Wai Wai Mahoney-Founder/CEO

"I am an entrepreneur who recognizes market gaps and seizes opportunities."

I was born and raised in Burma (Myanmar), a country known for its teak, gemstones, artisan crafts, and agricultural products. The military coup in 1988 challenged my early years, as the regime imposed a three-year school closure; at ten, I began helping in my mother's beauty salon and my father's biscuit factory, leading to my passion for business and continued learning.

Once education resumed, I continued my studies, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology and a diploma in business administration and accounting. At 21, I co-founded Ally Trade Co. Ltd., an exporter of handcrafted teak and lacquerware to North America and Europe. Overstock.com was my first U.S. customer of handcrafted teak and lacquerware products. At the same time, I cofounded The Great Big Barrels Co. Ltd., a production company specializing in Teak handmade half-wine barrel planters. We also built custom half-wine barrel-shaped hot tubs and bathtubs for high-end spas. I managed production with a team of 75-80 skilled carpenters, ensuring we met our monthly export target.

The political turmoil in Burma led to import bans from the U.S. and Canada. In pursuit of better opportunities, I immigrated to Canada. My experiences in Burma taught me to think outside the box, take risks, and be resilient. It leads to my belief that "Nothing is impossible; we just haven’t found the solution yet."

I created ZEN WAI, a U.S. company dedicated to supporting Burma's economy, using my knowledge of Burmese culture to introduce its products to the international market. Today, I divide my life between the rugged Canadian mountains, the warmth of Florida, and the coastal lifestyle in Ecuador. Living in different countries and traveling has allowed me to experience the beauty of diverse cultures, nature, lifestyles, and business opportunities.

Kevin Maung- VP of Sales and Marketing

I am a business consultant with expertise in Business Information Technology and Finance. I hold a Master's in Business Information Technology from DePaul University and a Bachelor's in Finance from Roosevelt University.

My extensive experience spans category management, data analytics, and project management across various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and finance. Currently, I serve as a business consultant at a major firm specializing in category management solutions. I have also held key roles in business development in Burma and the U.S., showcasing my ability to drive growth through strategic planning and project management.

I can significantly contribute to Zen-Wai by leveraging my experience in Retail Category Management to expand market reach and drive revenue growth. My background in analytics and strategic insight will allow me to develop effective marketing campaigns that enhance brand visibility among diverse consumer bases. Additionally, my strong network of industry contacts will be key in forging new partnerships and securing high-value contracts. My leadership skills will motivate the sales team to exceed targets, and my analytical approach to market trends will help Zen-Wai stay ahead of the competition and adapt to evolving consumer demands.

Philip Wong - VP of Purchasing and Production

I am originally from Burma and reside in San Francisco, U.S. I am a food enthusiast with strong ties to Burmese culture. Before I immigrated to the U.S. with my family at age 18, I worked with my family's home and fashion retail and wholesale business as a purchasing relationship with Southeast Asian suppliers and distribution management in Burma.

Currently, alongside my roles at Zen Wai L.L.C., I work as a property specialist with Cal-American Corporation and a financial specialist at World Financial Group, reflecting my passion for diverse businesses. My freelance experience as a High-Ticket Closer and Copywriter showcases my communication and negotiation skills. I have earned various educations from notable U.S. institutions in business management, sales and marketing, and digital marketing. I am a Master of Ultra High-Ticket Closer, Coach, and High-Income Copywriter from Dan Lok University.

As the Vice President of Purchasing and Production, I will leverage over 20 years of experience in private-label manufacturing and supply chain management to drive growth and innovation at Zen Wai. I will focus on detail-oriented procurement processes for raw materials and finished goods, ensuring quality while optimizing costs. My retail management expertise will help us analyze market trends and consumer behavior, informing product development to align with customer preferences. Additionally, I plan to streamline supply chain operations by enhancing supplier relationships and reducing lead times, ultimately improving customer satisfaction.

I dedicate my free time to coaching Burmese small business owners, conducting weekly Zoom meetings, and writing a blog to share insights about U.S. culture.

Advisory Board

George J. Pastrana - President & Founder of Quixote Holdings LLC

George is a 30+ year senior executive in the consumer products industry, leading multiple companies in marketing, sales, innovation, strategy, and general management. Most recently, he served as President, CEO, and Executive Board Director of Living Greens Farm Inc., a PE-backed innovative ag-tech leader in vertical indoor farming. Prior to that, he was President and COO of Dogfish Head Companies LLC, the 12th largest craft beer company in the USA, which he successfully helped to sell to The Boston Beer Company for 12X EBITDA. Other significant senior leadership roles for George include CMO at ACH Food Companies Inc., President and GM of the Americas at SSL International plc, and Vice President of Marketing for North America at CIBA Vision (now Alcon). Additionally, he has held executive roles at Crayola, SC Johnson, Schering Plough (now Bayer), and Procter & Gamble.

In 2024, he founded Quixote Holdings LLC, a consulting advisory and investment vehicle focused on small—to mid-sized consumer-facing businesses.

George has an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as significant executive training from INSEAD and the Harvard Business School.

Hon. Timothy Mahoney - Member of Congress, Entrepreneur, Global Business Developer, Public Policy Strategist

Congressman Mahoney founded Caribou LLC, a strategic advisory firm that consults with CEOs and their Boards on managing systemic risk. He founded Cannae Policy Group, a Washington D.C. based public policy firm, where he serves as a chief political strategist advising companies. He is also co-founder of vFinance, Inc., a brokerage firm managing more than $5 billion of client assets with over 50 offices worldwide. Before Wall Street, Tim spent 15 years in the personal computer business. He is recognized as an industry pioneer and regarded as an expert in the commercialization of technology, its production, and mass distribution.

Hon. Gary G. Mar - President & CEO, Canada West Foundation

Gary Mar is President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. Gary’s background in government and business, international trade relationships, trade infrastructure, and workforce development. He also served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the Province of Alberta. He has a law degree from the University of Alberta. He was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business and the institution’s School of Business in Marketing, Business Economics, and Law.

Jackie Elden - Entrepreneur, Former Consulate General

Jackie is an accomplished business development entrepreneur with a proven track record of driving growth and profitability across start-ups and multinationals in the hi-tech sector. As head of Israel's Consulate General in Shanghai from 2008 to 2013, achieved record export growth, facilitated key acquisitions, and opened R&D centers. He led Israel's first pavilion at Expo 2010, attracting over 3 million visitors.

In 2013, He founded an Israel-China business development company focused on forming joint ventures and successfully introduced numerous Israeli high-tech firms into the Chinese market.

Founder of FRUTASIETE CIA LTDA., a multi-million dollar organic banana plantation, built it from scratch, pioneering Organic banana cultivation in arid conditions; negotiated an exclusive fruit sales deal with DOLE exporting to USA, Canada, and the European Union.

In 2023, He joined Cannae Policy Holdings to enhance company growth and development.