1. Let’s start with your journey that led you to establish Apex Property and Apex DMIT and what inspired you to venture into the IT, ITES and property management sectors?

My journey began in the USA, where I gained thirty years of experience in various business sectors before expanding my ventures to include Apex Property and Apex DMIT. As time progressed, I felt a stirring within me, a yearning to create something impactful, something that went beyond the ordinary. This inner flame led me to establish Apex Property and Apex DMIT, ventures born from a desire to weave together the realms of IT, ITES, and property management, driven by the vision of making an indelible positive mark on the world through the power of modern technology and the empowerment of individuals.

This ambition, however, did not blossom in isolation. It was nurtured by the unwavering belief instilled in me by my mother, who emphasized the importance of giving back to our homeland, particularly through the creation of meaningful job opportunities in Bangladesh. Her wisdom underscored the notion that true significance lies not just in numbers, but in the impact we have on the lives of others and the world around us.

As an entrepreneur, my purpose became clear – to positively impact the lives of a million people by leveraging modern technology and empowering individuals to realize their potential. This noble calling, my beacon of inspiration, was kindled by the profound influence of my mother, whose guiding light continues to illuminate the path of my entrepreneurial journey. 

2. Your entrepreneurial spirit has led you to found numerous businesses over the years, walk us through the various business ventures you’re leading or involved in.

Initially, I ventured into the car business while pursuing my studies. Subsequently, I transitioned into trading before embarking on property management, renovation, preservation, and home improvement endeavors in the USA market.

Recognizing that the young generation is a key asset in Bangladesh, I shifted my focus to establishing an IT and ITES company there. Technology serves as a significant multiplier in business, fostering rapid growth unlike any other industry. My aim is to make a positive impact in Bangladesh by unleashing the potential of our youth, aligning with the purpose of my entrepreneurial journey.

The primary motivation for my return to Bangladesh is my mother. Her unwavering belief in giving back to our homeland and emphasizing the importance of job creation has influenced my decision. She firmly believes that my contribution in this aspect holds utmost significance in the long run.

3. What strategies have you employed to ensure the growth and sustainability of your businesses, and how do you balance overseeing multiple ventures effectively?

The primary strategic focus across all my businesses revolves around fostering a disciplined company culture, consistently practiced within the organization. As a values-driven company, our communication, customer and colleague interactions, and strategies for managing people, finances, and marketing are all derived from our core values. Our brand promise of transparency, speed, and accuracy is ingrained in our internal operations and extended to our customers and stakeholders. The core strategy of our company lies in our core values and brand promise.

For instance, our commitment to the core value of ‘pursue evaluation and learning’ has led us to donate computers, provide IT support, and deploy teachers to over 30 schools in low-income areas. Additionally, employees actively engage in these communities as part of our social responsibility initiatives, aligning with our core values.

We maintain a transparent culture and cultivate an ownership mentality within our company, empowering every team member to think and act like a CEO, contributing to idea generation and participating in decision-making processes.

Learning is a fundamental focus for us, with significant investments in time and resources allocated to learning endeavors. This dedication to continuous improvement is reflected in our business operations, leading to remarkable results. Our learning initiatives encompass activities such as reading, listening to books, diverse training sessions, and collaborative intellectual discussions, all contributing to the sustained growth and sustainability of our ventures.

With a shared purpose, core values, and brand promise woven through all our businesses, effectively balancing oversight becomes a streamlined process. 

4. What is your perspective on niche segments within the real estate or property sector, and do you see any particular opportunities or challenges for entrepreneurs looking to specialize in these areas?

 I have a particular focus on niche segments within the real estate or property sector and I am passionate about working within these specialized areas.

Specializing in niche segments offers both opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs. For instance, entrepreneurs can cater to specific demographic or lifestyle segments, such as luxury properties, eco-friendly housing, or senior living communities, and develop expertise, personalized marketing strategies, and a competitive edge in the market.

On the other hand, specializing in niche segments involves challenges, such as potentially narrower target audiences, requiring highly targeted marketing and sales strategies. Additionally, effectively communicating the unique value proposition of niche offerings to a specific audience demands a nuanced and targeted marketing and branding approach.

In conclusion, while niche segments present opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish a unique position in the real estate or property sector, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate market dynamics, customer needs, and the competitive landscape to successfully navigate the specific opportunities and challenges associated with specialization in these areas.

5. In what ways do you see technology impacting the Home Improvement/Property Management industry, and how is Apex Home adapting to these changes?

Looking ahead at Apex Property and DMIT, technology stands as a crucial driving force for our future growth. Our strategy revolves around prioritizing innovation, maintaining competitiveness, and harnessing new technologies, data analysis, customer input, and exploration of untapped market segments.

