In a world where the hustle of entrepreneurship often overshadows the essential values of community and service, Manis Singh stands as a beacon of what it means to combine passion with purpose. With a revenue of more than $2 million annually from his businesses, Singh not only demonstrates acumen in the competitive landscape of personal grooming and rideshare services but also embodies a philosophy deeply rooted in hospitality and community welfare.
The Foundation of a Business Empire
Manis Singh’s journey toward entrepreneurship is intertwined with resilience, shaped by personal tragedies and societal challenges. Born into a family where hardship was a constant companion, Singh’s experiences in his formative years—ranging from the horrific loss of his father, who was shot in 1988, to the aftermath of terrorist attacks and natural disasters—instilled in him both a determination to succeed and a deep empathy for others facing adversity.
“Most of the money has actually just gone into the business to grow the business so we can help our peers, our colleagues make more money,” Singh reflects. This mantra is not merely a business strategy; it’s a personal mission that shapes the culture he has cultivated within his enterprises. By prioritizing community well-being, Singh adopts a holistic view where shared success is the ultimate outcome.
After facing a year of depression that left him feeling socially isolated, Singh’s comeback began with a job that paid him a meager $6 to $8 per hour. The roads to successful entrepreneurship are seldom smooth, yet through his relentless work ethic—often clocking in over 80 hours a week—he began to carve a path that would ultimately lead to business ownership in 2009.
Innovating in the Face of Adversity
From humble beginnings, Singh evolved a transformative vision for his business endeavors. In an era marked by the burgeoning rideshare economy, he recognized the plight of solo operators who found it challenging to compete with larger enterprises. “The industry is going to die,” he warned his fellow drivers, and thus the idea for the Drivers Network was born. “I said, don’t pay me any advertising money. I’m going to advertise for you and you pay me only when you get the lead.”
This innovative approach not only helped individual drivers but also fostered a community where success for one translated into success for all. By pooling resources for marketing—a strategy often overlooked by small and mom-and-pop businesses—Singh created a supportive ecosystem that empowered local entrepreneurs to thrive against larger competitors.
Creating a Unique Niche in Personal Care
As Manis expanded his entrepreneurial footprint, he serendipitously ventured into the grooming industry, exploring the potential of opening a dedicated beard shop. A nudge from a friend led him to blend his personal grooming experience with his existing knowledge of running a business. What began as a simple idea evolved into Dandis, a barbershop that soon became a hub for various grooming needs.
However, the journey was fraught with challenges that tested Singh’s resolve. The rigorous process of obtaining the necessary permits took a year—during which he paid rent without any operating income. Yet, his commitment never wavered. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit shortly after opening, plunging many businesses into uncertainty, Singh’s adaptability shone through as he enrolled in barber school to deepen his knowledge of grooming.
Fostering Community Engagement and Growth
The essence of Singh’s business philosophy is rooted in understanding and serving the community. At Dandis, he evolved the focus from merely offering beard grooming to catering to diverse hair types and styles, thus making his services accessible to a broader clientele. As a result, skilled barbers who were previously solitary operators found a welcoming environment to grow their careers.
Another one of Singh’s innovative solutions is the integration of technology into traditional barbering. By developing an app that not only allows clients to book appointments but provides barbers with tools to manage their operations efficiently, he ensures that small business owners can thrive in today’s digital landscape. Singh’s operational model enhances independence for barbers, allowing them to reserve chairs and manage their clientele effectively.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Singh has his eyes set on long-term success. “I want to, by the age of 65, have enough money invested that I can withdraw my living expenses without worrying about anything,” he states confidently. However, unlike many of his peers who dream of retirement, Singh sees his entrepreneurial journey as an ongoing commitment to serving his community. “I don’t think I’ll ever retire,” he affirms. “I would want to work all the way through. That’s just what I breathe.”
Outside of business, Singh balances his professional commitments with a focus on personal growth, family, and spirituality. He cherishes moments spent reading, visiting the Gurudo Temple, and maintaining gratitude—a grounding practice that has accompanied him through his tumultuous journey.
Through his relentless pursuit of service and innovation, Manis Singh not only exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship but also redefines what it means to succeed in business. In a time where monetary gain often overshadows community collaboration, Singh’s narrative is a powerful reminder that true success encompasses lifting others as we rise. With a commitment to his roots and an unwavering focus on quality care and hospitality, Manis Singh is poised to inspire countless individuals in their own journeys.
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