Almost the end of the year!

This year has been a phenomenal year for me.
I know I should write more frequently. I really do not have any excuses but here are some thoughts on a blog.

Personal Life:

From a personal life perspective, life has been amazing. I feel as I get older, I am getting closer to my family which is a great thing. My brother is almost done his executive MBA from University of Toronto.  I am excited for him to finish but am extremely proud of it. He was able to balance both his MBA and business. It’s an amazing feature. He is also so much more confident and a good public speaker.

 I got married this year to a pretty amazing woman. It was a dream wedding. People had flown in from all over the world to bless us. It was good to catch up with everything and share this amazing movement with those who came. The wedding was like 5 different things – engagement, sangeeta, grah santi, wedding and reception. It was truly an amazing wedding and I got to ride on a horse.  The reception was wonderful and magical. I truly have to thank my family – my dad, mother and brother for making it an amazing experience. I’ll see if I can post a picture of my cake but it was incredible (You can probably stalk my instagram and get it) We haven’t had a chance to go to our honeymoon yet but we will in the near future.

I also had my bachelor party in Ibiza for 10 days and that was just insane.  Asides for renting a private villa and partying like a rock star in the clubs of Ibiza, we also did alot of tourist things. Saw the old cities, gypies, went suba diving, water sports. It was not only relaxing but alot of fun to spend time with the people I was close to.  I can’t thank my brother and all the groomsmen for making my bach 10 days epic.  

Bombay is growing up very fast and he is honestly one of the best things that has ever happened to me. He always keeps me in good mood and is there when I need someone. He makes an awesome playmate. He is spoiled, loved and adored by everyone

To be honest, I feel my life is going in the right direction and everything is smooth sailing. I also visited Bermuda for my brother’s friend wedding and it is an amazing country  with lots of pretty down to earth, friendly and ‘chilled’ people. I went to Philippines as well where we  established a call center. It was fun seeing the world and getting a new perspective. I am so blessed for everything I have in life and I wish the blessing continues to come. Not planning any kids anytime soon plus Bombay is alot of work.  I don’t have much to complain from a personal life perspective expect the fact that you have to sacrifice social life for work but its worth in. I also connected with alot of people this year both old and new friends. 

Only thing I would say is I need to work out more and stay in shape. I feel like I am getting out of shape. I also should probably sleep more but I am not a big fan of sleeping! Another thing was when one of my close family- cousin try to replicate one of our brands. Ofcourse we found out about it but imagine how divested we were when we found out what he did. Not only did we take care of him when he was here. I made sure he was okay and would have done anything to help him. He didn’t have to stab me in the back. Either-way, it was a lesson learn. Keep your eyes open the whole time and watch out for snakes.

Business Life:  

Business is going well as expect J We double of revenue from last year and hoping to continue to momentum in next year. We have also diversified into several other businesses including call centers, BPO, marketing. Am actively looking into stock and real estated. Launched over 50 new brands and continue to dominate the online market.  We are officially one of the largest Facebook, Snapchat and Google advertiser. We are also DHL eCommerce biggest customer. Truly, lucky to have reached such a relatively good spot and am hoping to continue growing.  We got a lot of surprised and plans for next year ;)

There hasn’t been many  issues from a business perfect expect two of our offshore employees were let go because we decide to have a centralized office. They decide to take revenge by refunding customers. Although majority of it was recovered we still lost alot of revenue. It crazy because not only did we hire these two couple for over 3 years. We paid them fairly well – they made as much as a doctor or CEO in Philippines . It crazy how evil and vengeful some people can be. Another issue is a law firm suing us for a jewelry that was created and recommended by a jewelry manufacturer based out of China. It’s pretty stupid because 1) we did not manufacture the jewelry 2) the supplier told us it was his own design 3) the design is not the same, its similar.  It’s pretty crazy how the US works. I mean how do you sue a convenience store if a wholesaler  or a manufacture comes and sells them an item. What’s even more odd is that we are being used personally. Which makes no sense because 1) we give our suppliers the ability to upload products 2) our total staff is over 150 and we are not involved in the marketing/manufacturing of goods 3) the reason for being incorporated is so you are not liable personally.  On top of it all we didn’t even sell much of it! CRAZY! I guess everyone has to make a living. Some do it with hard work while some...  haha okay i should stop here. That’s all for my rant. Aside from these two issues, it been an amazing year for us.

