A Kazakhstani built a successful business in New York and got into the prestigious Inc rating. 5000

The company of Kazakhstani Serik Baimoldaev was included in Inc.5000, the list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. This list has been maintained since 1982 and is the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. ForbesKz.

New York-registered company of Serik Baimoldaev Seka Moving provides U.S. consumers with shipping and warehousing services. Today the company employs 150-200 employees, depending on the season. There are also remote offices in Kazakhstan and Georgia, 50 trucks and our own warehouses. The company's current annual turnover is $13 million.

Inc. The 5000 is an annual list of the 5000 fastest growing private companies in America by Inc magazine. Magazine. To participate, companies submit tax documents for the last 3 years. The rate of development of the company is taken into account. This year, Seka Moving ranked 637 out of America's 5000 Fastest Growing Companies.

“We wanted to be one of 5000 companies. This is an indicator of the correctness of the chosen route. After all, my goal was not to start a business in the States. And to do something big and important is the best company in its field. And we are moving towards this goal,” Baimoldaev says.

Also, the presence in the ranking affects sales. After all, sales are, first of all, trust. When customers see that a company is growing rapidly, trust grows. Today, anyone can google any company and learn everything about it.

Serik began to engage in the logistics business 5 years after his arrival in the United States. Prior to that, I tried myself at various jobs, trying to earn as much as possible. But it did not bring pleasure. He wanted to open his own business and develop it, then to leave it to his children. In addition, in America, the brand is a very important thing. Even if the quality is not the best, they still pay for the brand.

“An integral part of publicity is networking. I have always been sociable and open, Americans love it. Through networking, I learned a lot and was able to develop the company much faster. I think this is the key to success, ”the businessman admits.

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Before the pandemic, the entire staff consisted of local employees. But during self-isolation, Americans were paid wages just like that, they could not do work. Serik Baimoldaev began to look for options for remote offices. This is how people were recruited in Kazakhstan and Georgia. The criteria were the necessary skills, knowledge of the English language and the ability to work on New York time for Kazakhstani employees at night. Today, 15 people work in Georgia, and 10 in Kazakhstan. On the whole, everything is working well.

“In my opinion, first of all, you need to have a big goal. Moments like the pandemic are making their own adjustments – some processes are slowing down, while others, on the contrary, are accelerating. But globally we are moving in the same direction. Secondly, the team is important. Each employee of the company represents our brand, and the service must be very good. The logistics business is built on people. Processes are automated, but people are still very important. Seasonality leads to the fact that at certain times of the year we recruit more people, and then keep the best. We offer good conditions, motivational system. Recruiting people in Georgia and Kazakhstan, we began to give only one duty per position. Although earlier on site, an employee usually took on 3-4 functions. We started testing the process and it worked. We are very happy that our offices are located in other countries.”

On the peculiarities of business in the States: how it differs from Kazakhstan

Americans are spoiled for good service, so every contact with a client is important. Whether American or Chinese, everyone has the same opportunities. And service is important to the client, everything must be according to the law. This is a must. For example, if you break something, you pay a fine. The system of fines has been established. Paying the state is much more pleasant. Everything is honest and open. Therefore, business in the States obliges to be decent and have good relations with everyone.

Serik went to all courses, from Tony Robbins to special education in his niche. And I took a little bit everywhere. He recommends that aspiring entrepreneurs read three books:

“The first book is Delivering Happiness by Tony Shay, founder of Zappos. I also recommend Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal. In it, he very accurately conveyed the spirit of New York - the city in which I am building a business. The third book - "Start with the main thing!" Harry Keller and Jay Papazan. This is a very simple yet detailed productivity book.”