Hello there! It's an absolute pleasure to meet you! Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Ryan Lin, I am a man of many ambitions. To encapsulate my diverse pursuits, I have crafted a personal "portfolio" that showcases my passions and dreams. I carry within me two profound aspirations that ignite a fire within my soul.
The first dream I hold dear is to lead a company that advocates for a wholesome and organic way of life—a lifestyle rooted in the nurturing embrace of nature itself. This vision encompasses a holistic approach to living, promoting health and well-being in harmony with the natural world. It is a dream that pulsates with vitality and seeks to inspire others to embrace the beauty of a healthier, more sustainable existence.
However, my dreams extend beyond the boundaries of personal well-being. My ultimate aspiration transcends conventional limits, aiming to build a world-renowned institution—an unparalleled zoo, veterinary clinic, and animal and plant conservation center. This awe-inspiring haven will serve as a sanctuary of learning, enlightening future generations about the origins of our food and empowering them to make positive contributions to our planet.
In May 2023, I stepped into the role of CEO by taking over my uncle's company, working tirelessly to manage daily operations, spearhead expansion efforts, and drive the development of innovative new products. In addition to overseeing the company, I'm currently immersed in a unique project: the establishment of a wellness center that will serve as the headquarters for Drinkapedia. This expansive facility will feature over 20 badminton courts and 20 pickleball courts, complemented by a welcoming café open to all our guests.
With unwavering dedication and a profound reservoir of knowledge, I believe I am destined to forge a path towards a brighter future for generations to come. This stirring dream fills my heart with boundless hope and fuels an unwavering commitment to leave an indelible mark on our precious planet. Together, we can create a legacy that embraces the profound interconnectedness of all living beings and nurtures a world brimming with vitality, harmony, and enduring love for our Earth.
I have a deep and affectionate relationship with Voltaire Balagtas, which you can read about in detail on the "Relationship" page if you're interested. He is a man who ignites passion in my heart and mind, constantly inspiring me and transforming me for the better. He serves as my guide and life partner, accompanying me on my journey. Many of the dreams I have pursued were made possible because of him; I wouldn't have pursued them alone. He has led me to numerous great accomplishments, offering his support and comfort whenever I need a hug or a helping hand. I attribute a significant portion of my current success in life to him, acknowledging him as my guiding light. I am also grateful for the presence of my aunt Rachel, my Uncle Henry, my mother, and many friends who have played instrumental roles in my life. I am particularly thankful for my golfing buddies, who have mentored me in ways I never could have imagined. Here's to a fulfilled life, as I know that when I live to the fullest, I am always at my happiest.
Since its inception in 1982, when my uncle embarked on meticulously crafting each product by hand, our company has made remarkable strides in establishing itself as a prominent global supplier. At present, we take immense pride in the extensive distribution of our products to numerous countries worldwide.
In 2019, I joined the company with the primary objective of learning and had the privilege of being mentored under my uncle's diligent guidance. Throughout this journey, I have acquired a multitude of valuable traits and skills, and I am deeply honored that he has played a pivotal role in my development.
With my recent appointment as the successor, effective from May 2023, I am profoundly humbled to uphold my uncle's cherished legacy of advocating for an organic and health-conscious lifestyle through education and exemplary leadership.
Voltaire and I embarked on this incredible journey, driven by our unwavering commitment to health consciousness while never compromising on the sheer delight and mouthwatering flavors of our beverages. Our shared passion fuels our primary objective: crafting functional drinks that not only tantalize the taste buds but also contribute to a wholesome lifestyle.
But our mission extends far beyond the realm of taste and well-being. We harbor a deep love for animals and an earnest desire to make a positive impact on their conservation. That's precisely why each of our drinks bears the name of an endangered species, serving as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect these magnificent creatures.
In our unwavering dedication, we pledge a significant portion of our proceeds to support vital animal conservation initiatives. By choosing our drinks, you become an active participant in our noble cause—a chance to help us forge a path towards both a healthier existence and the preservation of precious wildlife.
Together, let us raise a glass in celebration of life, savoring the exquisite taste while making a meaningful difference. With each sip, you become an ally in our mission—a beacon of hope for a future where a thriving, healthy lifestyle and the flourishing of our animal companions go hand in hand.
My journey as a coach began in 2018, right after my graduation from Moreau. Along the way, I faced numerous challenges that tested my resilience, but I rose above them, refusing to stay down. When the head coach stepped down during the COVID-19 pandemic, I seized the opportunity to take over as the head coach in January 2021, and ever since, my passion for badminton has only intensified. The immense pride I feel being part of the Moreau community has fueled my drive to achieve great things, including receiving the prestigious Cross and Anchor Award during my graduation, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior at Moreau. Giving back is at the core of who I am, and while badminton holds a special place in my heart, it is not the only way I contribute.
