He quit banking to sell bubble tea — now it’s a global empire that makes over $500 million a year

Martin Berry, a former banking professional, transformed the small Taiwanese tea franchise Gong Cha into a global bubble tea empire with over 2,000 stores generating more than $500 million annually after leaving his finance career to pursue his passion for innovative beverages. After departing from the banking industry, Berry identified an opportunity in the growing bubble tea market and acquired the brand, which has since expanded across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. The company's success is attributed to its premium ingredients, innovative drink combinations, and efficient operational model that maintains consistency across all locations while allowing customers to customize their beverages through the signature 'double layer' concept. Berry's business acumen from his banking background has proven instrumental in scaling the operation while maintaining product quality and customer experience, demonstrating how a simple idea executed with vision can grow into an international business phenomenon.