We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Salim Mekhmoukh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Salim, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Purpose is the primary driving force behind every entrepreneur. I often find myself reflecting on what gives me a boost to get out of bed in the morning (aside from a can of MADO), and my passion for living a vibrant and healthy lifestyle consistently comes to mind. It’s how I love to live and what I want to contribute to those around me, so much so that it’s reflected in my company’s purpose. The ongoing global health crises have pushed more people to open their eyes and minds to alternative ways of living and consuming. It certainly ignited my interest in the wellness space with the life-changing impact it can make on our lives.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Although I’m always brainstorming new business opportunities and exploring possibilities, my company, MADO Energy, has been my primary focus for the last few months. Establishing and nurturing a new brand for continuous sustainable growth is a challenge that pushes an entrepreneur to be more than the orchestrator from a high level. While it’s important to often step back and see it from a grand view, I have to be hands-on day-to-day, learning about the granular details of our business so the best possible product can be delivered to our customers.
To give a quick background on MADO Energy, we are a beverage company changing the game with the first energy drink containing natural Astaxanthin in a formula called ASTA X-10: the world’s most powerful natural compound and powerhouse antioxidant complemented by several electrolytes, vitamins, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Infusing these ingredients into the base of each flavor, the beverages deliver a boost to consumers’ immediate energy levels as well as long-term wellness benefits.
Last time we spoke, MADO Energy had just launched its first round of product which was a hit! We sold out just a few months in, and we are soon returning with new flavors and product lines. The first will be a new, slimmer 12 oz version of our energy beverage.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Regardless of your business’s segment or industry, there’s an array of skills that gradually develop in every entrepreneur’s journey:
Personal Branding –
You are a walking billboard for your personal brand. I was reassured of this soon after we released the first MADO drinks and I was being called the “MADO guy” on the streets of Atlanta. Between pre-launch prospecting and product testing and post-launch networking and promotion, I had immersed myself so deeply into our business that it had become part of my own brand and shaped how people perceived me.
Strategic Decision Making –
Many points throughout an entrepreneur’s journey lead them to a crossroads where they’re required to make crucial decisions. Some believe these moments call for an “entrepreneurial” instinct, but the truth is it takes time and practice for anyone to develop sharp decision-making skills. And even so, you won’t get every call right. This often takes years of trial and error… and sometimes you just have to trust your gut and take the risk!
Fearless Curiosity –
Curiosity is the key to igniting the entrepreneurial spirit. We work to find solutions to the problems that most resonate with us, and it often invites us to push past our comfort zone as professionals. Learning how to get through the fear of making the wrong choice has made this process of exploring new opportunities much easier. I like to say, “What’s meant for you is already written. Just let life happen”.
Through my time in distribution and now with MADO Energy, most of the skills I’ve gathered came with the lessons learned from challenges thrown my way. So whether you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to take it to the next level, the key is being receptive and perceptive as you experience new challenges. This approach will shape you both professionally and personally and will prepare you with the tools to excel in your field.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
The MADO Energy team is always looking to expand the reach and presence of our products. Whether on a regional level here in Atlanta or a national scale, we are open to exploring partnerships with both brick-and-mortar and online retailers. Our goal is to empower individuals with a quick and accessible way to embrace a healthier lifestyle, so the more partners we have to amplify this work, the more impact we can have on the lives of others. Our team can be reached at [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mado-energy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madoenergyofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madoenergyofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salim-mekhmoukh-5b1b99218/
