This Weeks Speaker:
Dr. Thanh Duc Nguyen, Ph.D.
Our own Dr. Nguyen will be our speaker this week in what promises to be a most interesting and
educational program all about his life experiences throughout the world. A quick read of his
resume’ will provide some insight into the varied activities we will hear about Wednesday.Bring a
guest – you won’t want to miss this.
Entrepreneurial Career
T & G Group, LLC
Houston, Texas
2006-Present
Managing Member
Acquired an underperforming small shopping center in a lesser developed market area to be used as a
testing model with innovative ideas in economic development.
Knowlwood Franchise Corporation
Fountain Valley, California
2004-Present
President and CEO
Established corporation to expand Knowlwood restaurants.
First franchisee established February 2006.
T & G Development, LLC
Fountain Valley, California
2001-Present
Managing Partner
Real estate holdings & investments. Acquiring commercial properties.
Knowlwood Enterprises, Inc.
Fountain Valley, California
1998-Present
President and CEO
2011. Knowlwood Café concept for rapid expansion. Seasonal location: Fullerton Arboretum. Long term
location: Santa Ana Zoo.
Five large casual dining restaurants located in Orange County, California. Subsidiary of NDT, Inc.
www.knowlwoodrestaurants.com
NDT, Inc.
Fountain Valley, California
1997-Present
President and CEO
Business consulting, business turnaround, restaurant chain management.
Provided various consulting services in marketing research, business plans, expansion strategies, financial
analysis for businesses and industries, trouble shooting and business turn around.
Developed and implemented management systems, productivity measurement, and financial controls.
Acquired Knowlwood Enterprises, Inc. Food service products distribution.
Professional Career
California State University, Fullerton
School of Extended Education
1992-1993
Director, Center for Socioeconomic Development
Designed and tested an educational outreach program to various communities in Orange County to increase
both quality of teaching and quantity of participants utilizing existing resources and media technology.
Provided consulting services to nonprofit organizations in the community.
Independent Business Consultant
1990-1997
Provided various services for Asian communities in public relations, resolving partners’ disputes.
Consulted for many projects and businesses in food processing, animal agriculture production, marketing,
and business development.
TDN, Inc.
Little Rock, Arkansas
1987-1989
President
USDA inspected meat plant, Establishment 13294.
Produced Asian style beef jerky and microwave-ready meals.
Consulted for industries in productivity improvement and custom designed computerized personnel
management systems.
Family Farm Development Network
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 1983-1991
Founder and Executive Director
A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation which led a joint effort with Rockefeller organizations, Heifer Project
International, and other public and private agencies to provide economic opportunities in animal
agricultural sector to small farmers in south Arkansas. Project recognized and visited by then First Lady
Rosalyn Carter and Governor Bill Clinton.
Office of Refugee Resettlement
Washington,D.C.1985-1990
Consultant
Technical and management training and follow-up services to refugees in various states.
Winrock International
Morrilton, Arkansas
1976-1982
Scientist
A Winthrop Rockefeller not-for-profit for global research and development in animal
agriculture.
Provided consulting services to other organizations and foreign governments in socioeconomic
development.
Consulting as evaluation team leader for Heifer Project International in Asia, Africa, and South
under a three-year grant from United States Agency for International Development.
America
Designed projects generating economic opportunities in animal agricultural sector for rural communities in
the United States.
University Of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
1973-1975
Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant
University of Cantho
Cantho, Vietnam
1967-1971
Chairman of Animal Science Department
Chief of staff for veterinary clinic
Research, Teaching, and Extended Education. Rural Development.
International Experience
Extensive international experience in socioeconomic development, project evaluation & turnaround in
USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South, Central and North America.
Awards
Kiwanian of the Year
2008 California Small Business Person of the Year Award
2009 - 2010
April 19, 2008
By Small Business Administration. Presidential Speech & Reception at the White House.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship
March 15, 2006
Nominated by Orange County Business Journal.
Small Business Administration Success Story Santa Ana District
October 17, 2002