- Young innovators today often push age stereotypes to the side to strategize their way to success. And these entrepreneurs did just that, making power plays that keep them ahead of the pack, and taking risks to see their dreams come true. As part of our Young Bosses series, providing tools and resources for budding and experienced business leaders ages 35 and under, BlackEnterprise.com spotlights their stories. Learn how you can use these plays to get in the game and win.
- FILLING A VOID IN AFRICA: GREG MARCHAND
Marchand, 35, founded Chicago-based Gizmos L.L.C., and after seeing a demand for IT products and services in Africa, expanded his venture to Zambia. He heads Gizmos’ African division, Gizmos Ltd., which provides business solutions to the Sub-Saharan African business community. With nearly $1 million in revenues in 2010, Gizmos’ clients include the MTN Group, a multinational mobile telecom company, and UNICEF.
- For resources on how to expand your business internationally, check out 4 Steps to Taking Your Business Global.
- BANKING ON SUSTAINABILITY: NATALIA ALLEN
This 20-something founder of Design Futurist, a product design consultancy founded in 2005, is hired by top companies to provide innovative environmentally friendly materials by using non-toxic methods of production. She touts sustainability as bigger than a trend– a necessary business move–and gives lectures and workshops to companies and organizations on incorporating Earth-friendly practices to increase their bottom line. “Any company that wants to be relevant in 10 years needs to grab hold of the idea of innovation and sustainability as core business practices and realize it’s not a do-good exercise. It is a business opportunity,†Allen told Black Enterprise magazine.
- For tips on how to succeed in green industries, check out Green Insider: Preparing Generation Next for Energy Jobs.
- TAPPING INTO PEERS: JASON SMIKLE
This 24-year-old founder of Truly Unique Vision (TUV) Online/TUV Media sought to provide engaging media produced for young people by young people and teamed up with friends Ebele Mora and Fabricio Sousa to launch the media company, which helps br
ands connect directly with audiences age 18—24. “There’s a huge disconnect between the mindset of young people and the companies trying to create products that young people buy,†Smikle told Black Enterprise magazine. With a client list boasting companies including Foot Locker, BET, Toyota, and McDonald’s, the company is set for major revenue growth in coming years.- For more Web resources to grow your business, check out Top Sites for Young Entrepreneurs.
- TRANSLATING BUZZ OF GEN X & Y: TINA WELLS
Wells, 30, has grown her market research firm to position itself as a leader in giving companies from MAC Cosmetics to American Eagle effective marketing and research strategies–related to beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment–for 6 to 24-year-olds. With a worldwide network of nearly 10,000 teen consultants, the research aggregator provides a realistic view of what’s poppin’ –or not–among the youth of today, providing valuable insight on an audience with major buying power and cultural influence.
- For career tips on marketing success, check out 12 Things Every Entrepreneur Needs to Succeed in Marketing
- FLIPPING CATASTROPHE INTO DOLLARS: AMOS WINBUSH III
Twenty-six-year-old Winbush turned a loss of more than 100 contacts from his phone into a lightbulb moment that sparked a venture. In 2008, he started Cybersynchs, a company that allows for the synchronization of phone data with one’s computer. Holding partnerships with companies like Sun Microsystems and Samsung, the company has its sights on providing service for camcorders and cable devices, and synchronization to medical devices.
- For tips on how to turn a bright idea into a venture, check out Take Your Dream from Concept to Company.
- RISKING IT ALL FOR THE BIG WIN: AARON ARNOLD
Arnold, 31, gave his all to start his dream venture, leaving a high-paying job as a public relations executive to start Music Is My Business, an Atlanta-based music company with a client list that includes ESPN, Heineken, and the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP). The former Bad Boy intern who worked closely with Sean “Diddy” Combs, lived off credit cards and a prayer–and even worked for free– and it all paid off, with his company recently launching its first music single from its debut album called The Unknowns on MTV.
- EMPOWERING THOUGHT LEADERS VIA SOCIAL MEDIA: ARIELLE PATRICE SCOTT
The co-founder and CEO of GenJuice offers young influencers and entrepreneurs, ages 17-29, a community where they can view helpful content and resources to point them toward success. Using her digital strategy and social networking skills, Scott, is leading several business development projects at Game Changer Products, and describes herself as “part businesswoman, part artist, and full badass.â€
- For more on how to stay away from social media blunders, check out 5 Twitter Mistakes to Avoid.
- Want to know more about young entrepreneurs and professionals doing it big in their industries? Check out our 40 Next list and get inspired!