CEO Insights Magazine

In today's fast-paced business landscape, where change is the only constant, the leaders who are thriving are the leaders who are constantly embracing adaptability and resilience as their key to survival and success. Such leaders are inspirations, and their journeys are examples of how success is earned! To inspire future leaders, CEO Insights’ exclusive team holds a conversation with one such inspirational leader, Ali Hashem, Owner & President, Fresh Start FZE.

Ali, a seasoned entrepreneur, in the year 1988, took a significant step as a pioneering entrepreneur when he made significant strides in the recycling industry. He founded one of the first recycling companies in the Midwest. He was instrumental in capitalizing on emerging trends and technologies focused on recycling and exporting second-hand apparel from the Midwest to Africa and other international markets. Ali’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to adapt have enabled him to stay ahead of the curve and be successful in the recycling industry. This venture marked the beginning of his illustrious journey, and since then, there has been no looking back. Year after year, he has leveraged his knowledge and extraordinary skills to build on this foundation to drive growth and sustainability.

Under his excellent leadership, Fresh Start has evolved as one of the largest importers, exporters, and e-Commerce businesses, as well as a pioneer of the zero-waste approach in the recycling industry with global reach to all the continents. Let’s hear it from Ali as he speaks in volume about his 30+ years of entrepreneurial journey and more!

What are your biggest learnings from your decades of professional journey?

Throughout my career, I've learned to adapt to changing circumstances, priorities, and technologies. This flexibility has enabled me to stay relevant and deliver high-quality results.

I've learned to tailor my communication style to different audiences, ensuring that my message is conveyed effectively. Working with diverse teams and clients has taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. By leveraging each other's strengths and expertise, we've achieved remarkable results. The industry is constantly evolving, and I've learned to stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Moreover, my professional journey hasn't been without challenges. However, I've learned to approach obstacles with resilience and perseverance, using them as opportunities for growth and development. 

How do you continuously strive to position Fresh Start as the preferred channel partner for suppliers, distributors, and resellers?

In my professional dealings, I prioritize three key principles, namely respectful treatment, active listening, and empowering others. To achieve long-term success, I lead with integrity, prioritize long-term benefits, and nurture lasting relationships. By adhering to these principles, I aim to create a positive and productive environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and success. Today, Fresh Start is a preferred channel partner for suppliers, distributors, and resellers. This is because we set clear goals, track performance, and provide regular feedback to ensure we're meeting our partners' expectations and delivering results. By focusing on strong relationships, market insights, tailored support, innovative solutions, and performance-driven approaches, we've positioned Fresh Start as a trusted and preferred channel partner in the market. 

"We can create a more compassionate, collaborative, and progressive world by focusing on the people and challenges around us"

Tell us about your leadership approach?

I prioritize embracing change, adaptability, resilience, and innovation as a leader. By doing so, I've been able to navigate the ever-changing business landscape and drive success in my endeavors. While heading a business, it's essential to understand that success is not solely dependent on individual efforts, but rather on the collective contributions of a diverse group of people. By acknowledging the interdependence of business success and the well-being of those involved, I strive to create a positive and productive work environment that benefits everyone. Solving global problems starts with addressing the issues closest to us. We can create a more compassionate, collaborative, and progressive world by focusing on the people and challenges around us. Rather than trying to solve all the world's problems at once, I prioritize addressing challenges and making a positive impact in my immediate surroundings. I ensure in engaging with people and organizations around me to drive collective progress. I also believe in encouraging others to take ownership of the issues they care about and make a difference in their communities.

Tell us about the specific business development initiatives spearheaded by you? 

My specific initiatives include partner engagement programs, collaborative planning with partners to align our strategies, and investing in market research and development to identify new opportunities. Through these efforts, we've achieved increased partner satisfaction, growth in partner network, and improved business outcomes. 

Furthermore, in 2001, we made a strategic decision to relocate our operations to Jebel Ali Freezone. This move enabled us to enhance customer proximity, optimize supply chain efficiency, and diversify and mitigate risk while ensuring business continuity. In response to evolving market demands and changing consumer needs, we have also been continuously improving our performance in sustainability & innovation. We recently initiated a zero-waste recycling program, which has quickly become a key aspect of our operations.

I have been a pioneer of appeal recycling in the Midwest, and the Zero initiative is where we repurpose all products to reuse different products in different international markets and shred and granulate unusable products for other commercial use, like playgrounds and running tracks. By developing our e-Commerce channel and outlet model, we've created a successful business strategy that meets customer needs, drives growth, and helps us reach the Western audience. We have moved to Hamriyah Free Zone, where we have grown to become the world's largest recycler and importer-exporter of apparel, shoes, handbags, and belts.

We've also expanded our market reach by tapping into specialty markets. We've identified opportunities in unique markets, such as Japan and London, where vintage and retro products are in high demand. We've learned to appreciate the value of products in different cultural contexts, enabling us to tailor our offerings to specific markets. Moreover, we recognized the potential of e-Commerce and developed a channel to add value through quality and establish outlets and a stock lot model, allowing us to offer discounted products to customers.

How do you formulate and implement sound financial strategies to drive profitability and sustainable business growth?

We ensure the financial health of the company by regularly reviewing financial statements, key performance indicators (KPIs), and metrics to track progress. We develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial plans to ensure alignment with business objectives. Identify areas for cost optimization and implement cost-saving initiatives, and manage cash flow to ensure liquidity and meet financial obligations. Formulating financial strategies requires us to analyze market trends, identify and assess financial risks, develop financial models to evaluate different scenarios, and work with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and buy-in. By prioritizing financial health, formulating sound financial strategies, and implementing effective financial management practices, I've driven profitability and sustainable business growth.

What is the future roadmap you have envisioned for your journey?

My future roadmap is focused on continued growth and development, which includes expanding my skills, knowledge, and expertise to stay ahead in the industry. I plan to share my experience and expertise with others, mentor and coach teams, and develop future leaders. I aim to drive innovation and disruption in the industry, leveraging technology and new ideas to solve complex problems. I intend to build strategic partnerships and collaborations to drive business growth and success while also aligning the growth with environmental and social values. 

Ali Hashem, Owner & President, Fresh Start

A dedicated professional with a strong educational foundation, Ali laid the groundwork for his career with a degree in civil engineering and further enhanced his skills and knowledge with an MBA. He is a speaker in the American Chamber of Commerce and the President of Detroit Chapter of AADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee). Alongside being a seasoned entrepreneur, he is a dedicated and proud father, which is a personal accomplishment that he cherishes deeply.

•Hobbies: Hiking, Circuit Training
•Favorite Cuisine: Lebanese, Italian
•Favorite Book: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
•Favorite Travel Destination: Italy, Tropical Islands
•Awards & Recognitions: He is honored to hold leadership positions and receive recognition for his contributions as the VP at the American Lebanese Cultural Center and the United States Chamber of Commerce (cultural diversity). He has led positive initiatives as the President of the AADC Detroit Chapter.