The Tao of the Badger

A man before his time, Rick Kroos is a visionary adventurer who, after serving with the US Army Corp of Engineers in Vietnam, arrived in Hong Kong in 1969 without portfolio, local language skills or employment. His determination and tenacity landed employment with J. Roger Preston & Partners, a highly regarded mechanical engineering firm poised to play a major role in the development of Hong Kong.

Over the course of his remarkable career, Rick became one of the city’s leading engineering personalities, playing a crucial role in the creation of the dynamic world-class Hong Kong skyline, from the St. George’s Building to the International Finance Centre.
One of the first American businessmen to open an office in China in early 1979, Rick directed landmark projects that stand throughout the mainland and in cities across Southeast Asia. The Tao of The Badger is his life story: a fascinating and heartfelt account of an accidental American expatriate who embraced Chinese traditions and culture. Rick’s story parallels the unprecedented phenomenon of Asia’s explosive growth, diversity and resilience. Rick has been described as a high energy achiever,
a decisive problem solver, a mentor to many, and a comprador bridging the West and East. His story provides a unique perspective and reveals how curiosity, hard work and an open mind can lead to achieving unimagined success.