Today we’d like to introduce you to Mansoor Anjarwala and Adnan Adamji.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and had envisioned of building my own company.
With my experience in Technology and Marketing while working at enterprise corporations as well as Management Consulting and digital agencies, I wanted to bring similar value and experience at much lower cost to some of the mid to small sized organizations who can’t afford companies like Accenture and Digitas of the world.
In 2014, I finally took the plunge and started Xcelacore as a marketing agency focused on delivering analytics based solutions. I soon discovered that being a one person company and trying to open doors into larger organization is extremely difficult. I landed a few small clients but it was not a sustainable model. I was running out of the capital I had raised. I decided to tweak the business model a bit and switched to a broader digital marketing and web development work. Even though I had some quick wins, I realized that in order for the company to scale, it needed to be a team effort. I needed a partner who had built and managed large scale technology teams and shared my vision.
In early 2016, a family friend, Adnan Adamji, decided to leave his position at Restaurant.com. As the CIO at Restaurant.com, Adnan spent 12 years building a successful technology team. I had kept him up to speed on my start-up challenges via many rounds of golf. Adnan and I decided to meet for coffee to discuss his next venture and he talked me through his vision to start his own company. As we discussed further, it made sense for us to join forces and become partners.
With Adnan on board, we started to focus on enterprise scale technology solutions, specializing in technology strategy and execution, digital marketing, web/mobile application development. With our reinvented business model, we landed some reputable clients such as UCLA Extension, uBid and Disciplr.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming an entrepreneur and giving up a steady paycheck is never easy. There have been more than of few occasions when you wonder if you are going to make it. I remember early on in my journey, an experienced entrepreneur advising that the highs are always going to be higher and lows much lower and that is something to manage day to day.
From a business perspective, the challenge has come in two ways. The number one challenge for any new business is sales. We tried sales agencies, as well as hired full time sales people but they didn’t pan out. At this juncture in our business, we have been most successful in handling sales between Adnan and I. As an entrepreneur, the passion that you express for your product and service comes through to your potential clients. We have also been very fortunate to receive great referrals and or connections that has helped us acquire key clientele.
The second challenge is to continue to evaluate your business and be prepared to make hard decisions. What we started as a company is very different than who we are today.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Xcelacore – what should we know?
Founded in 2014 and based in the Chicago area, Xcelacore helps businesses maximize technology.
Matching business objectives and requirements with technology strategies, Xcelacore’s focus is the design and implementation of technology solutions that drive businesses forward. Our team of leaders provides a unique blend of business, technology, and marketing expertise that helps our clients navigate technology investments and implementation, increase ROI, and sustainability.
Our services range from solutions and system architecture, to custom application development, to strategic planning, to digital marketing strategy and programming, to data and analytics analysis.
We pride ourselves on our focus on customer service and always putting the needs of the client first. You will receive clear and objective counsel and help in navigating the complex array of technology and marketing topics.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
-We always keep client value on top of mind. We strive to make sure we are adding value and helping our clients be successful each day.
-We bring management consulting level experience to mid-size market at affordable prices.
-Our proven project management and delivery methodology.
Contact Info:
- Address: 477 E. Butterfield,
Suite 010
Lombard, IL 60148 - Website: www.xcelcore.com
- Phone: 312-487-1208
- Email: info@xcelacore.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xcelacore
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/xcelacore
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xcelacore
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