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Mohamed Geraldez, comes from a growing group of American Muslim entrepreneurs who are showing their peers that you don’t have to be a doctor, engineer or lawyer to be financially successful. Born and raised in Southern California, Geraldez embraces every aspect of social entrepreneurship, spearheading his businesses and various community initiatives. We got a chance to speak with Geraldez about his ventures and really enjoyed his thinking out-of-the-box approach.
Elan: When did you launch your first business? What was it?
Mohamed Geraldez: The first business I launched was when I lived in Morocco. I bought some sheep in an attempt to fund my overseas studies, but it didn’t go as planned (chuckles). Lesson learned: you must have, at least, a basic understanding of every aspect of your value chain. And another thing I learned from that venture is I must be present during the establishing stage of any business that I am apart of. No one cares for your business like you.
Elan: Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background? How did you become an entrepreneur?
MG: Before becoming a full-fledged entrepreneur I worked at a couple of digital tech start-ups. As a guy who had entrepreneurial tendencies as a kid (I remember at 6 years old, going door-to-door selling lemons because I thought “what if someone doesn’t like lemonade? They could use the lemons for something else they like”), being around entrepreneurs was a great motivator and director of my thoughts, ideals and goals in life.
I became an entrepreneur by trying to solve problems that people were faced with, dedicating myself to them, and following through in everything I was apart of. Planning is just as important as executing, which are both as important as following through.
Elan: A lot of your businesses and other projects often involve some sort of community initiative. Why is it important for you to do that?
MG: An eastern adage goes “A good man considers himself rich when everyone else is rich.” I was not raised in the most privileged of situations and the kids I grew up with had it worse, so “giving back” has somewhat become a part of my identity. Growing up in church, hearing “Give ‘til it hurts” always bothered me but as I’ve matured, I realized they were actually giving me a fail-proof formula to success. If you want, give! If you can’t give money, give your labor. If you can’t give that, give your time. There is always something to give to the less fortunate. And always remember the tables may be turned one day and you may be the one seeking assistance. Therefore, pay it forward. And when all else fails, give.
Elan: What has been your greatest challenge in your career?
MG: Saying “no” to all the offers I’m presented with. From equity in emerging firms, to board positions with prominent organizations, to taking on another promising project, saying “no” has been my greatest challenge. I’m getting better but when another great offer comes my way, I seem to always struggle in saying “no” especially when it looks like a slam dunk.
Elan: What advice would you give to upcoming entrepreneurs?
MG: Focus. Become a master in a field you love. Someone will eventually recognize it, and hopefully many will.
Elan: What other projects can we expect from you in the upcoming months?
MG: There are some interesting digital technology projects that I’m apart of that are disrupting established processes. Some pretty exciting stuff that I hope many of you will come to know of. With fashion, I’ll always have my hand in that arena – it’s just something I really enjoy. Additionally, through my website www.MGeraldez.com, we are frequently contacted for consultations, investment pitches and business propositions. Who knows what may come of those (smiles).
I’d like to continue focusing and diversifying at the same time – reimagining different sectors of life that I’m very interested in.
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