Josephine Suryono Of AtWork Sacramento: I Am Living Proof Of The American Dream
An Interview With Jake Frankel
Have a Solid Plan (with backup options)
Before launching our businesses, my husband and I spent a lot of time planning. We knew we wanted to own a business someday, but we waited until we were financially ready. We saved money, researched everything we could about starting a business, and made sure we had a clear plan in place. Having a solid plan gave us the confidence to take the leap. And having backup plans (Plan B and Plan C) ensured we were ready for any unexpected challenges.
Is the American Dream still alive? If you speak to many of the immigrants we spoke to, who came to this country with nothing but grit, resilience, and a dream, they will tell you that it certainly is still alive.
As a part of our series about immigrant success stories, I had the pleasure of interviewing Josephine Suryono.
Josephine Suryono’s journey from an immigrant pursuing a better education to a successful business owner showcases the entrepreneurial spirit she inherited from her mom, who owns several businesses in Surabaya, Indonesia. With a background in engineering and a stint at Hewlett Packard as a business analyst, Suryono ventured into business ownership with the purchase of an indoor inflatable play and party franchise before transitioning to AtWork, a national staffing franchise. She now operates two AtWork locations in Sacramento, California.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Surabaya, a small city in East Java, Indonesia. I’m the oldest of three siblings, with a sister who is just 11 months younger and a brother who is 12 years younger.
When I was 16, my parents divorced, and my dad was no longer involved in our lives. It was a tough time, but our mom, who I consider a true superwoman, stepped up to be both mom and dad for us. She taught us resilience and independence and provided a stable, loving home.
Looking back, despite the challenges, I had a happy childhood full of great memories and very strong family bonds. My mom’s values continue to inspire me today.
Was there a particular trigger point that made you emigrate to the US? Can you tell us the story?
As a Chinese-Indonesian, it was very difficult and almost impossible at the time to gain admission to a top university in Indonesia, where preference was often given to native Indonesians. My mom, determined to give me the best opportunities, sent me to the U.S. for a better education. It was a significant sacrifice, considering the exchange rate and international student tuition was double the cost of in-state tuition. That decision changed my life, opening doors to opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, and I’ll always be grateful for her unwavering support.
Can you tell us the story of how you came to the USA? What was that experience like?
I came to the U.S. to study at Oregon State University with my mom, who dropped me off after graduating high school. At the time, I spoke very little English, as we mainly focused on grammar in school, so adjusting was definitely a challenge.
I lived in a dorm, and fortunately, I quickly made a few great friends who were incredibly supportive. They helped me navigate the new environment and made the transition much smoother. It was a tough start, but having strong support from friends made all the difference in helping me settle in.
Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped make the move more manageable? Can you share a story?
My Mom! She’s always been there for me, both emotionally and financially. My mom’s sacrifices went beyond just the finances. She handled the cost of my education, which was a huge burden, especially since I was an international student without options for financial aid. Despite the strain, she never made me worry about it. Instead, she encouraged me to focus on my studies and not worry about anything else. Her selflessness and constant belief in me have supported me throughout my journey. I owe a lot of my success and resilience to her.
So, how are things going today?
Fast forward 34 years… I met my soulmate at OSU, and we both graduated with Industrial Engineering degrees. After graduation, we landed jobs at Hewlett Packard, which later moved us to Roseville, CA. Over the years, we built our family and had three wonderful kids.
Even though I loved my job, I always knew deep down that I wanted to own my own business. My husband and I were aware of the challenges of entrepreneurship, and it’s also something I’ve learned from my Mom growing up. We decided that before I could make the leap, we needed to be financially stable enough to live on a single income — my husband’s. In 2007, we felt that we were ready. I resigned from HP and opened my first franchise, BounceU, a children’s indoor entertainment center. Creating a space where families could create lasting memories through birthday parties was amazing.
In 2017, we decided to take the next step and opened AtWork, a staffing agency. I’ve always been drawn to businesses that focus on customer service and have a deeper meaning. With BounceU, we brought joy to families and created lasting memories. AtWork allows us to change lives by helping people find jobs. Seeing the positive impact we can have on individuals and businesses is incredibly rewarding.
