Sailing into the big league

Filter also devotes himself to training young professionals for the company. As proposed by him, Sino Eagle has established a research and development team consisting of talent from China and abroad.

The company makes big investments annually to produce products based on new technologies.

"My time is limited. So I must hurry to hand over my know-how to young people," he says.

Home away from home

Filter received the Friendship Award from the Chinese government in 2004. The annual awards are given to foreigners who make significant contributions to China's development.

Filter, who has had a lot of international exposure, says he treasures his deep connection with China.

"It's not only work but more based on friendship," he says.

Filter has joined Xiong's family on many unforgettable tours around China. And being treated as a member of that family has given him a strong sense of home in China.

"I've watched his (Xiong's) sons and even grandsons grow up gradually. It's amazing."

As an honorary citizen of Fuyang, Filter has been watching the city grow in the past few years.

Filter recalls he was once the only Western face in Fuyang, but today, more than 200 foreign experts live here. He has even helped establish a local foreign experts' club as a socializing platform.

He says he is also impressed by improvements in the environment and people's living standards. Workers here used to ride bicycles. Now, many of them drive cars, he says.

"I realize that when you help a company grow, you also help a country grow. China is such a big nation－its development will benefit the entire rowing undertaking in return."