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A native of Amman, Jordan, Sam graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington School of Business in 1991. “Soon after I graduated, I formed Mahrouq Enterprises International, rolled up my sleeves and identified those business niches where I believed I could be successful.”
Moving to Texas was a practical move: better education meant better odds at success. the years at the university weren’t easy. Paying the bills while attending classes was paramount. After much deliberation, he shined his own vehicle and sold it to a woman. To his surprise, she was overjoyed with the customer service and price that Sam had to offer.
“Selling used automobiles was the most productive and could help those who were on limited incomes.” Thus began his global endeavor of win-win business transactions and the many products and solutions that he had to offer to the world. Sam has 11 car dealerships, a prominent Dollar Rent-a-Car franchise, MEI Auto Finance, and a real estate investment group. In 2016, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Small Business of the Year Award.
iKON lives and breathes its motto every second. “The results and success we’ve been having with our dealers and subsequently their customers have really helped iKON to realize this vision.” For Mahrouq, a successful product is an embodiment of strong analysis of the customer. “We are plugged into the mindset of our customers like no one else in the industry because we think like them. Our technologies provide peace-of-mind for our customers who can now know where their vehicles are at all times.” For dealers, by dealers indeed!
His initial tryst with an end to end renovation had given him vital insights that translated into solid products. “We as dealers are designing and developing solutions and products for dealers. Our proprietary solutions allow our customers to monitor, protect, and optimize their mobile assets throughout the United States. Innovation and persistence are huge differentiators for us as we grow.”
“GPS Solutions Made By Dealers, For Dealers”
iKON’s success is a loud and clear indicator that the car dealerships needed the help and appreciate their products and services wholeheartedly. However, what’s commendable is his emphasis on ethics. “One of the main areas that customers will scrutinize when they decide whether they trust, or want to engage with a business, is its business ethics.”
According to Sam, the impact is multifaceted. “Solid business ethics enhance productivity. Ethics creates a positive image in the marketplace. Business ethics make consumers believe in you even during troublesome times.” This approach has helped iKON forge trust with their customers and cultivate a culture for success.
“Two way communication is the key to solid relationships with employees who support you and are driven to help you in being successful. We have an open-door policy and encourage our employees to share their knowledge and approaches, thus creating the synergisms which ultimately make us a successful team.”
“True leadership means giving back,” remarks Sam. Sam has made it a point to go back to his alma mater and give back to the community that nurtured his talent. Serving as a board member of the University of Texas at Arlington’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Innovation, Sam supports the students to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills. “In my conversations with students, I emphasize hard work and integrity. I enjoy encouraging entrepreneurship when I have opportunities to talk with college students in their classrooms or at special symposiums. I want them to always look to the future.”
Sam has recently funded the UTA School of Business Financial Markets Lab where he involves students from his alma mater by volunteering too. In addition, he is also a philanthropist who has an eye for art and continues to support local museums.
The pandemic and the raging economic downtimes has not stopped iKON from innovating. “iKON Technologies is constantly striving to continue innovating to meet the needs of our customers.” iKOn has launched several additional features, such as an oil-change notification system for customers.” It is focusing on automating and simplifying maintenance with its proprietary Smart Marketing Platform. “Maintenance notifications will soon be instantaneous. Simply put, Dealer Success Managers will have tools in place to resolve issues proactively. Our Smart Marketing Program, along with our white label program, will send dealer messages to vehicle owners about dealer specials, recalls, and vehicle maintenance beyond oil changes.”
Sam Mahrouq is an entrepreneur and global businessman who serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of iKON Technologies. The company is a vertical expansion of his business products and services in the automotive industry under the umbrella of the MEI Group (Mahrouq Enterprises International Inc.) Other business entities include 11 car dealerships, prominent franchise Dollar Rent-a-Car, MEI Auto Finance, and a real estate investment group. Sam is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business and recently funded the Sam Mahrouq Financial Markets Lab. His business philosophy focuses on ethics and not exploiting others around him. He always looks for the win-win in business transactions.
