David Han

Class of 2019

A first generation immigrant, David Han was born in Seoul, South Korea on August 1, 1955 to Tal and Kye Han.

Like many immigrants, David and his family moved to the U.S. to achieve the American Dream. He emigrated from South Korea to the Baltimore area in 1972 when he was 17.

He received a minority scholarship to attend the University of Maryland Baltimore County and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore in 1979.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, many Korean immigrants were opening c-stores in Maryland. As an entrepreneur fresh out of college, David saw an opportunity, and in 1981 he founded Triple C Wholesalers.

Starting with a small rented warehouse in a Baltimore neighborhood and a few employees, he began sowing the seeds of what would become a successful business venture.

Committed to Triple C’s success and his growing family, David recognized that being active in the community would benefit him on both fronts.

To those that know him, he has been a bridge builder not only within the Korean community, but in connecting with other communities in the Baltimore area as well.

At a time when there was tension between Korean convenience store owners in Baltimore and the African American community, including gun gun violence at the stores, David brought several groups of African American leaders to South Korea on a cultural mission to help build better relationships.

Through Triple C, he funded and ran logistics for the Baltimore Inner City Mission that offers free after school tutoring to African American children.

For his contributions to the community, he has been awarded the Maryland Governor’s Citation, Baltimore City Mayor’s Citation and the Korean War Veterans’ Citation.

A lifelong learner, David returned to school in 2012 to obtain his masters in Theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

David and his wife Ok have two children, Christina and Philip, and three grandchildren.

In his free time, David likes to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren, play golf and participate in weekly bible study groups.

“His business ethic is second to none. David is driven by profit and most importantly, he’s driven by the greater good,” says 2011 Candy Hall of Fame inductee John Wynn. “Despite incredible success, David remains a humble man.”