SALT LAKE - He is as much a diplomat as a salesman and he is a key figure in the growth of Martin Doors in the Orient.

Chen Chao-Shien (last name is first in Chinese culture) makes up a key part of Martin Door's International Sales Team. A native of Taiwan, Chao (Americanized version of his name) is an integral part of Martin Door's sales effort in Asia. He is the voice on the phone for Martin Door dealers in Asia. He has worked for Martin Door for the past four years.
		Chen Chao-Shien, second from left, was very much up front during the recent visit of a dealer and government diplomat from China. He is shown with, left to right, Mr. Lieng, Dr. Deng, and Martin Door colleague Jiang Zhao.

He comes to the position with solid credentials. He has a MBA from Brigham Young University and is a former business owner and exporter.

"This background and experience has helped Mr. Chao design the export documents in an Excel format. He adapted Martin's computerized visual programs to work for the international operation and to establish sales not only in Asia, but in Europe," Dr. Keith Martin, director of international sales, said.

Chao-Sien and his wife, Kristy, came to the United States in 1987. She has a PhD in international business and teaches at a college in Utah. They are the parents of five children.

He claims he had been shy about interacting with Americans; before he went into business for himself. He said that business helped him develop confidence in dealing with the different cultures. That difference shows.

Chao sells a very American product in a uniquely American way, often in another language. He has been selling the Underwriters-Laboratory approved door systems in China and other parts of the Orient. There's a bit of irony in selling a U.S. product in Asia, where so many export the products that end up on the shelves of U.S. stores.

Music is a key ingredient in the Chen family. Here four of Chen Chao-Shien's oldest children performed at a mini-Christmas concert at the Martin Door last year.

In his position, Chao said he can see both sides of the equation for both the seller and buyer. That difference often helps cross the cultural gaps in the ways business is done outside of North America.