It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where Chon Nguyen’s business story should begin. Is it his high school years, where a young tech enthusiast was already earning Microsoft certifications?
Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, Nguyen has crafted a legacy that’s as dynamic as the city he calls home.
From technology to hospitality, his ventures reflect a rare combination of innovation and heart. His story is one of curiosity, grit and an unrelenting drive to turn challenges into opportunities. All told, across his business lines, Nguyen’s businesses are doing $13 million in annual revenue, as of 2024.
He loves his community; he loves his family and he loves pushing the limits on what one entrepreneur can achieve—and he’s doing it well.
If you can keep up, you can learn a thing or two from his story.
The Coding of a Tampa Bay Kid
Before the story picks up with business no. 1, Nguyen’s “life” story begins in New Port Richey. His mother, a nurse from Illinois, and his father, an entrepreneurial car salesman from Thailand, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a sense of curiosity.
“I watched my dad build things and hustle to make a living,” says Nguyen. “That’s probably where I got my entrepreneurial spirit.”
Growing up, Nguyen was a quintessential Florida kid, experiencing outdoor adventures, sun and fun, until his burgeoning interest in technology began to take priority. “I was obsessed with computers,” he recalls. “When I got my first computer, it was like a window into another world.”
While other kids were out riding bikes or playing sports, Nguyen was exploring the inner workings of his Tandy computer, a gift from his parents who were quick to nurture his curiosity.
By the time he was in elementary school, Nguyen had built a functioning bulletin board system, an early precursor to modern Internet communication platforms.
“This was before the internet was graphical,” Nguyen explains. “It was dial-up modems and phone lines. My parents even got me my own phone line, so I could run it.”
His parents’ support extended beyond just providing resources. They emphasized the importance of self-instruction and perseverance. Nguyen recalls spending hours troubleshooting, learning by trial and error, and figuring out solutions independently—skills that would become the foundation of his entrepreneurial mindset.
“I wasn’t the best student,” Nguyen admits with a chuckle, “but technology gave me something to focus on. It felt like it was mine to figure out.”
Despite not excelling in the traditional academic sense, Nguyen’s passion for problem-solving and innovation set him apart from his peers, early on.
His childhood wasn’t all computers and coding. Nguyen’s upbringing was grounded in family and culture. With a Thai father and an American mother, he grew up in a household that blended traditions. Meals were a mix of flavors, and conversations often revolved around resilience and hard work. Despite his traditionally spelled name, he pronounces his name “Sean.”
“My mom would always tell me, ‘There’s no shortcut to doing something the right way,’” Nguyen recalls. “And my dad would say, ‘If you don’t bet on yourself, no one else will.’”
During a high school summer, Nguyen earned a Microsoft certification at just 16 years old, one of the youngest individuals to do so in the country, at the time. He then began consulting for local businesses. By the time he graduated high school, Nguyen had already laid the foundation for his first IT business.
“At 18, I worked at Circuit City selling computers,” Nguyen says. “I’d set them up for customers on my days off, which eventually turned into a full-fledged business.”
This bootstrapping approach to entrepreneurship was a hallmark of Nguyen’s early career—identifying gaps and filling them with solutions.
Strategic IT Solutions
Nguyen’s professional path has been anything but linear. He founded several businesses, each one building on the lessons learned from the last.
His first IT business, Digital Aspire, provided IT services to businesses in the Tampa Bay area. This early venture gave Nguyen his first taste of building, and scaling, a business. After working with several hospitality companies, he partnered on an IT and AV company, successfully growing the company, and eventually selling it, gaining valuable insights and the confidence to pursue larger projects.
In 2017, he founded Newgentek, a managed IT services and audio-visual company. In addition to what a normal managed IT company would provide, Newgentek also works with companies to design, install and support their workplace technology (conference rooms, huddle spaces, etc.), and audio video. His background, and love for hospitality, has led him to work with a lot of local and national brands but after COVID, the business has significantly diversified. In 2019, the company was named a Small Business of the Year by the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
During his time working on hospitality IT systems, Nguyen had a light bulb moment.
“A chef mentioned how hard it was to keep recipes consistent, across multiple locations,” he explains. “I saw an opportunity to solve that problem.” This insight led to the creation of FusionPrep, a software program now used in over 3,000 restaurants, nationwide.
