From Immigrant Roots to Global Giant: The Rise of Turbo Air’s Brian Kim
The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce has officially crowned its 2026 business champion. Brian Kim, the visionary behind the global refrigeration leader Turbo Air, has been selected as the recipient of the “City National Bank Entrepreneur of the Year” award. Since its inception in 1997, this honor has served as the gold standard for personal business achievement in the region, evaluating not just financial growth, but a leader’s heart for the community.
Kim will be formally celebrated on April 30, 2026, during a gala ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach.
Cracking the Competitive Code
Founded in 1997, Turbo Air began as an underdog in the commercial refrigeration and food storage market—an industry traditionally dominated by long-established players with deep-seated networks. However, Kim’s strategy of “High-Variety, Small-Batch” production, paired with a relentless focus on R&D, allowed the company to bypass traditional entry barriers.
Today, Turbo Air is the #2 player in market share, supplying essential equipment to global household names, including:
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Retail Giants: 7-Eleven and CVS
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Food & Beverage Leaders: Dunkin’ and Burger King
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Global Footprint: Over 70 countries served across 6 production plants in the U.S., South Korea, China, and Vietnam.
The Business of Giving Back
What truly set Kim apart for the 2026 award was his philosophy of “Success for Service.” Through the Turbo Charity Foundation, Kim has institutionalized his commitment to community development. The foundation’s work includes:
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Academic Support: Robust scholarship programs for future leaders.
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Community Grants: Annual funding for local events and families in crisis.
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The Service Award: A unique program that selects and honors individuals dedicated to helping the marginalized, providing them with cash awards to further their missions.
The Road Ahead
Headquartered in Long Beach, Turbo Air remains a beacon of innovation in eco-friendly refrigeration. Despite the accolades, Kim remains focused on the future. “We won’t settle for this award,” a spokesperson for the Chairman stated. “The goal remains to become the number one refrigeration company in the world.”
The Bottom Line: Brian Kim’s story is a powerful reminder that “The American Dream” is still very much alive in Long Beach, built on a foundation of quality manufacturing and a spirit of generosity.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
