undertakings , and with them come an enormous number of headaches .” Mr . Wainman ’ s extensive experience in the world of start-ups and investment banking gave him a baseline of stamina and wisdom to be able to weather these types of challenges — and the secret is to take care of his health .
As a driven young man eager to “ make it up the ladder as soon as possible ,” Mr . Wainman started a career on Wall Street in 1994 . Two years later , he was involved in international business deals between New York , Russia and Asia — a stretch of timezones that meant he barely had a chance to sleep .
Though successful , he had traded in his health for wealth , eventually succumbing to chronic fatigue syndrome . It was an experience that taught him an important lesson in work-life balance : “ Being sick like this , and not sure if I would ever recover , put life and work into a better perspective ,” he says . “ Though I still work hard , I have a better idea on what is important in life .”
Three years ago , when the Wainmans welcomed their son Ricky into the world , new challenges arose . Pipper Standard was up and running , and the couple had to learn how to manage the delicate balancing act of parenting and working full-time . “ You want to give your child everything ,” Mr . Wainman says , “ but the business is like a baby , too . So , you really have to learn how to prioritize .”
The same lessons apply for Mrs . Wainman , who handles the operational and marketing activities of Pipper Standard . Mrs . Wainman , remembering sleep-deprived workdays during Ricky ’ s infancy , cites her training as a runner as what helped her endure the marathon work of being a mother as well as a full-time partner at Pipper Standard .
But being a married couple — and parents — offers benefits , too :
“ I have a background in investing in lots of start-up companies ,” Mr . Wainman explains . “ I have seen every problem that can exist , one of which is disagreement due to a basic lack of trust . The positive thing about working together is that Jeng and I fully trust each other .”
Another uniting force for the couple is their mutual love of nature . Mr . Wainman ’ s father was an outdoorsman who lead the family on annual coast-to-coast camping and hiking expeditions across the United States , from Connecticut to California — and back — every year . Even when not on this yearly pilgrimage , Mr . Wainman recalls spending time exploring the great outdoors in his hometown of South Glastonbury , a northeastern American town full of forests , orchards and berry hills . Due to his upbringing , Mr . Wainman has a respect for nature that has never faded .
Mrs . Wainman says her love of hiking , rock climbing , and other outdoor activities began before she met her husband . “ I really appreciate the forest — it ’ s something magical ,” she says . “ For me , it ’ s a meditative experience when you hike . I ’ ve always believed that physical endurance can strengthen the mind .”
This appreciation of nature aids the couple in two ways : One , it gives them a healthy way to unwind and enjoy the world together , letting the stress of business ownership roll off their shoulders . And two , as it relates directly to the ethos of their eco-friendly company , it keeps them motivated to continue their success with Pipper Standard .
Having a son has made building up their company even more meaningful for the couple . Understanding the high rates of allergies in children — and knowing first-hand how much parents care about their kids — the Wainmans recognize there are parents out there desperate for solutions to free their children from the pain and suffering of allergies . In fact , many of these parents have written to them to express how thankful they are for Pipper Standard — their products have changed lives for the better .
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The Wainmans truly believe that the work they do is for the common good . This dedication to have a positive effect on society means that the future looks bright :
“ When we are sitting here five to seven years from now ,” Mr . Wainman says , “ our type of product will be more widely distributed , and that will help decrease the rates of allergies and asthma . We will have made a real change by then .”
The Pipper Standard vision is to reduce the world ’ s allergy rates and to make the Earth a healthier planet . With products in 12 Asian nations and counting , they ’ re on the right track . Experience in business has helped pave the way to their success thus far ; but perhaps what will carry them through to their ultimate goal is the way in which Pipper Standard operates directly from health-conscious hearts and genuine care for humanity .
PHOTO : Willem Deenik
WHERE TO FIND PIPPER STANDARD
For more information and to order visit www . pipperstandard . com
In Thailand , Pipper Standard products are available at : Central Food Hall , Foodland , Gourmet Market , Home Fresh Mart , HomePro , Isetan , MaxValu , Tops Market and Villa Market .
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