{"id":930,"date":"2023-07-18T08:56:54","date_gmt":"2023-07-18T08:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nparvez.com\/?post_type=podcast&p=930"},"modified":"2023-12-16T18:52:33","modified_gmt":"2023-12-16T18:52:33","slug":"eoseries7","status":"publish","type":"podcast","link":"https:\/\/nparvez.com\/podcast\/eoseries7\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue-Collar Revolution: From Sandwiches To Purpose-Driven Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cI didn’t know they existed, so I couldn’t even imagine it – I wasn’t capable of even thinking of doing this kind of business.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you every collapsed at an event with over 500 people in attendance? Not because of fatigue, or dehydration – but because of inspiration?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mazen has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But let me back up, Mazen\u2019s journey has taken many turns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From humble beginnings in his grandfather’s store – where he would argue pricing strategy at the age of 8 – to selling Polaroid pictures to pilgrims in Medina as a teenager, and finally becoming an entrepreneur by necessity after losing his job and having to pay a triple mortgage… it’s been a rollercoaster ride!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mazen Omair<\/strong><\/a> had been investing in and running franchises for over a decade (Subway Restaurants, and Sugarfield & Co) before he attended an event organized by EO. The theme of the event was “Purpose-driven Business.\u201d Before this, he hadn\u2019t put two and two together – CSR was just something large corporate did with leftover money, right? Charities were supposed to be non-profit only, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From that time on, Mazen\u2019s entrepreneurial journey changed forever. Mazen and his wife Rana Batterjee would go on to found their first purpose-driven business \u2192 EduPloyment<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

EduPloyment<\/strong><\/a> is a purpose-driven technology business that is helping to reimagine the ecosystem of blue-collar recruitment, on a global scale. The platform helps workers upskill their English language proficiency, and provides access to better job opportunities. Mazen and Rana have firsthand experience going through hiring cycles for their restaurants and stores. They understand the struggles of this segment of workers and want to give them a better chance at employment, so they can take care of their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was really touched by Mazen\u2019s passion, and his wisdom, throughout our conversation. Here are some of the highlights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd14 The good, the bad and the ugly of franchise businesses
\ud83d\udc69\u200d\u2764\ufe0f\u200d\ud83d\udc68Running a business with your spouse
\ud83e\udd2f Launching their MVP, and waking up to 100 downloads on day 1
\ud83d\udcb5 The stories we tell ourselves about \u2018financial stability\u2019
\u2757 The dangers entrepreneurs face when they haven\u2019t worked in a job before
\ud83d\udcbc The difference between parallel and serial entrepreneurship
\u2728 What Mazen cherishes the most about being in business
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, two of the biggest take aways for me from this conversation were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n