Conversations with Ling Vong

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ling Vong

Hi Ling, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Kansas City’s Vietnamese community, I was immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavors of my family’s first Chinese restaurant, Fortune Express. From a young age, I worked tirelessly alongside my parents, learning every aspect of the business. However, witnessing their selfless dedication and exhausting work ethic made me realize that the food industry wasn’t for me.

Instead, I forged my own path in the car dealership industry, where I spent over a decade building a successful business. This journey taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. I’m proud to have broken new ground and created my own passion, while still honoring the values and strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents.

After a decade in the car dealership industry, I felt void within me. It was then that I made the unexpected decision to leave and start my own food truck business. The idea had been in the back of my mind, and I couldn’t ignore the call to reconnect with my cultural heritage and the culinary traditions my family had worked so hard to build.

My friends and family thought I was crazy, but I was determined. My talented partner Jamie, and together we launched Dragon Wagon. Our mission was clear; to serve the freshest, healthiest, and most authentic Vietnamese dishes that would make our family and friends proud.

The food truck model allowed us to take our kitchen on the road, cooking for customers on the spot and gathering instant feedback on our creations. Social media platforms like Facebook helped us spread the word, build a loyal following, and share our passion for Vietnamese cuisine with the community.

From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to transparency and community involvement. We proudly partner with local businesses to source the freshest ingredients, and our customers truly appreciate that effort. I’ve discovered that the key to winning hearts and minds starts with the stomach. Good food has the ability to bring people together and foster connection.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Coming from a finance and dealership background, I was fortunate to have the means to self-fund my business venture. This allowed me to bypass the long process of applying for loans, a common hurdle many entrepreneurs face when starting out. Moreover, the food truck industry has a relatively lower barrier to entry, which creates opportunities for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to turn their passions into businesses.

Running a food business is tough. It takes passion, long hours, and hard work. I’ve spent years perfecting my craft, from prepping noodles to creating new recipes. With over many specials items under my belt, I’m always looking for ways to innovate and delight my customers.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We’re proud to be the Kansas City’s first Vietnamese food truck! We’re breaking tradition to create new flavors and dishes that everyone can enjoy.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie.

Tuesdays with Morrie was more than just a book -Morrie’s story taught me that it’s never too late to make a positive impact on others, and that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and always something to be learned.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonwagon.kc?igsh=MWRpYTczZDl0OTNkNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/Ny6rqxSHGmxX4PDB/?mibextid=LQQJ4d