Today, my husband and I are financially independent, debt-free, and have the flexibility to spend quality time with our family. Although we don’t have other family members in the U.S. — my mom, brother, and sisters still live in Indonesia — we are committed to seeing each other at least twice a year. We make it a priority to meet up for family vacations, no matter how busy life gets. These trips are incredibly special to us, and we take the time to travel together as an entire family, including my mom, my siblings, and their families. It’s a tradition that our children, even though they are now adults, look forward to every year. I am truly blessed to be able to share these moments with my loved ones, thanks to the flexibility my business provides.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
As the owner of AtWork, I’m grateful to be in a position where our success allows us to make a meaningful impact. One of the ways we do this is by partnering with nonprofit organizations to help refugees find jobs. As an immigrant, I find this cause very close to my heart. We provide refugees with the support they need to secure employment and rebuild their lives in the U.S. We also collaborate with universities and colleges to help recent graduates find their first jobs. The transition from school to work can be tough, and we’re proud to guide these young professionals and offer them the opportunities they need to begin their careers confidently. I feel truly blessed to run a business that not only allows us to succeed but also gives us the chance to give back and make a real difference in people’s lives.
You have first-hand experience with the US immigration system. If you had the power, which three things would you suggest to improve the system?
I prefer to stay away from politics, but if I could suggest improvements, I would focus on streamlining and speeding up the visa and residency processes. The current system is often confusing, time-consuming, and filled with unnecessary bureaucracy.
Can you share “5 keys to achieving the American dream” that others can learn from you? Please share a story or example for each.
- Embrace Hard Work and Persistence
Achieving the American Dream is never easy — it takes hard work and persistence. When we started our business, it required a lot of effort and sacrifice. The first three years of running BounceU were particularly challenging. We worked around the clock, lost money each month, and often felt like we were failing. But we persevered by staying focused on our vision and pushing through the tough times. Persistence and dedication were crucial in turning things around and ultimately finding success. - Have a Solid Plan (with backup options)
Before launching our businesses, my husband and I spent a lot of time planning. We knew we wanted to own a business someday, but we waited until we were financially ready. We saved money, researched everything we could about starting a business, and made sure we had a clear plan in place. Having a solid plan gave us the confidence to take the leap. And having backup plans (Plan B and Plan C) ensured we were ready for any unexpected challenges. - Work with People Who Share Your Values
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the value of surrounding yourself with the right people. Working with individuals who share your values, passion, and commitment to success is crucial when building a business. My husband and I have always made sure that our team, partners, and collaborators align with our vision and core values. When everyone is on the same page and driven by the same goals, overcoming challenges and celebrating success together becomes much more accessible. - Value Family and Relationships
Family is everything to us. Although we don’t have extended family in the U.S., we prioritize staying connected and spending quality time together. Every year, no matter how busy our schedules get, we make sure to take a family vacation. These moments are a reminder of what truly matters. In addition to family, friendships are equally important. We consider our friends to be part of our extended family. We try to stay involved in our friends’ lives and offer support, no matter how hectic things get. Strong relationships with family and friends have been key to our happiness and success. - Trust that Everything Happens for a Reason
A powerful belief that guided us through our entrepreneurial journey is that everything happens for a reason. In business, things don’t always go as planned, and we face many setbacks — unexpected obstacles, missed opportunities, and even failures. Instead of seeing these as defeats, I chose to view them as lessons or redirections toward something better. In 2020, we were forced to close our children’s entertainment business due to the pandemic. It was heartbreaking to shut down something I had worked so hard to build for 13 years. But looking back, I’m grateful for that closure. The industry changed dramatically after COVID, and the rising costs of running the business — insurance, labor, and more — made it less profitable. Closing that business allowed me to shift my focus to AtWork, and since then, we’ve grown the business five times bigger than the revenue we generated from the entertainment business. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most difficult moments lead to new, unexpected opportunities.
We know that the US needs improvement. But are there 3 things that make you optimistic about the US’s future?
The U.S. has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Americans have a unique ability to adapt, learn from mistakes, and come together in times of need. This gives me confidence that we’ll continue to evolve and improve as a nation no matter the challenges that lie ahead.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
Mark Cuban! I’ve always admired his entrepreneurial journey, resilience, hustle, focus, and hard work — values that truly resonate with me. His commitment to giving back and his ability to balance business success with family life are also incredibly inspiring.
What is the best way our readers can further follow your work online?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-suryono-a2694411
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
