We recently connected with Mohamad Elbanna and have shared our conversation below.
Mohamad, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic comes from my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my family. I’m the eldest of eight brothers, so responsibility and leadership were things I had to embrace early on. My parents separated when I was very young, but they both remained an incredible influence on my life. Each of them came to this country at the ages of 12 and 14, leaving behind third-world conditions to build a better future.
Despite the challenges of starting over in a new country, they both owned businesses and worked tirelessly around the clock to provide for me and my brothers. Watching their sacrifices and witnessing their determination shaped the way I view hard work and opportunity.
I learned that success isn’t just handed to you—it’s earned through dedication, perseverance, and grit. Being the oldest sibling also meant being a role model, which gave me a deep sense of accountability and drive to set the standard for my brothers. I carry that same determination in everything I do, whether it’s building businesses, creating innovative culinary experiences, or growing as a person and entrepreneur.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a passionate entrepreneur, chef, and creative thinker, deeply rooted in the values of hard work and innovation. Over the years, I’ve started and grown several businesses, from an IT servicing company that secured contracts with some of the largest corporations in the world, to a viral taco sensation, The Birria Bros. This venture holds a special place in my heart, as it reflects my unique fusion of Palestinian and Mexican flavors—two vibrant cultures that inspire my culinary creations.
As the founder of The Birria Bros, I am focused on relaunching the brand and expanding its footprint across Florida. My goal is to establish three fast-casual locations within the next five years, creating an approachable, flavorful dining experience for people who love exceptional food with a story behind it. Long term, I dream of growing The Birria Bros into a franchise with 100 locations nationwide, continuing to innovate and share my vision with the world.
In addition to my work with The Birria Bros, I am proud to be part of Roofing Co. of America. Here, I focus on understanding and improving roofing systems, their components, and sales techniques. I help homeowners and businesses navigate the complexities of roofing solutions, ensuring they receive top-quality service and protection for their investments. This role allows me to blend problem-solving, customer service, and industry knowledge to make a tangible impact in people’s lives.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to combine creativity with strategy. Whether it’s crafting a new recipe, helping a family protect their home, or mentoring others, I thrive on making an impact. I love connecting with communities through food, culture, and shared experiences—it’s what keeps me inspired.
In terms of what’s next, we’re working on some exciting expansions. For The Birria Bros, that means scouting locations for our first flagship store in Florida and introducing new menu items that reflect our bold, authentic flavors. At Roofing Co. of America, I’m focused on further developing my expertise and supporting the company’s mission to set new standards in the industry.
Ultimately, everything I do is rooted in a love for creation and community. Whether through food or business, I’m passionate about leaving a legacy that inspires others to chase their dreams, embrace their culture, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
Resilience
Life has thrown its fair share of challenges my way—from growing up as the eldest of eight brothers, navigating my parents’ separation, to taking on leadership roles at a young age. Resilience has been the cornerstone of my success. It’s about finding the strength to keep moving forward, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Advice: Build resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Life and business will always have setbacks, but how you respond defines your path. Start small by practicing persistence in daily tasks, and over time, you’ll see the results compound.
Adaptability
My journey has taken me through a variety of industries—culinary, IT, marketing, and now roofing. The ability to adapt and thrive in new environments has been key to my growth. Whether it was creating an innovative taco brand or diving into the technical world of roofing, being open to learning and embracing change has allowed me to succeed in diverse fields.
Advice: Stay curious and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. Seek out new skills or experiences, even if they feel intimidating at first. The ability to learn quickly and pivot is invaluable in today’s fast-paced world.
Work Ethic
My work ethic comes from watching my parents, who worked tirelessly to create a better future for me and my brothers. Their example taught me the value of showing up every day and putting in the effort, no matter how difficult the task at hand. That same work ethic has been the driving force behind every business I’ve started, every meal I’ve cooked, and every deal I’ve closed.
Advice: Cultivate a strong work ethic by setting clear goals and committing to consistent effort. Focus on discipline over motivation—success often comes from showing up on the days you don’t feel like it. Surround yourself with mentors or peers who inspire you to push harder.
For those early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to never stop learning. Whether it’s through books, mentors, or hands-on experience, invest in growing your knowledge and skills. And don’t be afraid to fail—some of my greatest lessons came from missteps. Finally, remember that success takes time. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust the process.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! Collaboration has always been at the heart of what I do, both with The Birria Bros and Roofing Co. of America.
For The Birria Bros, our focus has always been on connecting with other businesses to expand both networks and market reach. We’ve traveled across the country to collaborate with chefs and restaurants, sharing our passion for food and culture. It’s been a tremendous honor to work with Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs, and I’m always inspired by their creativity and dedication. Moving forward, I’d love to partner with like-minded individuals who are hungry, driven, and constantly pushing boundaries in their craft. Whether you’re a chef, restaurateur, or creative entrepreneur, I’m eager to collaborate and create something extraordinary together.
For Roofing Co. of America, my focus is on helping our community recover and rebuild. Having endured the devastation of Hurricane Michael in Panama City Beach—living for three months without a roof, electricity, or running water—I understand firsthand how critical it is to support people in times of crisis. Tampa Bay recently endured two devastating hurricanes, and seeing the suffering in my community pushed me to take on this role. In the past two years, our team has had the privilege of putting roofs over more than 3,000 families and businesses.
I am deeply committed to continuing this mission and would love to connect with other companies, organizations, or individuals who share the same passion for community rebuilding. Whether it’s through construction partnerships, nonprofit initiatives, or disaster recovery efforts, I believe that collaboration is the key to making a bigger impact.
If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me directly. For culinary collaborations or The Birria Bros, you can connect with us via our social media or website. For construction partnerships or community initiatives with Roofing Co. of America, you can contact me through our company website or email. Together, we can create something impactful—whether it’s on a plate or in the heart of our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebirriabros.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebirriabros/?hl=en
Image Credits
Christopher Bray
Chico Rodriguez
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