Too late to start a new career at 50? David T. C. Lin, Board Chairman of Lincraft & Co. decided this could not be true when he retired from a successful 30-year career in the air force 20 years ago, and went on to build up a thriving business based on the sea.

Even though this company has expanded from a one-man operation with a workshop and six machines, to a payroll of 450 using 50 machines, and drawing on the services of 18 satellite companies, it has not all been plain sailing for Lincraft's main product, model Spanish ships. Mr. Lin's first venture in the handicraft line, sculptured wooden screens, proved to be a great failure because he forgot to allow for the moisture in Taiwan's timber. As a result, the products cracked when they were sent to a country with a relatively dry climate such as the United States. During one of Lin's promotional trips, several American buyers expressed admiration for the intricacy and refinement of a model ship he showed. In an effort to win a 300 dozen order, he worked round the clock to produce seven samples, and was on his way to becoming the "king" of Taiwan's makers in the line.

Since he was not an expert in handicrafts, he browsed through all the books he could find to improve his company's techniques and had to overcome many problems. At first, shortage of cash was the main obstacle, fortunately, friends came forward to provide funds. Other difficulties, such as damage from typhoons and unfair competition from other makers were all overcome as a result of Lin's optimism and self-confidence. His motto of "always look on the bright side" was best exemplified when his employees were close to despair as they surveyed typhoon damage. Lin, however, pointed out that things could have been worse; at least some of the equipment in the factory had been spared. Lin's employees also have reason to be grateful for his generosity. During the economic recession, when he was losing NT$1.5 million (US$40,000) a month, he insisted on not laying any one off.

To ensure good sales, Lin is constantly renovating his products either by copying foreign models or reading articles on the latest developments in the field. He also insists on trying to improve product quality and quantity while at the same time lowering costs. Recently, he has been testing the market demand for a Spanish ship hobby kit complete with assembly explanation leaflet. Apart from encouraging buyer participation, the new product will also reduce freight costs.

Most of Lincraft's exports go to the U.S., followed by Britain, Japan, West Germany, Belgium and Australia. Lin always adopts an oneprice policy in his dealings with foreign buyers. During his spare time, he likes to discuss economic conditions in the wake of the U.S. switch of relations from Taipei to Peiping. He is confident that those who do business with the Communist Chinese for the first time, will not go back. He recounts how a Belgium merchant placed an order for 100,000 gross of wooden shelves at a cost of 3 U.S. cents a unit. After 200 gross had been delivered, the flow stopped. The merchant, however, did not know to whom he should appeal, since business was subject to the ever-changing whims of administration officials on the mainland. Lin added that the Communist Chinese are intentionally trying to disturb the smooth functioning of the world economy.

Although he has reached the pinnacle in the model ship line in Taiwan, Lin is far from satisfied. As a result, five years ago, he started to carve model Christmas mangers, and these also turned out to be popular on world markets. His unflagging pursuit of improvement in quality and new designs has helped to make him what he is today, an optimistic and successful businessman.