Interview with Mike Lee, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: When I was young, my family had a lot of grocery business experience in Korea. When we moved to the United States, I started going to school in Boulder. We were looking for some business that would keep the family working together, so I started the grocery store for all of us.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: There are several businesses in Aurora that are similar to mine, but I carry more food items than any of the other stores in town. When customers come to me, they almost always find what they want, and if we don’t have it, then I try to find it and order it for them. Our prices are also much more reasonable than my competitors.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I really like getting to know my customers and helping them find what they are looking for. We do our best to serve everyone’s needs, and I’m so grateful for each of the people who come to my store.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: There is a lot of competition from other Asian markets in this area. I’m not really worried about that because I know that my customers prefer my store, but the closeness of the other stores can be challenging for bringing in new customers.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: My family came to the United States from Korea to have a better future in 1979. Me and my wife and family have worked seven days a week, all day long, for the last 30 years to build a better life for our next generation. So far, we’ve made those dreams come true. We are so appreciative to be here, and we work as hard as we do to benefit the United States as well as our family.
Profile
Business: E-Mart Natural International Grocery
Address: 14301 E. Exposition Ave.
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Founded: 1983, opened in Aurora in 2005
Contact: 303-366-0454
Employees: 7
