Karim Makki’s journey from mechanical engineering to building a thriving marketing agency is nothing short of inspiring. What started with frustration and uncertainty turned into a success story driven by persistence, adaptability, and a deep understanding of sales and communication. His journey demonstrates that success isn’t defined by the path you start on, but by how you shape your journey along the way.
The Pivotal Moment: A Career Shift That Changed Everything
Karim’s story began in the world of mechanical engineering, but it wasn’t long before he realized that his true passion lay elsewhere. After graduating with an engineering degree, Karim found himself struggling to secure a job in his field. The months of uncertainty and disappointment led him to make a bold decision: to shift gears and enter the world of marketing and sales.
With no prior experience and zero funding, Karim embarked on a new path by starting his own marketing agency. This was no easy task. He had to prove his worth, gain the trust of clients, and learn how to generate results—all while being resourceful and persistent. What followed was a series of triumphs that solidified his place in the marketing industry.
From Scratch to Success: Building a Marketing Agency
Starting a marketing agency from scratch, with no financial backing, was one of the biggest challenges Karim faced. He had to rely solely on his skills, determination, and innovative thinking. Slowly but surely, Karim managed to grow his client base and gain traction. His marketing strategies generated millions of views for clients, and his ability to deliver results turned his agency into a highly sought-after business.
Karim’s experience with growing his own Instagram to 70,000 followers in under a year played a crucial role in his journey. He learned firsthand the power of social media marketing and how it could help businesses scale. The success of his agency can be attributed to his ability to harness the power of social media, combined with his knack for communication, creativity, and strategy.
The Power of Sales, Communication, and Adaptability
What sets Karim apart in the marketing world is his unique ability to blend creativity with business strategy. He thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments where communication, influence, and problem-solving drive success. It’s no wonder that he’s been able to scale his agency to new heights, transforming businesses and boosting their sales with his proven strategies.
“I thrive in environments where communication, strategy, and influence drive success,” says Karim. This natural ability to connect with people and craft strategies that foster growth is the secret to his success. As an entrepreneur, Karim has found fulfillment in building brands, closing deals, and making a significant impact in the marketing industry.
Lessons Learned: Overcoming Early Struggles and Adversity
Despite the success he’s achieved today, Karim’s journey wasn’t without its fair share of struggles. Early on, he faced rejection after rejection while trying to secure a job as a mechanical engineer. After months of effort, he came to the realization that he needed to take matters into his own hands. This led to the creation of his marketing agency—a business born out of pure determination.
Without money to invest in ads or marketing, Karim had to rely on his resourcefulness and hustle to secure clients and build his brand. Through perseverance and a commitment to delivering results, Karim was able to turn these early struggles into valuable lessons in sales, marketing, and business growth.
The Importance of Persistence, Consistency, and Adaptability
For Karim, the most important lesson he’s learned throughout his journey is the power of persistence. Whether it was struggling to land a job in engineering or building a business from the ground up with no resources, he learned that consistency and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges.
“Business isn’t as easy as it’s made to seem on social media,” Karim reflects. “It’s about constant learning, solving problems, and adapting.” These lessons have shaped his approach to business, allowing him to remain focused and committed to his goals, even in the face of adversity.
Inspiration From Other Entrepreneurs
Karim draws inspiration from entrepreneurs like Alex Hormozi and Gary Vee—individuals who, like him, built their success from the ground up. Their mindset on sales, branding, and relentless execution has greatly influenced Karim’s approach to business. He credits their influence for helping him understand the value of creating strong relationships, executing strategies with persistence, and continuously learning and adapting.
“Strategy, persistence, and value creation are key to success,” Karim says, summarizing the core principles he’s adopted from these entrepreneurs. These same principles have allowed him to thrive in the fast-paced world of marketing and sales.
Overcoming Setbacks: Staying Motivated and Focused
For Karim, setbacks are not roadblocks—they’re opportunities to grow and learn. His natural curiosity, combined with his competitive edge, keeps him motivated through difficult times. He believes in the power of staying positive, focusing on solutions, and learning from every experience.
“It’s all about looking at challenges as opportunities to learn and grow,” he shares. “Every setback is a chance to improve and become better at what I do.”
The drive to keep pushing forward comes from knowing where he started. Karim’s story is one of incredible transformation, and each milestone achieved reinforces his belief that persistence and hard work pay off.
Redefining Success: From Stability to Impact
When Karim first began his career, his definition of success was simply securing a stable 9-to-5 job. But as he grew his own business, his perspective on success evolved. Today, success for Karim isn’t about job security; it’s about creating meaningful impact, solving problems, and providing value.
Success, he now believes, is about having influence and making a difference—whether through growing his own business, helping clients scale, or providing mentorship to younger entrepreneurs. Karim’s focus is no longer on the comfort of a steady paycheck; it’s on the ability to create growth, build relationships, and drive change in the marketing world.
Advice to His Younger Self: Believe in Yourself and Take Risks
If Karim could give advice to his younger self, it would be to trust his instincts, take risks, and invest in his personal growth earlier. He admits that he spent too much time doubting himself and waiting for opportunities, rather than creating them.
“I’d tell myself to start earlier and invest in myself,” Karim reflects. “Believe in my potential, take risks, and don’t compare my journey to others.”
This advice highlights the importance of self-belief, resilience, and the willingness to learn. For Karim, success comes when you consistently show up, solve problems, and push through challenges with determination.
A Legacy of Impact: Creating Meaningful Change
As Karim continues to grow his marketing agency, his vision for the future is clear: he wants to leave a lasting, positive legacy. His goal is to be remembered for solving real problems, providing value, and motivating others to believe in themselves. Karim aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by showing them that success is built on persistence, resilience, and the desire to make a difference.
“I want to influence people’s lives and encourage them to take risks and keep learning,” he says. His legacy, he hopes, will be one of impact, innovation, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
Through his achievements, struggles, and invaluable lessons learned along the way, Karim Makki is proving that success is not about the path you start on, but the dedication and adaptability you bring to the journey. His story is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can create something truly impactful. Do follow him on Instagram.
