Change Maker Spotlight: Victor Stringer

Change Maker Spotlight: Victor Stringer


Victor Stringer is a certified yoga instructor in Kundalini Yoga, member of Kundalini 3Ho Foundation International, National Council on Strength Fitness (NCSF), as well as a member of the Southern California Golf Association. Victor Stringer started playing golf 30 years ago and at one point had a 3 handicap. Stringer combined his passion for yoga and golf and wrote Yogi on the Green, a #1 international bestseller in three categories in nine countries. When not playing golf, Stringer is owner and President of the global company, VR Camelot Inc., a U.S Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder.  

Yoga Digest:   How did you get into your business?

Victor:   I started over 40 years ago at a small private security company handling security on ships. One day I got a call from a shipping company that needed supplies delivered to one of their cruise ships in the Los Angeles harbor. This referral led me to grow my company, VR Camelot, Inc. a U.S. Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder. Today my company delivers ship parts and supplies to cruise ships in the Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego harbors.

YD:   How do you stay motivated and inspired to be the best you?

Victor: My mother inspired me when she said “If you are not willing to do your best at everything just don’t do anything! ” Every morning I look into the mirror and say “today I want to be the very best that I can be at everything that I do. ” Yoga motivates me. Prior to doing yoga I weighed 265 pounds and today I’m 195 pounds. A proper diet and working out several times a week have helped me maintain a healthy body weight.

YD:   Why is it important to have a message, mission and  intention?

Victor:   When I joined the United States Marine Corps. we had to make our beds first thing before we did anything else. Something as basic as making your bed daily can give you a sense of wellbeing. You are in control! Another daily task I do is remember there are things I can control and let go of things I can’t control. The present is all we have. I pray that I handle what comes at me the very best that I can.

YD:   What do you like least about your industry?

Victor: Every day I’m faced with work challenges that can be overwhelming. We work 24 – 7 with clients all over the world attempting to get items to their ships up and down the California coast. If an item arrives late for delivery to the vessel, we have to wait for the arrival, which can be costly to reroute the item. However, challenges are also rewarding when we’re able to assist happy clients. I also wished I had more time to play golf.

YD:   Where do you see yourself in the industry in five years?

Victor: I will turn 78-years-young in July. Whether I’m working or not, my goal is to be happy, healthy, and holy as we say in Kundalini yoga. My dream is to own a small horse ranch in mid-California. I’ve been riding for many years and really enjoy it. I would also like to retire from my present company and open a small yoga studio and help others find the same enjoyment as I have since I started doing yoga and meditation.

YD:   What is your life motto?

Victor:   Be present and persistent in everything you do! I don’t want to be one of those people who regret not doing things they wished they had done. That’s why I’ve tried many things in my life from sports, attempting to learn new languages, playing instruments to writing poetry. I’ve been blessed in my life and look for a higher power for guidance. A Buddhist wisdom teaching is said to have always ended his talk with “may it be of benefit. ”

 

Yogi on the Green  is available for purchase at    and  .