20 Under 40: Jiancheng Jason Zang

Meet Jiancheng Jason Zang, 30, founder of Aeon Distribution and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2023 recipients

THE FOUNDER, PRESIDENT and general manager of Aeon Distribution and its subsidiaries — Aeon Canada, Wonder Kitchen & Bath and Icon Kitchen Design — Jiancheng Jason Zang has achieved significant revenue and workforce multiples over each of the past five years, quickly building a reputation as one of the region’s go-to kitchen and bath resources for builders, contractors, designers and homeowners.

Click here to view this story in magazine format

What would you say is your biggest career accomplishment?

I would say my biggest business achievement is starting Aeon Canada from scratch and turning it into a successful distribution company. When I first started in the industry, I worked in retail and project management; I have a lot of respect for these industries, and I think they offer great opportunities for growth and success. However, while working in these fields, I noticed a gap in the upstream part of the industry. This inspired me to think about how I could fill that gap and provide value to clients in that area. That’s where the idea for Aeon came from — to create a business that could offer solutions in that previously unaddressed space.

What about your biggest obstacle?

As a ­distribution company, we needed to secure partnerships with manufacturers in order to have products to sell. However, at the time, we were a relatively unknown company with no track record, and manufacturers were hesitant to work with us. I decided to take a hands-on approach. I travelled to trade shows and reached out to ­manufacturers directly to build relationships and prove to them that we were a trustworthy and reliable partner. I also made sure to deliver on our promises and provide excellent customer service to our clients, which helped to build our reputation in the industry.

Who, or what, has most influenced you?

My biggest influence in business is the environment in which I operate. London has a great entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we have a top-notch team that’s always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We’ve also learned a lot from industry veterans who have paved the way before us, and our peers in the industry have been instrumental in helping us grow and succeed.

Where are you taking an old friend for a good meal?

If an old friend were to visit London, I would take them to The Tasting Room. It’s a cozy and intimate restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. They also have a great selection of wines and cocktails to pair with the dishes. Interview by Kieran Delamont