Doubt kills more dreams
than failure ever will.

about ALI MAKKI

aLI MAKKI' BIOGRAPHY

EARLY YEARS

I was born in Lebanon and I was raised in the great state of New Jersey. When I was just 10 years old, I had this habit of sneaking out of my house in the middle of the night, all to sit on that very same bench along Boulevard East, with a clear view of the New York City skyline.

For hours on end, I’d lose myself in the brilliance of the city lights, the hustle and bustle, and its sheer enormity. It felt majestic, and the energy of the city was simply magnetic.

What consumed my thoughts during those nights was the concept of ‘harmony.’ It wasn’t about something lasting forever; instead, it was about the symphony of individual voices and actions coming together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Young professional

Whether it was piano lessons or karate, my mother always made sure I engaged in after-school programs. My father on the other hand was seasoned businessman, believed in the value of starting early. That’s why he often brought me along to work at his clothing store in the heart of New York during weekends and some summers.

By the age of 13, my sales skills outshone all eight of his employees. The secret to my success was straightforward: honesty. I interacted directly with customers, and they valued the genuine approach.

These formative experiences opened my eyes to a profound connection between business and people. I came to understand that it’s not about mere transactions; it’s about forging meaningful relationships and nurturing trust.

Budding Entrepreneurship

At the age of nineteen, while pursuing my business degree in college, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by founding my first company, Global Star Logistics. In this venture, I operated as an owner-operator, collaborating with industry giants like Apple and IBM to deliver their products across the Tri-State area.

Upon graduating from college, I found that Global Star Logistics was running smoothly on its own. Eager for new challenges, I obtained my real estate license and leveraged my network within the construction industry to market their listings.

I became an unstoppable force in my pursuits, and that was only the beginning. While immersed in real estate, I stumbled upon the cement business. This discovery led me brokering cement deals domestically. By 2008, I had fostered a significant relationship, which offered me the opportunity to not only sell cement but also a diverse range of commodities in Africa, including rice, gold, sugar, fuel, and more. I spent 2 years in 7 African countries.

Corporate Years

After my 2 years in Africa, I returned to the U.S. in 2010 and found my professional home at JP Morgan Chase in the heart of Manhattan. For five years, I served as a private banker and financial consultant. I had the privilege of learning from some truly successful individuals. Their investment in my growth was evident as they consistently sponsored me to obtain more certifications and licenses, recognizing that my success was a mutual investment.

These years not only expanded my professional network significantly but also equipped me with a multitude of skills that continue to be instrumental in my career today.

PRESENT

Today, almost a decade now after successfully growing eight companies globally across five different sectors, my focus has shifted. I aspire to be a leader and motivator to those around me. I invest my time and energy in mentoring young individuals, guiding them to cultivate their potential, just as I did. Additionally, I’ve learned to savor life a bit more and allocate precious moments to spend with my family and keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Beyond my direct business ventures, I’ve also cultivated a personal hobby and taken on a public role in the fitness world. My commitment extends to sponsoring shows on a global stage, offering young talents the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

THE FUTURE

My mission is clear: to be a driving force in guiding others toward excellence in both business and personal realms. As they too succeed over time, they can do the same for others, forming what I call the ‘Spider Web Empire’.

I envision expanding even further into countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, UK and India, with the aim of fostering unity and a brighter global future.

Looking ahead, my objective is to consistently apply the principles I learned at the age thirteen, the creation of products and services that genuinely add value enrich peoples lives.