?? Welcome to Hu’s Weekly Hoot: The Newsletter That Thrives on YOU, not Hu! #2
?? Hey there, Whoters!
Welcome back to Hu’s Weekly Hoot! I’m thrilled to have you here as we explore this week’s insights, questions, and stories. Whether you’re here for the sharp takes, personal growth tips, or just a little fun, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in!
? This Week’s Question
“What’s one skill you’re excited to learn in 2025?”
From picking up a new language to mastering a cutting-edge tool, I want to hear about the skills that are on your radar for next year. Reply with your answer, and you might get featured in next week’s edition!
?? About Me
Hi, I’m Robert, and I was born and raised in Iowa, the proud son of Taiwanese immigrants. My parents, Lucky and Katie, embody the definition of hard work and resilience. They began their journey in the United States working in Chinese restaurant kitchens, saving every penny until they could open their own restaurant in Ottumwa, Iowa—the small town where I grew up. Watching their tireless dedication left an indelible mark on me.
After high school, I attended Iowa State University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Post-graduation, I moved to the Iowa City area and began my professional journey in the cell phone business. But it wasn’t long before I found my calling. I partnered with like-minded colleagues to launch an e-commerce auction website, diving headfirst into the fast-paced world of online business. From day one, I was hooked. E-commerce showed me the magic of combining technology and creativity.
Though our startup ran for over five years, we eventually had to shut it down due to technical missteps—mistakes I take responsibility for. That failure was a tough pill to swallow, but as Rocky Balboa says, “It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” From there, I pivoted to the hyper-growing Amazon marketplace, launching private label products and eventually co-founding an e-commerce agency. Helping other businesses succeed was immensely rewarding and a valuable learning experience.
Throughout all my entrepreneurial and professional pursuits, I’ve always been inspired by my dad. Self-taught in nearly everything, he not only became a head chef but also mastered English, accounting, payroll, and taxes—all while managing multiple restaurant expansions. His goal wasn’t profit; it was to help relatives and friends build better lives in the U.S. Looking back, his selflessness and grit are humbling, and I owe so much of who I am to him.
In 2018, everything changed when my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I stepped away from my agency to spend time with him, and I’ll never forget the moment I learned about his diagnosis. Doctors gave him a 5–11 month prognosis, but my dad, being the fighter he was, defied the odds, living three more years. Those years were a gift, time I’ll always cherish.
After my dad’s passing, I returned to the U.S. and started another e-commerce agency. But over time, I realized I wanted to focus on building a singular brand rather than juggling multiple smaller ones. That led me to become an Amazon Brand Manager for a massage tool company—an incredible learning experience. Eventually, I joined Kent Corporation, where I’m currently thriving in a larger, dynamic organization.
That’s the short version of my journey so far—one shaped by hard work, resilience, and the lessons passed down from my incredible parents.
Got a question for me? Hit reply—I’d love to chat!
?? Hot Topics This Week
YouTube TV is Raising Prices… Again ??????
It’s happening. YouTube TV is increasing its subscription price once more, leaving many users wondering: Is streaming still cheaper than cable?What started as an affordable alternative is slowly creeping into the same price range as traditional TV.
While YouTube TV offers convenience and no long-term contracts, this latest price hike has many of us re-evaluating the value of cutting the cord. Is this the cost of innovation, or is it time to rethink our streaming subscriptions?
The Three Things I’m Prioritizing in 2025: Body, Mind, and Curiosity ?????
2025 is my year to embrace the essentials: physical health, mental health, and curiosity. These three pillars will guide me as I aim to grow, explore, and thrive in every area of my life.
Physical Health
? Moving daily—whether it’s a workout, a walk, or a stretch session.
? Eating and resting with intention to fuel my energy.
? Finding balance in fitness that feels fun and sustainable.
Mental Health ? Protecting my peace by setting healthy boundaries.
? Practicing mindfulness and gratitude to stay grounded.
? Letting go of perfection and celebrating progress.
Curiosity ? Asking more questions and seeking new perspectives.
? Exploring topics outside my comfort zone, from art to technology.
? Staying open to opportunities I hadn’t considered before.
2025 is about building a stronger body, a calmer mind, and an insatiable sense of wonder. Because when you combine wellness with curiosity, life becomes an adventure.
? Closing Thoughts
Let’s stay curious, keep growing, and maybe even have some fun along the way. Thanks for being here, Whoters—this community is growing because of you!
Don’t forget to answer this week’s question: What’s one skill you’re excited to learn in 2025? Your insights fuel this newsletter, and I can’t wait to hear from you.
Until next time,
Robert ??
P.S. Got a topic or question you want to see in Hu’s Weekly Hoot? Hit reply and let me know—I’ll credit you if it makes the cut!
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