What was your initial business idea?

Ryan Black (RB): I had always been looking to start a direct consumer business. Hong Kong has a young generation of consumers who want modern product updates. With e-commerce not that prevalent in Hong Kong, there is a lack of new-generation consumer brands similar to those in the West, like Warby Parker, Harry’s Razors and Casper Mattresses. I wanted to change that too. The same goes for the pet food segment, where some cool, young brands are thriving in the West. Before I talked to Chris, I didn’t know what direction to take or within which vertical.

Why did you decide to incorporate the idea of supporting dog shelters?

RB: Chris had adopted two dogs from the dog shelter Catherine’s Puppies, and I later adopted one as well. We knew from our mates that many of the younger generation pet owners had adopted indicating a clear need and desire to give back to society [and do good]. Therefore, we felt it was important to provide our peers the ability to give back. 

We went to Catherine, the owner of Catherine’s Puppies, with the idea of subscription-based dog food. Catherine keeps her dogs at home. Coincidentally, the day before we went, or on the day we went to tell her the idea, she had forgotten to buy food for her dogs at home, so she immediately understood the need. She needed food for her shelter and could see a subscription model working for herself too. 

Very quickly, we began to see many shelters looking for help, particularly during Covid-19. Fundraising was so much harder when you couldn’t organise events.

How does Buddy Bites cover the cost of the donation?

RB: Our model is different. Many distributors handle US, European, Australian and New Zealand brands, bringing in multiple brands and then distributing them to shops in Hong Kong. This means that there are many mouths to feed in the process: the supplier, the distributor from the US, the distributor in Hong Kong and the retailer at the end. For us, there are only two parties involved: us and our supply partner. So, we have much more flexibility in what we can do. 

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How did you meet Chris?

RB: We had been friends for six to seven years before starting Buddy Bites. We used to play rugby together at the Hong Kong Football Club, and our positions were right next to each other, forming already somewhat of a partnership.

How did the partnership start and what is your dynamic like?

RB: It was a very natural and organic process. I was looking at the business model rather than the vertical, while Chris came in more from the pet industry angle. Together, we ideated what the business would look like. 

We are close enough not to beat around the bush. It is helpful that we can be honest and blunt with each other when necessary. Avoiding the hard questions in a startup can be toxic. If a challenge needs to be sorted, it must be sorted immediately, not in a month.

He’s incredibly hard-working, which is an absolute non-negotiable factor [in a startup] because you will have to work way harder than ever before. He’s a calming influence, which is also vital because things are usually pretty manic.

He’s very proactive, a quality sometimes undervalued by others. This trait is essential when starting a business because you can’t expect work to fall in your lap. People often look for a technical founder or one with specific skills, whether marketing or otherwise. There are certain verticals where you do need years of experience, but for the most part, you can learn quickly if you have the time and energy to do it. 

Does building a business affect your friendship in any way?

RB: Some people will caution against starting a business with your friend, and that’s wise advice. We’re fortunate to have received advice on structuring the business in a way that minimises the risk of falling out over it. So far, that approach has worked well for us. 

Working together, especially in the first year or two, was much more enjoyable than it would have been with someone I didn’t know. We constantly talk about work, even if we’re going for a beer. I love Buddy Bites and I love thinking about businesses. So much of my friendship with Chris revolves around that. You’re never really going to have a work-life balance if you spend 70 percent of your time at work. Rather than trying to plan for a work-life balance, plan to enjoy your job.

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Have you always wanted to build your own business?

RB: I’ve been in Hong Kong for ten years. For the first six, I worked in real estate and real estate finance, but I always wanted to do my own thing. My brother and both my parents have started their own businesses. I’m one of those people who’s obsessed with startup podcasts and reading books like Shoe Dog and the success stories of consumer founders.

You want to find something that you’re truly passionate about because, inevitably, when you’re running your own business, you end up working way harder than you ever did in a regular job. 

What do you like about being an entrepreneur?

RB: I asked another founder, ‘What do you think being an entrepreneur was like in hindsight?’ They said it was way harder than they had expected but also more enjoyable. That’s why people find being a founder or any production output quite addictive. You’re constantly working hard, but the rewards of it—not necessarily monetary—more the success of solving problems, is far more satisfying.

I learned loads from working in corporate roles before, but I’ve certainly learned more in the last four years than at any other time. We’re fortunate to have hired experienced people, and we have a team that—as far as I’m aware, they don’t tell me otherwise—seems to enjoy their jobs and love giving back. I love looking at that and saying I’ve had a hand in going from zero to one. 

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Tell me about your pet Whiskey. 

RB: We adopted Whiskey in 2021. Being Scottish, we were looking for a Scottish name. My partner’s grandfather suggested Whiskey, which was perfect—it’s Scottish and matches the colour of her fur. Everyone probably says they think their dogs suit their names, but I really think she does. 

She’s unbelievably independent and often judges me. When I come home each day, she’s incredibly affectionate. But once she’s got her fill, she’s done for the day. 

We go on the morning trail quite often, up to Club Rangoon on The Peak for breakfast. That’s a usual Saturday morning. We also make it to the beach every now and then. She’s a small dog who is either happy to chill at home or happy to go on a massive hike—an incredibly durable dog. 

How has your life changed after keeping Whiskey?

RB: It’s discipline, right? She gets me up in the morning and I have this routine where I’ll walk her in the evening. They are anchors to my day. It’s important in a hectic lifestyle to have certain points to reflect on, whether the day or the week of the month. Having a dog gives you a good bit of perspective on that. So, she’s been a godsend to me. 

Do you have a message for International Dog Day?

RB: I’m an interesting case study. From not having dogs, although I’ve often been around them, Whiskey is the first dog that I’ve fully looked after. She has brought a massive positive benefit to my life. For those thinking about having pets, you have to ensure not to adopt for the sake of adopting; make sure you’re committed and have the time and flexibility. If you already have those qualities, I really couldn’t advise anything more. 

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