Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Atif Qadir, Founder of REDIST, located in New York, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

REDIST is developing technology-enabled solutions to make financing social impact development projects across the US easier. Our customers are dominantly small to mid-sized Black and Brown developers.

Tell us about yourself

I have deep development, design & construction, regulatory, and capital markets experience from 20 years in the real estate industry. That includes starting Amanat Properties and working at the renowned Extell Development and Turner Construction, serving on the Planning Commission in the City of Hoboken, and joining the Advisory Board of Provident Bank (NYSE: PFS). It is these experiences that made me appreciate firsthand how difficult the process of financing commercial real estate is and how near impossible financing social impact real estate is. I am motivated by learning and sharing my learning with others and by making things.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am proud to have developed a business from just an idea to a venture-backed company. My biggest accomplishment is yet to come - it will be when we have a company that is fully self-sustaining and is achieving our mission every day.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

It is critical for me as a founder to define boundaries. I am not here on Earth to solve everyone's problems. I am here to focus on my goal, which is to lead my company to success.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

The most useful thing I can tell you is to not live a conditional life. Don't say or think things like: "I will be ready when." "I will be happy when." "I will be proud when." Today is the day to be all of those things. 🙏🏽

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.redist.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atifzqadir/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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