Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Tran.
Hi Austin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story can be told as tale of two people, two separate lives that together define who I am as a whole. On one hand, I have grown up and was molded to be a businessman by my parents, who have instilled into me the values and teachings that have got me to where I am today. Having a natural aptitude for leadership, passion for entrepreneurship, competition, and the love for creating something for myself, owning my own business has always felt right to me. On the other hand, I have always had a passion for music, from being awarded “most talented in the musical arts” in high school to sharing the stage with Bruno Mars when I was 19, my musical journey took off in ways beyond what I could have ever imagined. I was lucky to have a big break while I was young and be able to collaborate with some of the best artists at the time. Traveling the country touring with a band, working in recording studios with critically acclaimed producers, releasing my own solo EP’s, I balanced this life while attending Towson College of Business and Economics. Getting my degree in both Business Management and also Marketing. After college, it felt the time was right for me to focus my attention and prioritize maximizing my career goals. Improving upon Minato, expanding my real estate business ventures, and building a stronger foundation upon which I could always continue to grow upon. Along with my business ventures I still always continue to work on music projects as well. Improving my own physical skills and creativity, expanding my recording studio, producing tracks for other artists, and writing my own material as well. I have always considered myself to be equally strong on my creative side as I have on my business-minded side, in which having an aptitude for both has benefitted me on both ends of my life. Going forward, the plan for me every day is to better myself, my business, my skills, and my foundation, and there is no end in sight.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not. The greatest rewards in life often times come with the greatest sacrifice or require the most work, which is fine because I love the work. I love and welcome the challenges; they make you stronger and hardened for the next one. I love being on the road as much as I love what’s at the end of the road. My employees often joke with me about all my grey hair from working too hard, but I figure the more grey hair I have the more that has gotten done. Just to exemplify some recent challenges, about 2 years ago one of my real estate buildings caught on fire, which was a nightmare having to deal with the insurance, contractors, the city, etc. That whole fix-up job has gone on for about 2 years now and still is not done. Aside from the real estate side of things, I was still taking care of Minato when Covid hit. Both the real estate and the restaurant suffered horribly. That was easily one the hardest times of my life, I almost gave everything up to point of making calls for other job offers I have received or moving to California and doing music full time. Long story short, in the end, I stuck with it, pulled both businesses back from the dead and we are now doing great again. Still dealing with some effects of covid on the general market, some costs of running business are a roller coaster right now, but all things considered, I am forever grateful to still be where I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Minato Sushi Bar, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It probably sounds incredibly cliche to say, but what I truly believe is that what Minato offers is not just food, we offer an experience. A place where memories are made, celebrations happen, a place where people come to feel right at home. I have seen numerous proposals happen here, followed by anniversary celebrations years later. Many customers have become my personal friends. One of the things that I love about Minato, which I believe is a large benefactor of the business, is our atmosphere. You could walk in either in your pajamas or a three-piece suit and no one would think otherwise. Somehow, both looks fit. We welcome anyone and everyone with open arms. Aside from that, what we offer is great food. Having been voted #1 Sushi Bar by Baltimore City Paper 6 times, #1 Sushi Bar by Baltimore Magazine Twice, nominated as one of the top 5 Best International Cuisine Restaurants in Maryland and inducted into The Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Hospitality Hall of Honor, we take our food very seriously. I take great pride in the sushi we serve and always aim to have the entire scope of the Minato experience be one that people would want repeat, to befriend the staff and I, and to make Minato their home away from home.
What does success mean to you?
Being happy, healthy, and kind to others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.minatosushibar.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/atran712
Image Credits
Ian Jared Bell