Firstly, our focus is on enhancing our online platform, revamping user interface and experience to be more intuitive, visually appealing, and leading in its class. We aim to incorporate high-quality videos, visual content, recognition software, and virtual reality capabilities to deliver an immersive user experience.

Additionally, we intend to leverage data analysis and AI to proactively identify and cater to customer needs and preferences, thus enhancing personalized services, marketing strategies, and consumer interactions while driving up conversion rates. Automation will play a key role in enabling seamless communication across various channels relevant to our customers.

Furthermore, diversifying our services, such as delving into short-term property investment opportunities, and forming partnerships with industry leaders and financial institutions to provide financial support programs to our customers, will be an integral part of our expansion into new markets.

Sustainability forms an essential aspect of our growth plan, where we will integrate eco-friendly practices, initiate community initiatives, drive consumer-led sustainability efforts, and position ourselves as a trusted source for sustainable property practices.

In response to the technology’s impact on the Home Improvement/Property Management industry, Apex Home is adapting by embracing advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and sustainable practices to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive meaningful growth in the industry.

6. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Apex Property and DMIT.? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?

As a purpose-driven company, we have integrated our mission deeply into every facet of our operations. At Apex, success encompasses more than just numbers; it includes our culture, our people, and the positive impact we aspire to make on the world. Envisioning the future of the Apex office, I visualize an environment where excitement thrives, complemented by the backdrop of classical music, creating a tranquil and focused ambience. However, it is the people who truly distinguish Apex. Our core values are not only upheld but also regularly celebrated and rewarded, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. For Apex, profitability and providing an exceptional workplace are just the beginning – our commitment extends to making a meaningful and positive impact on the world. My dedication to nurturing our culture, facilitating employee development, and driving community impact perpetually underpin our efforts to ensure the sustained growth and viability of Apex.

Looking forward, we are enthusiastic about our innovative initiatives on the horizon. Our focus on leveraging technology to address our customers’ needs includes a specialization in AI-based solutions for developing new products and services.

Furthermore, our expansion into the hospitality service industry is an especially exciting prospect. We are thrilled to create impeccably designed services for customers seeking serene, distinctive, and eco-friendly experiences. One of my personal favorite projects, the Kazi Resort and Hotel, exemplifies this endeavor. As we look to the future, we are poised to deliver a truly exceptional experience in the resort and hotel industry.

7. Reflecting on your involvement with EO Bangladesh, how has this community shaped your perspective on entrepreneurship, and what advantages do you believe it offers to Entrepreneurs?

The Bangladesh chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a branch of the US-based global network established in 1987, connects over 15,000 members across 61+ countries. EO’s primary objective is to bridge entrepreneurs worldwide, enabling them to realize their full potential through meaningful connections, shared experiences, and collaborative learning. This platform offers exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurs globally. It provides a chance to learn from top trainers, gain insights into global entrepreneurial successes and failures, and share unique challenges for innovative solutions, making it an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur.

In 2021, I was honored to serve as the President of the Bangladesh chapter of EO, an experience that I consider truly magical. Leading fellow leaders within the organization has been a privilege and a blessing, shaping my entrepreneurial journey in profound ways.

EO has been transformative in my entrepreneurial education, offering opportunities for personal growth in various aspects of life. For example, I had the privilege of attending the Entrepreneurial Strategy program at Harvard Business School through EO last year. Such prestigious educational opportunities are regularly extended to EO members, providing access to esteemed institutions such as MIT, INSEAD, and Ivy League universities for continuous learning. Through EO, successful business leaders visit Bangladesh, offering valuable training, top-tier management programs, and strategic insights.

Moreover, the sense of community fostered by EO is unparalleled. By curating a select group of engaged and like-minded individuals through a rigorous membership process, EO ensures a supportive network of committed members. The organization extends its reach beyond individual entrepreneurs to their families, actively encouraging spouses to participate, engage, and learn alongside members, creating a cohesive family-like environment within EO. 

Currently, I am serving as the Governance Chair in EO Bangladesh and have been appointed as a distinguished board member of the Asian Bridge Forum, further enhancing my engagement and impact within the entrepreneurial community. 

8. What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to succeed in the IT, ITES, and Property Management field?

I offer two suggestions: one emphasizes adopting a learning mindset, while the other underscores cultivating a sense of ambition. To begin, I propose embracing a “learning” mentality by setting goals and visions. Identify the ‘must-have,’ ‘should-have,’ ‘could-have,’ and ‘won’t-have’ elements associated with your goal and then acquire the necessary skills proactively. Additionally, I advise dedicating time to reading books and consuming materials that boost personal and professional growth. Early adoption of these habits can pave the way for a clear path to success.