During my senior year, I had the privilege of receiving an invitation to serve on the Board of Trustees' Advancement Committee. While I'm not an official member of the board anymore, this role has allowed me to actively contribute to the Moreau community and participate in shaping its future. Within the committee, we engage in brainstorming sessions and implement innovative ideas aimed at enhancing Moreau's overall experience. Moreover, I had the opportunity to connect with current students, gathering their valuable input and perspectives to share with the board. This volunteer role brought me immense joy and a profound sense of fulfillment, enabling me to give back to Moreau, a place that has enriched my life in countless ways.
As the head coach, I made a personal commitment to streamline and improve our badminton program, having witnessed the challenges faced by the previous coach. Driven by my innovative thinking and leveraging the power of technology, I took it upon myself to create this team website, aiming to provide valuable support and guidance to both parents and students as they embark on their badminton journey. It fills my heart with joy to offer this resource, knowing that it will enhance their overall experience and contribute to their growth and success in the sport.
Voltaire and I embarked on a remarkable journey with Repteria LLC, ignited by our shared passion for reptiles. Little did we know that this venture would not only deepen our bond but also awaken a profound love for all animals and ignite an unyielding desire for an urban homestead. This realization led us to transform our endeavor into Toffee and Friends' Homestead, a heaven where Toffee thrives alongside his cherished ball python sisters, Coca and Conda, his loyal Aldabra Galapagos tortoise brother, Trot, and his captivating leachianus lizard brother, Sharpie. Our cherished family also includes approximately 100 Coturnix quails, as well as delightful mix of Texas A&M and Caledons species, as well as Toffee's devoted dog sister, Kinsen, and his fluffy Samoyed big brother, Yuki.
Through the nurturing sanctuary of Toffee and Friends Homestead, I am painstakingly crafting a virtual haven that embodies my visionary dreams for the future—an expansive farm where I can cultivate wholesome vegetables and raise animals with tender care and unwavering love. My foray into the food industry was an arduous yet enlightening expedition that compelled me to question the knowledge I had acquired, propelling me to connect with extraordinary individuals across diverse market sectors, including influential figures who lead the way. This eye-opening experience has instilled within me an insatiable desire to cultivate my own fruits and vegetables, for as the wise proclaim, "the best food is from your own backyard."
Yet, the boundaries of Toffee and Friends Homestead cannot contain my limitless dreams. My ultimate aspiration is to erect the world's most extraordinary zoo, veterinary clinic, and animal and plant conservation center—an awe-inspiring farm that educates future generations about the origins of food and empowers them to make a positive impact on the world. My dream unfolds in two steps: firstly, to oversee the operations of my uncle's company, imbuing it with his wholesome, organic lifestyle; secondly, to establish a haven of well-being—a healthy lifestyle center where organic living flourishes. I firmly believe that my unwavering dedication, coupled with my vast knowledge and unbridled passion for the art of conservation, will forge a path towards a brighter future for generations to come. This profound dream fills my heart with boundless hope and propels me forward with an unwavering commitment to leave a lasting imprint on our precious planet.
"Embracing the vibrant world of gastronomy and travel, I am the steadfast companion and co-adventurer to Voltaire Balagtas, the spirited soul behind 'Voltaire Voyages.' My role transcends beyond being his partner; I am an integral part of his foodie and traveling love vlogging journey. Whenever Voltaire collaborates with other creators or explores new culinary landscapes, I am there to provide support, ideas, and a helping hand. My passion for exploring diverse cultures and cuisines mirrors Voltaire's enthusiasm. Together, we delve into a myriad of flavors and sights, documenting our adventures and sharing them with the world through our engaging vlogs. Our journey is not just about tasting food or visiting places; it's about the stories we discover, the people we meet, and the memories we create, making every moment of 'Voltaire Voyages' a shared experience with our audience."
My partner Voltaire and I embarked on the journey of starting our sourdough bakery with a deep passion for crafting artisanal, organic breads. We specialize in making organic plain white bread, and we take pride in freshly milling our whole wheat flour and all of our signature grain breads to ensure the highest quality. Each loaf is a reflection of our commitment to tradition and innovation, as we blend time-honored techniques with the finest organic ingredients. Our sourdough cinnamon rolls have become a beloved staple, embodying the rich, tangy flavor of our carefully nurtured starters. As we continue to grow, our dream is to expand our bakery into a thriving chain, sharing the joy of authentic sourdough with communities far and wide.
My friend Truong and I have created a refreshing carbonated drink company called Sparkling Rabbit, where we focus on delivering beverages made exclusively with all-natural ingredients. Our product lineup includes both sweetened and unsweetened teas, each crafted to provide a crisp, clean taste that reflects our commitment to quality. As we continue to innovate, we're excited to develop even more varieties that cater to diverse tastes while staying true to our natural ethos.