Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Jwad.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was originally born in Baghdad, where I was first inspired by my older brother Sam. (A true Entrepreneur) Here, at a very young age nine years old started my business with Sam and we build very successful business together but unfortunately long after didn’t workout due to the wars.
In 2003, when the Iraq War first began, I joined the U.S. Forces. After fighting alongside the American soldiers, no matter how dangerous and treacherous the mission. I moved to Egypt in 2006, shortly after being blackmailed, and Kidnapped one of my family member,
In Cairo, I opened a momentary business that didn’t work out and led to bankrupt.
It was then, in 2010, I was offered a Green Card by the U.S. Government and moved to Philadelphia with only $200 dollars in my pocket, no family or friends and not speaking enough of the English language.
The entrance into the culinary world began in Camden, New Jersey after finally earning my first job at a local bakery ($7.25ph). Here, my innate and long held passion for food quickly grew. Soon, two months later, I accepted a position at the Philadelphia International Airport, “PHL.” I worked for two restaurants at the same time doing double shift every day (commuting by bus, subway and train every day), starting as a dishwasher and then working my way up to restaurant manager, where I honed exceptional skills, which later on helped me to develop my own restaurant business.
In 2013, I wanted to find a way to save more money to start my own company so I had the courage to leave my job at PHL and pursue a career at a construction company. Here, I was able to save money to start my own company, with hard work, sweat and tears I was able build great credit score to have a real estate Investments properties and at that time I had gained a great experience in project management.
In 2018, I founded the company Vision Global Ent. Corp. in Miami, after I saw a gap in Real authentic Mediterranean food opening ICON Mediterranean, year after, then VGM Project management 2019 in addition to my upcoming concept FAVA N SPICE Restaurant.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have been through a lot of challenges in my life and have very difficult childhood which makes me understand the value of hard work and understand that life is too hard and nothing comes easy at young age.
when you first start a business it seems like everyone want to take advatges of you specially companies that bigger and ahead of you in the game, but in reality this is just the nature of the beast and the catch here is never fold under pressure, and stay solid.
Never fall for the victim mentality because everyone have Sad Story and I can literally write a book about my Sad Stories but who cares if you don’t have strong come back, people care more about how did you get up after you messed up in your life and what lesson learned you can share with them.
The secrets sauce that it doesn’t matter how I feel I get up and put in the work because there’s no right time, the time is now you have to start now. if you build this momentum mentality you can achieve anything in life alongside with being patience and staying focus.
Business and entrepreneurship life will feel like a jungle and only lions can survive.
BE A LION.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I am currently managing 3 companies, and working on upcoming Luxury Car Rental company in 2023.
VGM Project management that focus on Planning & Scheduling for large complex projects. Oil and Gas, High Rise Building, Utilities, Airports and stadiums. Our client, the department of US Air Force (Guam). Miami International Airport Hanger’s renovation Program. FPL, and Lockhart Stadium.
Triple J Groups is real-estate investment company. We operate in the East and we are planning to expand in FL.
VGEC is a events management company that manage middle Eastern superstars artists tours in USA, Bahamas, and Canada. VGEC also operate ICON Mediterranean and the upcoming concept FAVA N SPICE.
ICON Mediterranean presents a simple, healthy, real and modern Mediterranean menu with ingredients that are made fresh daily in-house. The restaurant offers three types of proteins, including Chicken Shawarma Halal, Steak Shawarma and Falafel, styled with four bases such as House Samoon, Flatbread Wraps, Rice Bowls and Salatas. An array of toppings and sauces are also offered, from the ICON Signature Tahini to the Garlic Thoam, Green Tahini, BBQ Tahini, Spicy Tahini and Cucumber Yogurt Taziki.
Outside of ICON Mediterranean’s signature Build Your Own, the restaurant also offers starters and specialties. Starters include: Hummus, Falafel, Shawarma Quesadilla, Goat Cheese Fingers imported, ICON Fries and ICON Salata Fatoush. Specialties include the Power Rice Bowl, ICON Burrito Wrapped, ICON Salata Wrap, Vibe Sandwich, Goat Sandwich and Nar Sandwich.
Each dish is crafted daily using in-house made ingredients that are healthy and fresh and weaved in with the authentic culinary customs of the Mediterranean. It’s real food that’s thoughtfully made with love and energy.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I would love to work with everyone as long as you don’t give up when things get tough.
We can always collaborate and support each other. I am a big believer and part of my plan is to get happy for other people’s successes and support them of all time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iconmediterranean.com/
- Instagram: @mrjaywad
- Other: @iconmediterranean
Image Credits
Omar Alonzzo @justomma @fuxioncreative