What started out as a side hustle, as he was growing his other business, became 212 Digital, in 2011, with his partner, Shawn Berg, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. The two worked nights and weekends on the flagship product, Fusionprep. His brother, Tim Hall, joined them as their first salesperson. This venture specializes in innovative digital solutions for managing back-of-house operations, highlighting Nguyen’s ability to identify gaps in the market and deliver cutting-edge services. The name “212 Digital” reflects Nguyen’s philosophy of going the extra degree, a nod to the boiling point of water at 212 degrees Fahrenheit and the power of small, incremental efforts to create transformative results.
These early ventures set the stage for what would become a pattern in Nguyen’s career: identifying opportunities, solving problems and scaling businesses with precision and purpose. “Each business taught me something new,” Nguyen says. “You learn to adapt, grow and always keep moving forward.”
The Makings of a Proper House
In 2017, Nguyen, joined partners Ferrell Alvarez and Ty Rodriguez, to establish Proper House Group. What started as a collaborative vision to elevate Tampa’s dining scene quickly became a cornerstone of the city’s culinary identity.
Nguyen was a frequent customer of Alvarez’s and Rodriguez’s first project, Rooster & the Till. A small, intimate space in Seminole Heights, it defied expectations and earned critical acclaim, including a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand, in 2022.
Expanding this success, Proper House Group opened additional concepts including Nebraska Mini-Mart, a playful spot blending burgers, fries and milkshakes, with lawn games. Their most recent ventures, Ash and Alter Ego, an Italian-inspired restaurant and music-focused cocktail lounge, at Water Street, has become a go-to for both locals and visitors. Director of operations, Myles Gallagher, joined the trio as a partner for the Water Street projects. “It’s about creating spaces that reflect the energy and diversity of Tampa,” Nguyen explains.
Nguyen and his partners draw inspiration from their travels, exploring trends and flavors worldwide. “R&D trips are critical for us,” he says. “They’re where we brainstorm and refine our concepts. Every dish, every design element, has a purpose.”
But success doesn’t come without challenges. Launching multiple concepts, in a competitive industry, and adapting to the unique demands of different neighborhoods requires constant innovation. “Water Street is a very different market, compared to Seminole Heights,” Nguyen notes. “We’ve had to learn and adapt quickly to meet the expectations of our guests.”
Proper House Group’s growth mirrors Nguyen’s approach to life: a willingness to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes and create something meaningful. “We don’t just open restaurants,” Nguyen emphasizes. “We create experiences that people want to share and remember.”
A Call to Community
Nguyen’s approach to leadership is rooted in curiosity and humility. “I didn’t go to college,” he says. “But I’ve always been eager to learn, whether it’s from books, mentors or just listening to others.”
This mentality extends to his involvement in the community. Nguyen sits on the boards of organizations like the YMCA, Hillsborough Education Foundation, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and The CEO Council.
“Public education is a cornerstone of a thriving society,” he emphasizes. “Teachers had such a profound impact on my life, and I want to ensure they’re supported.”
Nguyen’s dedication to the YMCA is deeply personal. “I grew up going to the Y,” he shares. “It was my first job and a place where I learned the value of community.” Today, he’s helping the organization innovate, particularly with its new developments in Tampa’s Central City.
Behind every successful entrepreneur is a dedicated support system and for Nguyen, that’s his wife Megan. The two met in high school, dated long-distance while Megan attended the University of Florida, and have been married for 15 years. “She’s always understood my drive,” Nguyen says. “But having kids definitely shifted my priorities.”
Nguyen admits that balancing work and family is a challenge. “It’s a lot,” he admits. “But I couldn’t do what I do without Megan’s support. She’s my partner, in every sense of the word.”
A Tampa Bay Renaissance
Nguyen is deeply optimistic about Tampa Bay’s future. “The city has changed so much in the past decade,” he says. “Water Street, in particular, has brought a new energy and sophistication.”
As someone who’s played a role in shaping Tampa’s culinary and business landscapes, Nguyen sees the city as a burgeoning hub for innovation and culture.
“There’s a vibrancy here now,” he notes. “It’s a mix of young talent, seasoned professionals and a community that genuinely cares about its growth.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Nguyen offers this advice: “Surround yourself with people who’ve been where you want to go. Learn from their successes and their failures. And don’t be afraid to talk about your struggles—it’s how you grow.”
Nguyen’s humility and candor are a testament to his character. He doesn’t dwell on accolades but focuses on the journey and the impact he’s making.
“Success isn’t about the awards or the money,” he says. “It’s about building something meaningful and giving back to the community that’s given so much to me.”