What’s the plan in the new year! 1) GYM GYM GYM (I NEED TO GET IN SHAPE) 2) Try to hit the B mark 3) Try to be more expressive with my opinion.

I will post some pictures shortly.

I know alot of people read this post and tell me they are inspired by it. For those: Keep going strong. You know you are successful when people are aiming at you. Keep your head up high and continue the fight.  It’s harder when you are a minority or an immigrant but I guarantee you with hard honest work, constant changes and a positive attitude. You can achieve anything you want in life.

Here is to another great year! Hoping for more to come.  I will try to post one more before the new year. 

To Be Continue. 

​DescriptionSymbolPortfolio%
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY DEL CL BBRK.B:US11.65%
FACEBOOK CL AFB:US10.96%
AMAZON.COMAMZN:US10.85%
COCA COLA CO(THE)KO:US5.10%
BITCOIN INVT TR SHSGBTC:US4.97%
MASTERCARD INCMA:US3.87%
MCDONALDSMCD:US2.68%
STARBUCKSSBUX:US2.54%
KRAFT HEINZ CO(THE)COM STOCKKHC:US2.54%
GROUPON COM STOCKGRPN:US2.51%
COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP-NEWCOST:US2.21%
APPLEAAPL:US2.20%
VISA CL A COM STOCKV:US2.12%
PHILLIPS 66 COMPSX:US1.49%
INTL BUSINESS MACHINESIBM:US1.45%
WELLS FARGOWFC:US1.38%
TOYOTA MOTOR CORP ADSTM:US1.28%
RESTAURANT BRANDS INTL COMQSR:US1.26%
FEDEXFDX:US1.24%
BOMBARDIER INC-CL B SUB-VTGBBD.B1.23%
UNITED PARCEL SVC CL BUPS:US1.22%
NEWELL BRANDS SHSNWL:US1.20%
VERIZON COMMUNICATIONSVZ:US1.17%
PLDT SPONSORED ADRPHI:US1.04%
ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING SPONSOREBABA:US0.97%
AMN EXPRESS COAXP:US0.78%
ETF SR SOLUTIONS U S GLOBAL JEJETS:US0.76%
LVMH MOET HENNESSY LOUIS VUITTLVMUY:US0.75%
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES COLUV:US0.70%
HERSHEY CO(THE)HSY:US0.69%
BARCLAYS PLC ADRBCS:US0.63%
TARGETTGT:US0.54%
HOME CAP GROUPHCG0.50%
ISHARES INDIA 50 ETFINDY:US0.46%
ISHARES TR MSCI INDIA INDEX FDINDA:US0.45%
UNIVERSAL INS HOLDINGSUVE:US0.42%
VANECK VECTORS ETF TR INDIA SMSCIF:US0.40%
AMN AIRLINES GROUPAAL:US0.31%
WAYFAIR CL AW:US0.30%
LIBERTY INTERACTIVE LIBERTY VELVNTA:US0.30%
UNIVERSAL HEALTH SERVICES CL BUHS:US0.25%
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDSNHTC:US0.23%
IMPERIAL OIL LTDIMO0.20%
VALIDUS HOLDINGSVR:US0.16%
EVEREST RE GROUPRE:US0.14%
GLOBUS MARITIME SHS NEWGLBS:US0.13%
ASPEN INS HOLDINGSAHL:US0.13%
XL GROUP COMXL:US0.12%
  100.00%

​Wow 400 visitors in one week. Starting to think I should start my own youtube channel.

But what would I talk about? haha 

Hope everyone is doing well. This segment of the blog is about 'doing you'. What I realize with most people and even me is that majority of the time we are so busy or distracted that we forget to 'do us'. Get your mind out of the gutter.  What I mean by doing you is being authentic to yourself.  Is to trust your instincts. It's about being in the zone and doing what is right not because the law or the books or society says its right but because deep down inside you know it's right. 

I believe the one of the hardest thing is to be is self-conscious. The act of self-consciousness is not even. The actions that follow that are based on awareness of your self-consciousness and not because society accepts you to do such actions. I think you guys are probably just as confused at me.

