Zero Sales To 6 Figures: Tinley Entrepreneur Says 'Never Give Up'
Malik Kurdi wanted to be his own boss. Determined to bring a better life to his family, Kurdi launched Exemplary Marketing in 2015.
Author:Elisa MuellerReviewer:Iram MartinsSep 24, 202123.6K Shares640.4K Views
Malik Kurdi wanted to be his own boss. Determined to bring a better life to his family, Kurdi launched Exemplary Marketing in 2015.
"My first two years, I had zero sales. I was driving Uber, then one day, I finally got a large sale, and said 'OK, this is legit,'" Kurdi said. (Malik Kurdi)
TINLEY PARK, IL — When now-24-year-old Malik Kurdi, of Tinley Park, graduated from high school, he knew college wasn't for him. After completing a two-year software development program, he took a leap of faith, starting his own marketing agency.
Kurdi, who previously worked with family, always wanted to own a business growing up. He said the 9-5 life "wasn't for him," and in 2015, decided to launch his company, Exemplary Marketing. The Chicago-based company specializes in social media marketing, application design, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, chatbots and blockchain.
"When I started my company, I was working at my father's restaurant, and I was tired of working for people, I wasn't getting paid enough, and I wasn't living the life I wanted to live," Kurdi said. "I decided to become an entrepreneur. I didn't want to go to school, and I knew I was smart, and I knew how to run a business."
Kurdi expanded his business further when he decided to add more app development, among other features. The entrepreneur has recently been interviewed by DotCom Magazine, a news platform providing interviews with newsmakers, thought leaders and entrepreneurs. Kurdi said he earned the "entrepreneur of the year" title in the past, and wants to encourage other young adults to chase their dreams, adding that the success didn't happen overnight.
"My first two years, I had zero sales. I was driving Uber, then one day, I finally got a large sale, and said 'OK, this is legit,'" Kurdi said. "I just kept working hard at it, and investing a lot of money in my website, using the money I was making from Uber. The business then grew, one deal to another — then the deals turned into six figures. It just kept going up from there, and my hard work was paying off."
The company is made up of 75 employees across the country. Kurdi said there are currently 95 different projects under way at the agency, and that the company has received even more inquires following the DotCom Magazine feature. The Tinley Park native said during the time when his business wasn't making a profit, his family was one of his biggest motivations.
"I have two little sisters, my mom and dad. I always see my dad working hard, so wanting to give them everything is what kept motivating me," Kurdi said. "I love giving. I don't want my sisters or mom to ever feel like they have to work. Now I can provide and take care of them."
After not knowing where this risky leap of faith would take him, Kurdi wants younger business developers to never give up on their dreams.
"Like I said, I literally didn't have any sales for two years, and now the business generates well over 6 figures a year. I have a billboard on I-294, and have plenty of interviews and client testimonials," Kurdi said. "I want other people to succeed, like I love spreading the love. You just have to work hard, and believe in yourself."
Learn more about Exemplary Marketing on its website.
Elisa Mueller
Author
Elisa Mueller, a Kansas City native, grew up surrounded by the wonders of books and movies, inspired by her parents' passion for education and film.
She earned bachelor's degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Kansas before moving to New York City, where she spent a decade at Entertainment Weekly, visiting film sets worldwide.
With over 8 years in the entertainment industry, Elisa is a seasoned journalist and media analyst, holding a degree in Journalism from NYU. Her insightful critiques have been featured in prestigious publications, cementing her reputation for accuracy and depth.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending film festivals, painting, writing fiction, and studying numerology.
Iram Martins
Reviewer
Iram Martins is a seasoned travel writer and explorer with over a decade of experience in uncovering the world's hidden gems. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Management from the University of Lisbon, Iram's credentials highlight his authority in the realm of travel.
As an author of numerous travel guides and articles for top travel publications, his writing is celebrated for its vivid descriptions and practical insights.
Iram’s passion for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path adventures shines through in his work, captivating readers and inspiring wanderlust.
Outside of his writing pursuits, Iram enjoys learning new languages, reviewing films and TV shows, writing about celebrity lifestyles, and attending cultural festivals.
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