(This article originally published on USA Today.)
For those considering starting a business, having the right mentor may mean the difference between success and moving on to a new chapter. Take a look at seven entrepreneurs shaking up their industries for inspiration.
Physician and producer/keyboardist ZENG is breaking into the music scene with a unique sound
David Zheng is a Neurology-Psychiatry dual board resident/physician at NYU and an accomplished keyboardist, producer and composer, mentored master jazz musicians. ZENG’s genre-defying debut album, Loading…, was released in 2020 by Grammy-winning label Ropeadope Records. Blending influences of jazz, electronica and dance into a truly unique sound, ZENG has garnered hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. Over the next few years, ZENG hopes to tour as a supporting keyboardist with big-name acts and spend more time in the studio with his heroes and friends in the industry.
Michael Letts: InVest USA is helping to keep police officers and first responders safe
Many police officers have no chest protection or substandard vests that are inadequate against modern-day firepower. InVest USA is a charitable organization working with communities and police departments to get our heroes home safely at the end of the day. InVest provides active shooter vests, made with high-quality titanium mesh, to police departments. By 2021, it had contributed over 6,500 vests to officers worldwide. InVest was founded by Michael Letts from Columbia, SC, a police officer, police chaplain, and firefighter. He aims to provide adequate protection to departments across the nation to keep our police officers safe.
Meet activist Zahid F. Sarder
Political exile has not stopped activist Zahid F. Sarder Saddi from fighting for Bangladeshi democracy– if anything, it strengthened his resolve. Originally from Dhaka, Saddi served as Foreign Advisor to the previous Prime Minister, the Honorable Begum Khaleda Zia, during her three terms. He’s also a Special Envoy to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party who recently thanked Secretary of State Antony Blinken for the U.S. sanctions against Bangladesh in the hope that the pressure put on the current regime to facilitate the protection of human rights. Learn more about his work at zahidfsardersaddi.com/
Harbor Classic is Outdoor Furniture’s Industry Game-Changer
Harbor Classic is set to revolutionize the way consumers purchase outdoor patio furniture. Harbor Classic offers an all-in-one pricing structure utilizing the highest-quality furniture available, with almost none of the logistical issues by which most outdoor furniture is held back. All customer orders are shipped the next business day.
Harbor Classic’s vertically integrated business allows the company to manufacture everything at their own factory and control every step of the process to ensure the highest level of quality control.
Expert marketer Barrington Haye Jr. is breaking down barriers to entry in digital marketing
Barrington Haye Jr. is the founder of Eminent Horizon, a digital marketing firm based in Orlando, FL. He believes that digital marketing is essential to the prosperity of businesses in the modern age. However, learning to utilize the tools of digital marketing is not always easy.
According to Haye, “There’s a steep learning curve fraught with plentiful jargon, ever-changing guidelines, and constant evolution. Even after getting a grasp on the basics, many companies face issues with throughput.”
Haye built Eminent Horizon to be a beginner-friendly, one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to leave their digital footprint on the world. Follow him on Instagram.
Entrepreneur and app developer Sapna Rajput is finding unique ways to connect people
Sapna Rajput is a prolific entrepreneur and innovator with several exciting projects in development, including CrazyMoney, a patented platform designed to bring entrepreneurs and investors together. Rajput created the app to facilitate trustworthy investment connections. She also created Omega Finance, a platform where experienced advisors can offer investment guidance on stocks, options, crypto, and other areas. Rajput is currently developing a new luxury home services app where users can hire professionals to provide premium services in the comfort of their homes. She’s always searching for the next great way to connect people in need to those who can help.
Billion Dollar Beauty Offers Unparalleled Personalization with the Beauty Box
The beauty industry has become highly competitive. Natalie Plain, CEO of renowned cosmetics manufacturer Billion Dollar Beauty (BDB), believes that companies seeking a strong foundation for success should focus on creating product-based solutions instead of following fads. Created 18 years ago in Plain’s apartment, BDB is now a multi-million-dollar global enterprise. To enhance customizability in the beauty industry, BDB created its new Beauty Box, allowing customers to purchase magnetized, modular pods containing only the colors they need. With a commitment to sustainability, affordability and personalization, Billion Dollar Beauty is on its way to becoming a billion-dollar brand.
Imperium Group received compensation from the companies and individuals featured in this article.
