiring. He acknowledges that this approach may not suit everyone, as not everyone possesses the capacity or inclination for risk-taking. He has embraced every mistake as a valuable learning opportunity along his entrepreneurial journey.
Since his return to Cambodia, his overarching goal is to retire early. Chanto confesses that it’s challenging for him not to work. His various projects, like cherished offspring, demand his care and attention. All his businesses are a part of his plan for early retirement.
Chantho places a high value on collaboration. He views his team as colleagues rather than subordinates, stressing the importance of mutual learning. His background in marketing has equipped him with valuable insights, but he has also learned from architects and builders. He believes a willingness to learn is pivotal to personal and professional growth.
Success, he insists, comes from having a strong will. Chantho says, “If you listen to what people criticise or say, one day you wake up and you don’t have time.” Over the years, many people have expressed doubt and disapproval of his business ventures, but he has pressed forward to grow and adapt as a businessman.
Significance of Change
Change, Chantho confesses, is imperative in life, business and relationships. He views it not as a hurdle but as a catalyst for growth and transformation. Even in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Chantho’s resolute spirit
remains unwavering. After being unable to travel during the pandemic, his first observation of Sihanoukville’s evolution over the past few years was of awe. If a whole city could change its skyline in a few years, so could many things.
Chantho Sar’s narrative epitomises an unrelenting pursuit of passion, a dedication to a lasting legacy, and an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. His journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to define their path to success.
(Hero image credit: Chantho Sar/Facebook, and feature credit: Sethikun Sean)
