Yen Yan: A Beacon of Leadership and Community in San Antonio
Updated: 16 hours ago
From Beijing to San Antonio: A Journey of Resilience
Born and raised in Beijing, China, Yen Yan learned the importance of navigating culture and community from a young age. Her parents, both mechanical engineers, often traveled for work, taking Yen and her brother along. This nomadic lifestyle meant that Yen changed schools seven times from elementary to high school.
“In China at that time, we were really poor, but we didn't know we were poor,” Yen reflects. “We all had the same kind of salary as every family. We were happy, somehow happy because we really didn't know much at that time. I remember the first time I saw a TV; I was in second or third grade, and we all got excited. Back then, we were all left behind. These days, China is a different story, but back then we were really behind all the modern equipment and new devices."
After earning her degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Management in China, Yen moved to the United States to pursue a master's degree in Real Estate and Land Development from Texas A&M University. Initially, she could read English but struggled with speaking. “I remember those days; that was tough. But I got through it,” she says.
A New Chapter in San Antonio
Upon graduation, Yen landed a job in International Sales at Signtech USA in San Antonio in 1994. “They were the 19th biggest private company in San Antonio, and they hired me to open an office in Singapore,” she recalls. “I knew nobody in Singapore and set up the office, trained the staff, and built a technical support team. My seven years there are filled with good memories.”
Yen spent the next two decades in management and international sales, traveling extensively across the United States, Southeast Asia, and Europe. “Many times I'd wake up in the morning and have to ask myself, what is the time difference from that country's time to Central Standard Time in San Antonio, and also, what is the exchange rate?”
These years of travel broadened her appreciation for different cultures. “No matter your background, skin color, or education level, people want to be treated fairly, respected, and trusted. Business owners want to make a decent living to support their families,” she emphasizes.
Yen also developed a love for diverse cuisines during her travels. She fondly remembers the best meal she ever had on the streets of Malaysia. “It was a mom-and-pop place with a wobbly table and unmatched plastic chairs. I was sitting in the open air with an umbrella because it was drizzling. There was no dining room; you were just sitting on the street to eat.”
Lessons Learned in Property Management
Yen has taken valuable lessons from her early years in property management that shape how she serves her clients today. “One is to pay attention to small details. In commercial real estate, small things can cause big problems if you don't pay attention. I cannot presume that clients understand everything — some small detail may cause huge issues in the future.”
Finding the right tenant is also crucial. “Renting out space is easy, but it’s more important to get the right tenant. It may cost you more money to evict someone if they stop paying.”
Discovering a Niche in Restaurant Real Estate
Yen’s journey in the restaurant real estate market began with a simple one-by-two-inch ad in a Chinese newspaper in Houston. “I didn't find the niche myself — the sector found me.”
Just two days after the ad was published, she received a call from a restaurant operator who owned 14 restaurants in Houston and wanted to expand to San Antonio. A few days later, Yen found owners wanting to sell, and she had the buyer. This restaurant was Formosa Gardens, her very first customer. “That's how my business started,” she shares. Soon, owners began to seek Yen's expertise in finding restaurant locations, earning her the title of “the restaurant lady.”
A New Direction with Real Broker LLC
Seeking change, Yen left Keller Williams and joined Real Broker LLC. She has never regretted her decision. “We all help each other a lot and have a true team dynamic,” she explains.
Yen's experience brokering Asian restaurants in the San Antonio area has allowed her to connect with clients from various backgrounds, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai restaurants. She also represents Wayne’s Wings, known for their excellent chicken wings.
“I think the opportunities I had to travel and work overseas helped me understand the culture and the requirements of their business operations. I noticed that finding the right location is not the only key to their success,” she adds. Yen strives to understand her clients' future goals and aspirations.
Achieving Professional Recognition
In 2018, Yen earned her designation as a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) after completing numerous classes in Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States. She admits the classes were challenging but valued the opportunity to connect with colleagues globally. “I liken the classes to the bar exam — very hard and not cheap. It’s a big investment. At the end, I got the little pin, and I said, ‘This is the most expensive jewelry I ever bought.’ It says CCIM on it.”
The CCIM designation is a globally recognized credential for professionals in commercial and investment real estate. According to the CCIM Institute, over 20,000 professionals worldwide have completed the CCIM Designation Program since its inception in 1967, with more than 13,000 professionals holding the designation globally.
Advocating for Local Businesses
In 2024, Yen ran for the board of directors of the Bexar Appraisal District to improve appraisal values and property taxes affecting local businesses. She felt her background equipped her to help taxpayers and clients, making the process easier and more streamlined.
“I remember 10, 15 years ago in the Stone Oak area, many mom-and-pop stores had to move out because the property tax went up so high that they could not afford to continue operating,” she recalls. Although undecided about running again, she keeps the option open.
Yen has also served as the past president of the Alamo Asian Chamber of Commerce and as president-elect of the Asian American Alliance of San Antonio. Despite San Antonio's Asian population being only 3.2%, Asian business owners account for 11% of all business owners, according to the 2020 census. “I realized we need to have our voice together,” Yen states.
Elisa Chan, a former District 9 city council member, started the Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Asian Alliance to unite the Asian business community. “We can make some waves in the economy by having a bigger voice and being stronger together,” Yen asserts.
Supporting the Asian Business Community
The Alamo Asian Chamber of Commerce focuses on commercial business resources, such as educating restaurant owners about food safety and helping business owners protect their property taxes. In contrast, the Asian Alliance emphasizes organizational support rather than individual members. Currently, 28 organizations from cultures such as Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese are part of the Asian Alliance, which is more about cultural identity.
A Passion for Dance and Community Connection
A little-known fact about Yen is her background in ballroom dancing. She performed waltz and tango in college but hadn’t danced since then until February of this year. “I’m learning country dance and Latin right now at Sway Dance Studio,” she shares. Dance has always been a passion for her, starting in elementary school. “I feel dance can connect people and bring joy, and it makes me happy. I think people watching me dance also feel happy and joyful. That’s my way to connect with the community.” Yen's goal is to compete professionally next year.
Embracing Wellness and Lifelong Learning
Yen enjoys reading about fitness, wellness, diet, and healthy living. She has recently started reading Dr. William Li’s book, Eat to Beat Disease. “I remember reading an article in 2016 that reported a 20-year difference in lifespan across different areas in San Antonio. That’s a huge gap. So, I’m interested in what makes people’s health different,” she explains.
To connect with Yen, you can find her on Facebook under “Yen Yan.”
Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/F6lIQydd7Hg?si=R_y86JTmps-OK4Dc
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