H & N Group: How a family business overcame adversity to create a global seafood enterprise

H & N Group, headquartered outside Los Angeles, California, sources and distributes fresh seafood around the world. With more than 40 years in business and $480 million in annual revenue, the second-generation family enterprise is a testament to sustained growth and success. 

“The Ngo family’s story is a great example of determination, hard work, and integrity,” said Michael Richard, Wells Fargo Food & Agribusiness Relationship Manager. “Their passion is inspiring and it’s a pleasure to support them in their journey.”

Hua Ngo, a native of Vietnam, founded the company shortly after he and his family arrived in America. (The company name reflects the Hua and wife Nga’s first names.) Both their children now play pivotal roles in the business. Daughter Christine Ngo is Executive Vice President and son Bobby Ngo is Vice President, Fresh Division. 

“First and foremost, I’m proud that we’ve had exceptional growth, from being a local and regional distributor to being a national household name with a brand known for hard work, service, and being honest in what we do,” Christine said.

Success hasn’t been easy or straightforward for the Ngo family. Through it all, Wells Fargo has played a key role in their journey. What began with a modest six-figure loan has grown to a multi-million dollar engagement that supports new facilities, strategic acquisitions, and international supply chains. It’s a reflection of both Wells Fargo’s commitment and the Ngo family’s hard work and business acumen.

Humble beginnings for a Vietnamese-born entrepreneur

A lifetime in the seafood industry began when Hua was growing up in Vietnam. He left school at age 13 to deliver seafood—an economic necessity when his father died suddenly.

Gradually, Hua saved money to buy his own fishing boat and began selling his catch across Saigon. At the same time, he rationed fuel and made plans to give his family a better life. In 1979, Hua, his wife, and their two children joined other refugees in exiting the war-torn region. They first made their way to Malaysia, and later immigrated to the U.S., where they settled in California.

Shortly after, the Ngos launched H & N Group in 1981. They invested the family’s life savings in a fishing boat for Hua. The venture was short-lived, however; one day the boat sustained heavy damage and nearly sank. Repairs were not feasible.

Where others might have backed away from their dreams, the Ngos persevered. Instead of selling his own catch, Hua scraped together funds to rent a van, then nurtured relationships with other fisherman to distribute their seafood across southern California. Through quality product, reliability, and word-of-mouth, H & N Group took off.

A trusted banking relationship spans more than three decades

Today, H & N Group is a thriving multinational operation that’s grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions. The company employs approximately 60 people and imports a core line of products—including shrimp, tilapia, salmon, and catfish—from top suppliers around the world.

Integrity, strong relationships, adaptability, and a constant willingness to learn lie at the heart of their business. Their banking relationship with Wells Fargo is no exception.

“Our relationship with the Ngo family is truly special and has stood the test of time,” said Andrew Moy, Managing Director and Head of Commercial Banking Client Growth Segments for Wells Fargo. “Hua, Christine, and their entire family are exceptional people and operators. They lead with integrity and innovation, earning deep respect across the industry.”

Hua connected with Wells Fargo when H & N Group was still a small business, receiving his first loan in 1990. Through hard work, mutual respect, and open communication, the engagement grew until Wells Fargo became H & N Group’s only bank approximately ten years ago.

Wells Fargo now supports the company with credit, treasury management, trade services, and real estate financing. A number of specialized bankers guide the company on credit, mergers and acquisitions, navigating global supply chains, automating accounts payable—and many other initiatives.

Mostly self-taught, Hua places a premium on knowledge and appreciates the insights the bank can provide. 

“Hua always tells me, we’re a student of what we learn from a place like Wells Fargo,” Christine said. “It’s like a school. We can learn from the people and the institution, develop resources and tools to make ourselves better, more efficient, as an organization.”

Wells Fargo steps up during ‘toughest times’

The Ngo family also recognizes the value of long-term relationships when faced with unexpected challenges. 

“The toughest times, the crisis moments, is when you think about how important Wells Fargo was for us,” Christine explained. 

One of the biggest came in the wake of 9/11. Air travel was grounded for days—and so were the seafood shipments that maintained H & N Group’s cash flow. Like many other companies at the time, H & N Group faced significant business disruptions. 

Compounding their concerns, just a few months earlier they had broken ground on a new facility outside Los Angeles. Financing from Wells Fargo supported the construction.

Worried he would default on the loan, Hua reached out. Fortunately, the bank recognized the situation was outside H & N Group’s control and worked with the company to address their needs during a challenging time.

“That’s when the bank said, ‘We’re here with you’,” Christine recalled. “Wells Fargo became not just a source of credit or the service arm of a loan, but a partner.”

Second-generation leaders ready to continue the family business

As H & N Group embarks on its next chapter, the Ngo family is excited and well-positioned for what’s next. Strong relationships and a commitment to excellence remain central to their mission.

“Our customers have learned to trust us—not just in the products we carry but in the relationships,” Christine said. “I’m proud to maintain our family business dynamic and continue our legacy.”