What do I mean? Say for example you work at taco bell. You see someone walk inside the taco bell buy a meal, pay for it. Next they ask how much a drink is and then count their change and realize there isn't enough money to cover the drink so they tell you it's okay. At this point as a cashier, depending on who you are, your conscious could tell you 1) give them the drink for free 2) give him the drink with the change he has 3) don't give him a drink since he doesn't have the money. The company policy could be no drinks allowed unless they pay for it or give him a drink but with an alternative motive which is to have good customer service so the customer returns again. Or there might be people around and you want to impress them so you give the person a drink for free or cover it yourself. Do you see what I am getting at? There are multiple response to this situation but you need to figure out how you would act without any INFLUENCES! You need to do you. 

Self-consciousness is a heightened sense of self-awareness. It is a preoccupation with oneself, as opposed to the philosophical state of self-awareness, which is the awareness that one exists as an individual being. 

The basically the whole point of this random blog is to make sure you do you and also don't be a snake. No one likes snakes. 

​

​
Hey Everyone!
Hope everyone is doing well. I still can't believe I have people reading this. Based on the last 2 weeks, I got over 500 unique visitors. #WINNING haha
So what's happening in Amar's life?
Just came back from the Philippines. Went there with my brother to setup a call center/customer service.

What do I think of Philippines?
It was my first time there. I honestly feel it's hidden gem. Although I had a chance to explorer the island and its natural beauty what captivated me the most about it was it's people.
I feel people in Philippines work very hard and are very smart. I feel alot more comfortable knowing our company's customer service is in hands of people who will truly have a positive impact. AN Client Care!

​What did I do while I was there?
From endless meetings with the Canadian embassy, registration business and setting up the center. Met with the FB team down there and they were very friendly. Went to a Safari, petted a baby lion, had dinner at some nice roof tops, met many of our staff, went to see a volcano.
It was truly an eye opening experience. I can definitely see growth there.  We stayed at Macro Polo - a great hotel. The view of the city was remarkable. The malls are bigger than some of the malls in Canada. The people are super welcoming.  
Some recommended places:
San Agustin Church - Ancient Church where the piano's made of bambos
Jeepney Factory - a backyard business that makes jeepney (kinda like bus/rickshaw)
Suba Safari - Amusement Park with a trail where you get to see tigers. Didn't really like this much. I feel bad for the tigers and lions that are trapped in cages. They look so sad and miserable. I got to pet a baby tiger but it's sad that they will spend most of their live in captivity.
BCG - Party place. I had a few drinks there - Valkyrie/Revel/Pool  Palace
Roof Top - Rooftop Bar/Vue Bar
Two things to remember 1) traffic in Manila is crazy and 2) too many process (which isn't really a bad thing because it just ensure security)
----
Other thoughts: Compliment Don't Compete.

I feel this is a major issue with many of the people in the world. Instead of growing as people and groups, they will try to compete with each other. There is a unwritten code on ethics when it comes to things like this, especially when it comes to people who you are close to. You don't have dinner with someone who tells you about their business they has and go home and the next day try to copy it. Especially if you copy it completely. That's unethical, stupid and very greedy (not the good kind). Obviously this is more personal.  People would rationalize this as it's okay, everyone is doing it.. or whatever else.

So compliment it. What do I mean?  I understand success - especially financial success is very important and for some people its even relative. So compliment it but building around it. For example, if your friend opened a Pizza Store. Open a delivery company that delivers the pizza to the customer. Open a farm and provide the pizza store with ingredients.  Sell ovens to the pizza store. Don't open a pizza store next to them.
I am a strong believer that you don't bite the hand the feds you. Don't let your food get cold worrying about what's on someone else's plate. Your happiness should not be relative to other people. You should compete with yourself and ensure you are a better person than you were yesterday.

​I felt that that was a rant.  :) No I don't let a few bad experience, let me judge all of mankind. If I didn't I would probably walk around in a bubble.
Hope you enjoy this read. I will try to post more often.
 

You ever feel like you reached an impasse in life? A moment when you look at life and try to figure things out but you don't know what you need to figure out? 
 
