This complex network of distributors, group directors, regional directors,
vice-presidents, and so on, expands geometrically like a vast pyramid all over
the world and continues to grow. The financial underpinnings of the
phenomenon is a commission structure whereby up to 38 cents of every
dollar of sales ends up in the pockets of distributors. Sunrider's influence is global,
and sitting at the top of this pyramid of harmony and success is one man, the
man who has reached mythic proportions among Sunriders. He is their
prophet and the emperor of the Sunrider empire, Dr. Tei Fu Chen.
As we make our way through the Grand Hyatt lobby and the sea of Sunriders in
their bright red company jackets, we take the opportunity to learn a little
about the man they were all here to see. Though very few of the Sunriders we
speak with have met Dr Chen personally, they are all very eager to talk about
him, cutting each other off, adding bits of information here and there, like a
group of children describing Santa Claus to someone unfamiliar with the
concept. The same words are repeated over and over in describing him:
warm, friendly, caring, cordial, intelligent, humble, a genius.
pass a series of neat industrial parks surrounded by ample parking
spaces before spotting a clean silver grey two-story building with a red, blue
and gold logo on the side. Except for the thin gold lines emanating from it, it
bears a striking resemblance to the Pepsi logo. It marks Sunrider
International's world headquarters in Torrance, California. As we park in one
of the conveniently located spaces toward the front entrance marked
"Visitors Only", the security guard gives us a friendly wave.
[CONTINUED BELOW]
The pretty young brunette sitting behind the reception counter greets me
with a cheerful and extremely healthy smile and tells us to help ourselves to
tea from a large stainless steel drink dispenser. One side of the airy, modern
reception area is dedicated to a glass case displaying samples of Sunrider
products, oils, snacks, sun tan lotions, face creams, shampoos. At a counter in
front of the display sits a clear-skinned Chinese woman helping a pair of
customers, an Asian woman and a somewhat older Caucasian woman.
The Asian woman is explaining to the Caucasian woman the uses of various
products. They eventually make a purchase that comes to over $100. Next in
line is another clear-skinned young Asian woman who spends a similar
amount. On a sofa across from me is an attractive, 40ish Chinese woman
conferring with a casually dressed man in his 60s.
PAGE 4
pass a series of neat industrial parks surrounded by ample parking
spaces before spotting a clean silver grey two-story building with a red, blue
and gold logo on the side. Except for the thin gold lines emanating from it, it
bears a striking resemblance to the Pepsi logo. It marks Sunrider
International's world headquarters in Torrance, California. As we park in one
of the conveniently located spaces toward the front entrance marked
"Visitors Only", the security guard gives us a friendly wave.
