economy
February 16, 2026
He left his seven-figure banking career to sell bubble tea–today, his company brings in over $500 million a year
Martin Berry quit his lucrative banking career to sell bubble tea. In 2024, his company Gong cha Global brought in over $500 million in systemwide sales.
TL;DR
- Martin Berry quit his banking job in 2013 to focus on selling bubble tea.
- He felt unfulfilled by the corporate system and lacked entrepreneurialism.
- Berry is the founder and chairman of Gong cha Global, an international bubble tea franchise.
- Gong cha originated from a small shop in Taiwan in 1996.
- Before Berry, Gong cha was only in four Asian countries.
- He led the transformation into a global brand with over 2,000 locations in 30 countries.
- Berry had an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, starting small businesses as a child.
- He secured his first corporate job at Hewlett-Packard (HP) at age 19 by offering to work for free.
- Berry noticed Gong cha's popularity in Singapore and recognized its financial potential.
- He invested his life savings to become a master franchiser and led international expansion.
- In 2024, Gong cha Global achieved over $500 million in systemwide sales.
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