Could Smartisan’s CEO Be the Next ‘Steve Jobs of China’?

Who is Smartisan’s CEO?

Chinese CEO, Luo Yonghao, is an English teacher who founded the smartphone startup company, Smartisan. His wish – to be the “Next Steve Jobs of China”! Or should we say “Luo Bu Si,” Which is “Luo” and “Jobs” in Chinese.

Yonghao could very well be the next great tech leader of the future. He is known for his charismatic presentations, detailed reasoning, and quirky personality. Some of his favorite words to use during his blunt discussions are, “stupid,” “idiots,” and “bumpkins.” His approach may be different, but it is a breath of fresh air in the smartphone industry. Fans who flock to see Luo in action expect a mini comedy show; they love his jokes and how he thanks McDonald’s for feeding his team on late nights at work.

This funny CEO even introduces his single team members to the crowd, during slideshows, in an effort to help them find love! Richard Lai, writer for Engadget, said “Unlike many execs, Luo speaks his mind, both on and off stage, with a flat tone, fast pace and sometimes deadpan sense of humor.”

Luo dropped out of school, just as Steve Jobs was a college dropout. He worked random jobs: running a lamb skewer shop, computer parts sales, and selling smuggled cars. Luo decided he wanted more out of life and decided to teach himself English. Eventually he started teaching at the distinguished language school, New Oriental. His students loved his crazy stories and sense of humor and began recording his lessons (without him knowing). Luo’s students decided to post his lectures online and he quickly became famous in the online community – he was even named one of the top 10 personalities of 2005 and 2006 by Chinese search engine Baidu.

Eventually, Luo resigned from teaching in 2006 and decided to start his own blog, called Bullog. His blog was true to his personality – blunt and to the point. His blog gained so much success that it became known as one of the most influential sites in China. Unfortunately, the government later shut down the website.

What is Luo Yonghao Doing Now?

Fast forward a few years, Luo is now running Smartisan along with 350 employees. Smartisan is located in Motorola’s Beijing headquarters. This smart CEO is making some strategic moves by hiring Apple designer, Robert Brunner (who also helped with Beats branding and designs).

In May 2014, 5,000 people gathered in Beijing (along with 2.74 million online viewers) to watch Luo launch his first smartphone, the 3,000 yuan (runs about $480) T1. Viewers witnessed a detailed presentation of the phone’s design (which resembles both an Android and iPhone). Luo put careful thought into this phone, and offers a 200 yuan (a $30 warranty called “SmartCare+” which allows you to replace the front or back glass panel of your phone within a one year period). To see this phone in action watch the video below.

Luo stated that he plans to enter the overseas market in a year or two, but before that, he’ll need to acquire some design and technical patents for the sake of self-defense and learn some slang for his English presentations. He said, “What I see in Apple is that its success model can be easily replicated. Everyone thinks Steve Jobs’ feat can’t be reproduced, but I think it can be. The premise is: Can you find the person who has what it takes to tackle the core elements? If you can, then I don’t think there’s a problem.”

Apparently, he is more than confident that he can be as innovative as the late Steve Jobs. Luo spent free time studying industrial, UI, and human interaction; and ran a business for several years that profited $2.76 million in annual revenues. He also loves the arts and anything “gadgety”.

Luo said, “The idea first came to me when I had dinner with a friend almost three years ago. I told him I really wanted to make a phone, and he said, ‘Why not? The only genius in this industry is Steve Jobs, and he is dead. The others are doing a sloppy job; they’re all just as bad. So why don’t you do it?’ I was moved, so I started to take a serious look at the feasibility.”

The energetic CEO may have not made it in the industry just yet; with only 180,000 phone orders taken so far. It could take Smartisan a long time to meet demand. But anything is possible with the right attitude! His attitude may be odd to some people but it seems to be working. Luo may not be the next “Steve Jobs of China”…yet! But he sure hopes to be one day.

Source: Engadget