Jim Chao, the CEO of Confidence USA, Inc., is a visionary entrepreneur with a deep passion for natural health and wellness. In 2008, Jim established Confidence USA in Port Washington, New York, with the mission of developing high-quality, natural supplements that blend ancient Eastern and Western medicinal traditions with modern science. His dedication to integrating the best of both worlds has made Confidence USA a leader in the nutraceutical industry.
Under Jim’s leadership, Confidence USA has become renowned for its innovative approach, combining traditional Chinese herbs with Western herbal remedies to create highly effective health solutions. The company’s success stems from Jim’s belief in the power of natural ingredients, such as Ginkgo Biloba, Milk Thistle, and Ganoderma, to support the body’s well-being.
Throughout his career, Jim has remained committed to ingredient safety, manufacturing quality, and product potency, earning the trust of consumers around the world. His pioneering spirit led Confidence USA to be one of the first companies in the U.S. to offer a “money-back guarantee,” reflecting his confidence in the efficacy of the products and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Today, Jim Chao continues to lead Confidence USA with the same values of innovation, integrity, and a focus on improving the health and wellness of individuals worldwide. His life’s work has left a lasting impact on the natural health industry, combining time-tested traditions with cutting-edge science to create supplements that truly make a difference.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day begins early with meditation and herbal tea, drawing from Eastern practices that help center my mind. After that, I dive into meetings with our R&D team to explore new formulations. Staying productive for me means prioritizing what moves the company forward: research, customer feedback, and continuous learning. I keep my team aligned on these goals through regular check-ins and clear communication.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I combine ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science. It starts with identifying an unmet health need and researching natural ingredients used in traditional medicine. Then, I collaborate with scientists to test these ingredients in modern formulations. Our approach is unique because we blend traditions that have been around for centuries with the latest nutraceutical science.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increasing global recognition of integrative medicine. People are starting to see the value in combining Eastern herbal remedies with Western scientific advancements, and that’s exactly what Confidence USA is built on. It’s exciting to be part of a movement where more consumers are looking for natural, yet scientifically backed, health solutions.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I dedicate an hour each day to quiet reflection or meditation. This habit clears my mind, allowing me to focus better and make more thoughtful decisions. It also connects me to the root of our company’s mission—to create balance in health, just as I strive for balance in my own life.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust in the power of nature. When I was younger, I was often tempted to follow trends or adopt short-term solutions. If I could go back, I would remind myself that nature holds many answers, and persistence in combining traditional and modern knowledge pays off.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Many people don’t believe that traditional Chinese medicine can be as effective, or even more so, than synthetic drugs for long-term health. I’ve spent my life proving that natural, plant-based solutions can achieve lasting results, sometimes better than modern pharmaceuticals.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Always look at problems from two angles. I regularly examine challenges through both Eastern and Western perspectives. It’s the cornerstone of how Confidence USA has grown—by seeing the strengths in different systems and finding the synergy between them.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back and spend time in nature. Whether it’s a walk in the forest or along the beach, reconnecting with nature brings me clarity. It reminds me of the roots of our work, using the gifts of the Earth to improve health and wellness.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Investing in research and development has been pivotal. We never stop innovating. By continually refining our formulas and staying ahead of health trends, we ensure that our products remain effective and relevant.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
In the early days of Confidence USA, we had a product that didn’t perform well in the market because we rushed it to launch. I learned that no matter how eager you are, patience and thorough testing are crucial. It taught me to prioritize quality over speed, and since then, we’ve never compromised on that.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s a growing need for supplements that target stress and sleep, particularly ones that combine Eastern adaptogenic herbs with Western science. If someone develops a focused brand in this space, they could capture a big market share.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use Asana to keep track of our projects. With so many moving parts—from R&D to marketing—it helps keep everything organized and ensures that my team knows exactly what’s expected of them and when.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorites is The Tao of Health, Sex, and Longevity by Daniel Reid. It offers a wonderful integration of Eastern practices with a Western understanding. It’s been a guiding philosophy for both my personal health and how we approach product development.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed The Biggest Little Farm. It’s about the journey of sustainable farming and living in harmony with nature, which resonates deeply with the philosophy of Confidence USA. It’s a beautiful reminder of how powerful nature can be when nurtured correctly.
Key learnings
- Balance is Key: Jim Chao emphasizes the importance of integrating Eastern and Western perspectives, not just in product development but also in personal habits like meditation and reflection.
- Innovation Through Tradition: Chao’s approach of blending ancient medicinal knowledge with modern science has been pivotal in the success of Confidence USA, proving that natural solutions can be just as effective, if not more so, than synthetic alternatives.
- Patience and Quality Over Speed: Jim learned from early mistakes to prioritize product testing and quality, ensuring long-term success over quick results, a lesson that has shaped his approach to business.