Ahmad A. Siddiqui’s journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and determination. Over the years, he has carved a unique niche in the world of business and technology. His inspiring story is one of relentless perseverance, featuring a chapter where he balanced his life as a corporate professional by day and a risk-taking entrepreneur by night. Ahmad’s ability to adapt to challenges and forge ahead makes his journey a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Ahmad’s journey began with a golden opportunity to attend a prestigious university in Karachi, Pakistan. During his university years, he excelled academically while actively participating in social and extracurricular activities, building a foundation of versatility and leadership.
In 1996, Ahmad stumbled upon freelancing opportunities and completed a few web development projects between 1996 and 1998. This experience ignited his passion for entrepreneurship and planted the seed of what would later become his life’s calling.
After a brief stint in the corporate world, Ahmad took a bold leap of faith in 2001 to establish his first software company, eIntelligence (Pvt.) Limited. However, just ten days into his venture, the tragic events of 9/11 reshaped the world—and Ahmad’s personal and professional life. His primary client, who was also his investor, withdrew their investment, leaving Ahmad in an incredibly challenging position.
Undeterred, Ahmad took on the roles of a salesman by day and a programmer by night. He built a small but highly productive team of programmers, many of whom have gone on to achieve successful careers. This period tested Ahmad’s resolve but also strengthened his leadership skills and perseverance.
Between 2001 and 2004, Ahmad dedicated himself to growing eIntelligence. With relentless effort, he navigated the complexities of running a business in the uncertain post-9/11 era. From developing innovative solutions to managing client expectations, Ahmad’s hands-on leadership laid the groundwork for a thriving enterprise.
Yet, life had another challenge in store. An unexpected turn of events resulted in Ahmad losing his company to an investor. While this was a devastating blow, Ahmad didn’t view it as failure but as an opportunity to grow. As he often says, “Adversity introduces a man to himself,” and this experience helped him rebuild his vision with even greater strength.
Unsure of his next steps, Ahmad moved to the United States, where he worked as a contractor for leading corporations, including Hewlett Packard, JP Morgan Chase, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). However, his entrepreneurial spirit never waned.
In 2008, Ahmad left PwC to launch his second business—only to face the financial meltdown of 2008. Once again, his entrepreneurial dreams were put on hold. Ahmad then joined American Express as a Portfolio Architect, moving to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he worked until 2016.
During this time, Ahmad played a dual role: corporate professional by day and entrepreneur by night. While three startups failed during this period, two ventures—IT Verticals Inc. and ApparelnBags.com—flourished, showcasing his resilience and business acumen.
Since 2016, Ahmad has dedicated himself fully to entrepreneurship. Through IT Verticals Inc. and ApparelnBags.com Inc., he has built a robust portfolio of products and services that serve as a launchpad for numerous businesses. Ahmad’s ventures are more than just businesses—they are platforms that create opportunities for clients, employees, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Today, his team, spread across three continents, has helped countless businesses grow and supported many entrepreneurs in starting their journeys. Ahmad’s role as a full-time entrepreneur also enables him to actively contribute to local business communities and give back through various initiatives.
In 2020, the lean and inventory-light model of ApparelnBags.com faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdowns disrupted supply chains, and Ahmad’s resilience was tested once again.
“We saw $4 million in revenue evaporate in 2021,” Ahmad recalls. “We sold everything, and then we had nothing left to sell for months.” The company also endured the bankruptcy of two major suppliers and the closure of several client businesses.
Despite these setbacks, Ahmad and his team persevered, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and a relentless commitment to rebuilding.
Today, ApparelnBags.com is back on track and steadily growing. Ahmad is also excited about his newest venture, MedVerticals, a brand created to help small and mid-sized healthcare businesses optimize their practices and grow effectively.
In addition, Ahmad’s team is finalizing the launch of CommercePad, an innovative eCommerce platform designed to empower brand manufacturers in starting, growing, and optimizing their digital journeys.
Ahmad A. Siddiqui’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and vision. From navigating adversities to building thriving businesses, his journey inspires others to dream big, embrace challenges, and turn setbacks into stepping stones for success.