Gang Pan, Owner, Navitas Vehicle Systems Inc.

Isn’t it fascinating how inspiration often sneaks in from the most unexpected corners of our lives? We’ve all experienced those moments at some point—whether in the breathtaking sight of a sunset, within the pages of a favorite book, or perhaps even in the simplest act of playing with childhood toys. But not everyone possesses the prowess to turn that initial inspiration into something tangible or meaningful. It takes a unique perspective, tenacity, and an open mind to harness that spark of inspiration, channel it into creativity, and intricately weave those into the fabric of our lives. Acquiring such exemplary attributes, one true visionary, who is setting an instance of dedicated leadership in the business world is Gang Pan, a trailblazer known for his innovative contributions and strategic brilliance.

For Gang, it all started with something as simple as playing with wooden blocks much like Lego – a heartfelt birthday present from his aunt during his childhood. As a kid, he would spend hours stacking those blocks into everything from towering skyscrapers to zippy little vehicles. But little did he know that these playful moments were quietly sowing the seeds of innovation and creativity that would later define not just his entrepreneurial journey but also the very essence of his future company.

Fast forward to today, Gang Pan stands as the proud owner of Navitas Vehicle Systems Inc., a world leader in Electric Vehicle Control Systems for the Low-Speed Electric Vehicle (Golf Car) and Industrial Electric Vehicle Marketplace. Yet, the spark of inspiration, kindled in those early days, continues to illuminate Gang’s path, encouraging him to envision possibilities, innovate with purpose, and strike a harmonious balance between creativity and functionality. The art of balance, a skill acquired during the seemingly simple act of stacking blocks, now permeates through every aspect of his professional journey.

The Prolific Journey to Prominence

In the year 2000, Gang completed the Ivey MBA Program while working in the electronics technology sector. After a few years in the industry, he took a leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship in August 2003 and founded Global Operation Integrity Inc., a procurement business supporting OEMs. One of his notable clients was Navitas Vehicle Systems Inc., a company owned by Tersus in the UK, specializing in manufacturing DC controllers for various electrical low-speed applications.

In June-August 2009, a pivotal moment came when Navitas became available for sale for a very reasonable value. Gang seized the opportunity to purchase the company as he always wanted to own a product company that he could nurture and develop. For Pan, this wasn’t merely a business move; it was the realization of a lifelong dream. “I was able to leverage my business and MBA skills, consolidate the procurement business role with Navitas, and grow Navitas’ business annual sales while reducing costs,” asserts Pan. Taking the next strategic step, he re-engineered key products to cut costs, enhance product sales through distributors, and boost cash flow, which always has been a priority for Gang.

Challenges, Triumphs, and the Heart of Resilience

While restructuring Navitas Vehicle Systems, Gang Pan faced a series of challenges that truly put his resolve and strategic prowess to the test. To begin with, he reorganized the company so that 100% ownership rested with himself and his wife. He brought on board key electrical contractors and sales staff contractors, alongside hiring essential electrical personnel to re-invent the Navitas electrical DC products with a focus on electric golf cart replacement controllers and accessories. After a successful round of improvements and development changes to DC controllers, they started working on creating new and advanced AC controllers with Bluetooth capabilities. The new AC controllers and kits were launched successfully, reaching major distributors. However, soon, a new challenge emerged as the golf cart market experienced a shortage of used carts to convert to new customized golf carts. In response, Pan came up with a solution: a new product offering featuring steel chassis (both lifted and un-lifted), complete with Navitas AC controllers, harnesses, programmers, and motors. To keep costs in check, they partnered with a vendor in China and used full container shipping to reduce costs to their new customers, golf cart builders in the US Market.

However, their initial development program for the AC controller faced setbacks, falling short in both performance and application. Undeterred, Pan actively sought valuable customer feedback to pinpoint the shortcomings. Under his indomitable leadership, the engineering team worked tirelessly, refocusing their efforts on the design and size of the AC controller. Finally, their collaborative efforts and dedication bore fruit, and within a span of 14 months, they bounced back with a new and improved AC controller.

A Versatile and Reliable Player in the EV Industry

Based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Navitas is a one-stop hub for research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of electric AC & DC motor controllers and associated products. These high-powered motor controllers and accessories cater to a diverse range of industrial and commercial electric vehicles (EVs), including battery and alternative-powered vehicles utilized across various applications. Navitas prides itself on serving a broad customer base, which includes Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and dealers.

But what sets Navitas truly apart is not just their off-the-shelf offerings but their production of electronic DC motor controller products and software algorithms. Additionally, the company also excels in creating customized designs that align with the specifications provided by OEMs of varying sizes, be they large, medium, or small. It also offers a complete line of AC and DC motor controllers, along with electrical drive components, to comprehensively meet the needs of its customers. “Navitas is dedicated to delivering top-notch AC and DC products and services to our valued customers. Our focus extends across a broad market with numerous distributors, all geared towards ensuring the utmost satisfaction and unparalleled service for our clientele,” emphasizes Pan.

Leading with A Pinch of Empowerment, a Dash of Diversity

When it comes to leadership, Gang Pan’s approach is refreshingly practical and grounded. His leadership philosophy mirrors a simple yet profound truth – teamwork makes the dream work. He underscores the significance of surrounding oneself with a team that’s not just experienced but also driven. As a leader, Pan actively nurtures and empowers his team, ensuring they not only understand the mission but are equipped to bring it to fruition.

Unlike traditional leaders who dictate from the top, Pan believes in cultivating an environment where everyone’s voice is not only heard but valued. He not only encourages each team member to reach their full potential but actively assists them in planning and executing key projects. While many businesses rely heavily on a few big customers, Pan prefers having a diverse customer base to avoid depending too much on any single customer. This serves as a protective shield, making the business less vulnerable to sudden changes in the market or the specific needs of a particular client. Moreover, having a varied clientele fosters innovation and keeps the team on their toes.

A Recipe for Success: Finding Joy in Every Aspect

For Pan, leadership is not confined to just boardrooms and balance sheets. Much like the rest of us, he acknowledges the challenge of work-life balance. “Work-life balance is a challenge for entrepreneurs, just like it is for anyone else. But the key is finding something you enjoy doing, such as a hobby, and turning it into a business,” shares Pan.

For him, that joy often comes from cooking up a storm in the kitchen. The passionate leader enjoys whipping up breakfast and dinner while at home. Because, as he puts it, a happy wife leads to a happy family. This underlines his belief that true success goes beyond business achievements; it’s about finding balance and happiness in every aspect of life. So, the secret recipe behind Pan’s successful leadership is simple– a pinch of empowerment, a dash of diversity, and a whole lot of joy – both in the boardroom and the kitchen. In a world where leaders sometimes feel like distant figures, Gang Pan brings a touch of humanity to the boardroom, reminding us that leadership is not just about profits and projects but about the people, the joy, and the delicate art of juggling it all.

Envisioning a Greener Tomorrow

Looking ahead, Pan’s vision for Navitas is nothing short of visionary. As a leader, he sees Navitas not just as a leading business but as a pioneer in both innovation and sustainability. His vision extends beyond mere profitability, emphasizing a responsibility to contribute positively to the global shift toward environmental consciousness. In particular, Navitas is actively engaged in the creation of green products that are not just economically feasible and safer for consumers but also excel in saving energy, contributing to the broader push toward sustainability. Through the creation of greener, safer, and more efficient products, he envisions a future where Navitas not only thrives as a business but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants. In Pan’s words, “I’d like to continue creating new green products for as long as I can. For example, we are working on new products that are easier and cheaper to build, safer for consumers to use, and more efficient in saving energy.”