Regional Manager Spotlight: Jack Liu

Jul 30, 2020

Can you tell me about your role as China Regional Manager?

Jack: I am responsible for all Echo activities in China. Through the years, we have implemented a state-of-the-art quality system, expanded our supply base, and grown with our manufacturing partners to deliver systematic, repeatable innovation—innovation by design. It has been a difficult journey, but every step has strengthened our ability to develop meaningful solutions and deliver peace of mind to our customers.

What kind of transformations have you seen Echo go through?

Jack: I took part in our shift from a small masking supplier into an innovation and engineering machine. When I first came on board, Echo sold standard and custom masking, metal hooks, and some rubber gaskets for the lighting industry. Kingdon [CEO of Echo] strengthened the sales team and expanded the engineering team. This enabled us to enter new markets and focus on fully engineered rubber and plastic components for automotive and mobility, heavy machinery, agriculture, powersport, and electronics.

What is your background?

Jack: I have a BA from Shanghai International Studies University. My first job was with one of China's largest construction companies, and I spent 8 years in Kenya working on the company’s overseas projects. I then attended the Indiana University Kelley School of Business for my MBA, where I was introduced to Kingdon by one of my professors. I joined Echo right after graduation.

What led you to Echo?

Jack: Echo was a small but ambitious organization. The management team was open to new ideas, the company had a family atmosphere, and everybody had high morale. They had recently begun to develop manufacturing partners in Asia and I was excited to add value by sharing my knowledge of Chinese manufacturing.

What do you do in your down time?

Joe: I play soccer and have since high school. I also love learning about Chinese history, and in my spare time, I trade stocks. My interest in investing began at IU, mainly through stock and commodity trading. I also speak Chinese, English, and some basic Swahili and Japanese.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Jack: Expanding the supply base in Asia and building strong ties with our engineers and our manufacturing partners. I manage a great team in China and am completely dedicated to making Echo successful. We now have deep, technical expertise in connecting, fastening, sealing, and NVH products and work with some of the most impressive companies in the world. That took a while to build up to.

Do you have any parting advice before I go?

Jack: I would say that communication is key. Eventually, it's all about people dealing with people. Be open, caring, outspoken, and appreciative of others’ accomplishments. Many of my Echo US teammates have built deep, personal relationships with our Echo China team and our manufacturing partners over the years. Together we have helped each other become who we are today—as people and as a company.