I could spend time reading articles about this topic and get advice along the line that Impasse although might be bitter is an important stage in life that everyone goes through . 

I am the type of person who is usually quick on my feet, a good problem solver and someone who has answers to all of life's problems. But what if you don't know the question that requires an answer. 

I feel this blog is just all over the place.

We work, we strive, we succeed, we fail, we make relationships, we break them, we travel, we relax. We do alot of things. Is it purely either out of necessity or enjoyment? Is it relative? Does it matter?

To be honest, I don't know where I am going with this topic. All I feel is that I am at an impasse in life. Perhaps this is just a temporary stage of mind. Maybe this is a feeling that most people feel but never express. 

I guess the important part is to stay positive, count your blessings and keep going forward.  Hope one day you will figure out what ever you are trying to figure out.

Lets try to break it down.  Staying positive - I am a pretty positive guy. I tend to see the best in scenarios or people. I am the type of person who will see the glass as always full even if its completely empty. 

Blessing: Well I have many. An amazing family, an amazing life partner, awesome cousins and friends, an established business, financial success, a healthy body.

Moving Forward: I am getting into real estate - building homes, I am hoping a facility in Philippines which will employee around 80 VAs, launching new brands and projects, creating an positive impact. 

So now what is it that I am missing in life when I am so fortune and blessed for everything I have? A meaning? a deeper meaning in life. A purpose. Maybe life doesn't need a purpose. Can you truly have a purposeless life? Maybe I have a purpose and I just need to figure it out. 

Recently I met up with an old friend of mine and he mentioned to me how I am so humble. He said this is what he likes the most about me. That no matter what, I am very humble and do not act cocky. This got me thinking. This isn't the first time someone has said something like this to me or us. In the past people have said things like 'you guys are so down to earth', 'no one would guess how successful you are', 'when i first found out, I was interviewing you guys, i thought you guys would be some overconfident/cocky guy in expensive suites, you guys are just like normal guy'.  

So why are we humble?

Why would be not be. There is nothing different about us. I don't understand people who think they are better than other people because of materialistic things or fame.  At the end of the day, all the possessions, the toys, the fame will not matter. What will matter is how to treat people, the impact you leave on people's lives. To be honest, I don't know how to act any other way.  There are times when people have told us that in the past, they are like you are too nice. You need to act more cocky and more arrogant. I never really understood that and I can never act like someone I am not. I come from humble beginnings and all i know is to be humble, courteous, understanding and helpful when possible. That's why majority of the things we do, we look at how we can impact the world in a positive way, whether its through donations  or personally getting involved and doing charity work.  We are currently working on a project called She Believe, which is essentially a woman empowerment concept where we will use 100% of the profit from this initiative to build a school in India. We have raised around 50K so far and are looking to raise around 1M.

The perception.
​
Believe it or not. Most people are humble. I have met with CEO of major companies, dragons from the den, individuals that manage billion dollar funds and guess what they all had in common? They were all humble. They treat you with respect. They are understanding and listen carefully with what you have to say. They are not insulting. They do not act better.

Honestly, its the perception and what you see on TV and media.

The more successful you get (when I say success, I am using the definition of success as defined by society - having achieved popularity, profit, or distinction), the more humble you become. You do not need to prove anything. You just focus on growing yourself. You appreciate the things you have in life. You want to help other succeed as well. 

Also one of the reasons I am humble is because of my brother. The way he treats people and the way he talks to people (strangers, friends) is one of the most admirable qualities about him.

So my friends, I will give you a piece of advice that someone else gave me along time ago. Its very simple really.

'Stay Humble, My Friend'
​

Here is what the reality is and I learned this along time ago. People do not like weak people. People like to around people who are confident, driven and ambitious.

