Abid Abedi’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspirational. After arriving in the United States in 1983 with little more than a bag and ambition, Abedi’s tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to remarkable success. With a career spanning over three decades, Abedi has founded 15 startups and five companies and left his mark on the world of coding education through his newest company iCode.
Abedi’s entrepreneurial prowess became evident early on as he persevered in the face of initial setbacks. After failing a programming class during his undergraduate studies, he took the opportunity to pivot toward accounting. After graduating, he was the first international to be hired by the Federal Reserve. He also worked for companies such as Payless, and AT&T, laying the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures.
Entrepreneurial Milestones
In 2010, Abedi achieved a significant milestone when he successfully sold his first company, which had amassed revenue exceeding $135 million. “Ideas are a dime a dozen,” he says. “It’s the execution around the idea that matters. You need to have a plan.” Since then, Abedi has continued to spearhead multiple startups and businesses across various industries, collectively generating over $3 billion in revenue over the past three decades. Among his notable ventures is his most recent, iCode, a pioneering institution that offers comprehensive coding education to thousands of youth.
iCode’s success stands as a testament to Abedi’s commitment to education and innovation. Abedi leveraged his extensive experience and expertise to create a platform that equips kids with essential coding skills, empowering them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Through programs, summer camps, and franchising opportunities, iCode has emerged as a leading institution in the realm of coding education, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement for countless learners.
Abedi’s Five Core Principles for Success
Abedi’s success can be attributed to five core principles that have guided him throughout his entrepreneurial journey:
Commitment: Abedi emphasizes the importance of unwavering commitment in the pursuit of entrepreneurial endeavors. He emphasizes the need for dedication and perseverance, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to prioritize their goals and remain steadfast in the face of challenges. “You have to fully commit,” he says. “A lot of people want to start a business while still working a full-time job — this doesn’t work, you have to be committed.”
Financial Prudence: Drawing from his own experiences, Abedi stresses the significance of fiscal responsibility and prudent financial management. “You have to fight to save,” he shares. “I drove an old, beat-up car, had a low mortgage, and saved money for six years.” He highlights the importance of saving resources, especially during the early stages of business development, to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
Strategic Adaptability: Abedi advocates for strategic adaptability, urging entrepreneurs to pivot in response to changing market dynamics. “You have to be able to pivot where the demand is.” By identifying emerging opportunities and aligning with market demand, entrepreneurs can position themselves for success and capitalize on evolving trends.
Differentiation & Execution: Abedi underscores the importance of differentiation and execution in driving business success. By offering unique value propositions and delivering on promises with precision, entrepreneurs can distinguish themselves in competitive markets and build sustainable enterprises.
Stabilization & Focus: Finally, Abedi emphasizes the need for stabilization and focus in establishing a solid foundation for business growth. By securing anchor clients and focusing on core objectives, entrepreneurs can stabilize their operations and pave the way for long-term success.
Looking to the Future
Abid Abedi’s remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of entrepreneurship and education. Through his pursuit of excellence and commitment to his principles, Abedi has not only achieved remarkable success but has also inspired countless individuals to dream big and pursue their passions. As he continues to chart new territories and empower future generations through iCode, Abedi’s legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring change-makers worldwide.
To learn more about Abid Abedi, find him on LinkedIn or visit his website at iCodeFranchise.com.
Published By: Aize Perez