​Everyone has a story. You shouldn't think your too special. Everyone has their ups and downs.
No one in this world is going to pity you. You should not even seek attention through pettiness. For example, you go to an interview and you are recent grad or an immigrant, don't talk about your struggle or how hard you try or how much you NEED this job. No one cares. You should instead focus on the attention on the value you bring and the values you stand for.  I did that ones, I went to an interview and talked about how hard it was to graduate school while working two jobs or growing up in low-incoming housing area. You know what happened? Nothing - I didn't get a job.  I changed my approach, I was more confident but humble, showed I was I was talented, hardworking and will do the job at hand. Showed I was a go-getter. I didn't talk about how hard life was growing up. You know what happened? I landed every single interview I took. My success rate was at 100%, every interview I gave, I got the job. Everytime I wanted to switch to a different company I had multiple offers. After my first stint at RBC, I had an offer at BMO, Loblaws, Deloitte. When was switching again, I had offers from BMO again, TD, RBC, CIBC.  Employer saw something in me that made me stand out from the other candidates, maybe it was my ambition. Also I listened to Tupac and Biggie, before the interview :)

This applies in business as well. Say you are start-up - no one wants to know that you are start up and you will work extra hard and you really need this contract in order to survive. Instead companies want to work with companies that are competent, confident and professional. They want to ensure that if they gave their business to a particular company, that it will be taken care of.

So don't try the sympathy and pity approach. Yes I do feel bad for people sometimes. It human nature too but I don't pity anyone.   Your energy tells alot about you. People don't like being around negative people. Make sure you glass is always half full and not half empty. :) 

Everyone has a story.

I am glad trump banned immigrants from certain nations. I wish trump can continue to ban immigrants. Isolating America. Than USA will see the actual impact of immigrants and immigrants will not be taken for granted. Immigrants built nations, create jobs and are least likely to be on welfare or government support programs. I am tried of seeing immigrant doctors, engineers, lawyers driving taxis, working as labour in factories, flipping hot dog at hot dog stands.

Immigrations are scape goats and blamed for everything. It's our fault, they don't have a job. It's our fault, you were living above your means and couldn't pay your mortgage and as result you defaulted on your mortgage. Yes, it's our fault that they went bankrupt.

Personally, I have seen this first hand. I have seen my parents leave a very comfortable and prestige life and struggle to find employement. Seen both of my parents workijg at factories coming home at night with hands scared and with red marks all over. I have seen them work job that many would classify to working in a sweat shop.

There are plenty of opportunity available in your country. Trust me the western world is not as glamorous as it is shown on Hollywood movies. If you wanna be treated like second class citizen sure come. If you want your children to face racism and be bullied, go ahead. If you want come to a country where you wil not be credited for the hard work you out in and treated unjustly, go ahead. A country where you will have to work harder, study longer and struggle like you never did before, just so you can get the same job as a non-immigrant. Go ahead.

Go ahead. To be honest you deserve it. You deserve this for abandoning a nation that took care of you. You deserve it because instead of taking care of the country that took car of you, you abandoned it.

Sorry for any mistakes/grammar mistakes.

Every year I like to set New Year's goals.

"BUT AMAR WHY ARE YOU SETTING GOALS ON NEW YEARS, I DONT UNDERSTAND, SHOULDN"T YOU BE SETTING GOALS EVERY DAY? YOU SHOULDN"T WAIT FOR NEW YEARS TO SET GOALS"  I understand many people feel that way and you are right we should set goals every day and not wait for new years to start on them. To the same people,  I would to know the goals they set throughout the year. The reality of things are most people may or maynot do that. That doesn't mean setting goals on new year a bad thing. Its actually a very good, healthy and motivation. I suggest everyone set new years goals.  Even if the person does not pull through. It shows willingness, it shows the person wants to change themselves for the better. It shows theirs goal and what they want to strive for. So my friends or atleast people who read this blog.  Please dont hate on people who set new year's goal if you don't want to, that's fine.

#2016
Got a new puppy named Bombay
Sent three kids in India to school
Sponsored and Donated to Autism in Mind
Sponsored and Donated to Canadian Mental Health Association
Adopted An Elephant
Got invitation to Amex Black Card
Bought 4 Houses
Got ranked the 5th Fastest Growing Company in Canada based on revenue
Quit smoking (1 year and 2 months)
Got a new car – BMW 428 Convertible
Got dad a new car – Mercedes Benz S550
Became the largest social media spender in Canada
Launched over 20 various brands 
 
#2017
 Buy  A New Family Home
Send 10 Kids to School
Built A School In India for underprivileged woman
Publish a Book
Become the Fastest Growing Company in Canada
Get a 6 Pack Abs
Hit 1 billion dollars in sale