A young man from India embarked on a journey to America at the age of 19. Beginning his new life with a driver’s job and running cabs, he faced times of loneliness and unemployment, contemplating a return home. However, determination pushed him to create something new, and today he manages a multi-million dollar business empire in the USA.
According to a CNBC report, Manny Singh is now 38 years old. Upon reaching America, he found himself all alone, away from his family. He recalls the moments when he considered leaving everything and retreating to India as he struggled alone. But fortune had other plans, transforming a cabbie into a significant businessman in America.
Started Working After Dropping Out of College
Initially, he attended college in the Bay Area. However, due to untransferred school credits from India, he had to quit studies. His mother urged him to secure a job quickly, leading him to work temporarily at a local drug store. Soon after, he joined his uncle's taxi company as a driver, earning around $6 an hour.
Drove Cabs and Then Launched His Own Cab Service
For 12 years, Manny drove cabs, eventually owning five of them. He started his own cab company, paving the way for further ventures, including creating an advertising and marketing agency for independent drivers and a driver network.
In 2018, desiring to diversify beyond taxis, he established Drivers Network, later known as ATCS Platform Solutions. By June 2019, he collaborated with a local barber in Mountain View to open Dandy's Barbershop and Beard Stylist.
How the Salon Venture Idea Emerged
His partner Joypreet inspired the salon idea, urging him to follow his mother's entrepreneurial footsteps—she managed hair salons in India and later in Northern California. Last year, Dandy's reported a revenue of $1.07 million.
Source: aajtak
Reports indicate that ATCS Platform Solutions earned a revenue of $1.18 million. Manny Singh, who commits full-time to Dandy’s and spends about 20 hours a week on ATCS, says both ventures have proven profitable for him.
Helped His Mother Run a Salon Before
Transitioning from cab driver to barbershop owner seems a massive leap, yet Manny says it required years of hard work. Back in 2007, after assisting his mother obtain a cosmetology license and establishing a hair salon, he supported its operations, advertising, and marketing.
He recalls the strenuous process of setting up his shop, utilizing $75,000 of savings from driving and delivering goods.
Manny states that obtaining permissions involved navigating city dealings. Acquiring a shop license alone took one year, during which he had to pay rent without revenue.
No Prior Experience in Running a Barbershop
Lacking barbershop experience, Manny partnered with a barber friend to launch the store. Six months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. With his business partner departing due to family issues, the shop temporarily closed, although rent obligations persisted for nearly a year.
Took Substantial Loans to Fund New Business
Manny reveals securing two Paycheck Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration: one for $68,000 and another for $18,000, later forgiven. Additionally, he borrowed $20,000 from two friends and withdrew $30,000 from his life insurance, along with $80,000 on credit card debt.
Sold All Stocks and Investments
Manny liquidated his stock portfolio and minimized spending on essentials to support his business continuity. He expressed having to sell everything and frugally spend just a dollar for a meal.
Amid this downtime, Manny enrolled in an institute to train as a hairstylist, preparing Dandy’s reopening in 2021 to offer an extensive range of personal grooming services. He mentions drawing in a wide spectrum of individuals as he connected with more people.
Now Operating Three Salons and a Cab Service Company
Today, Manny oversees three Dandy's stores, employing 25 staff members. Out of these, 15 are barbers, drawing a $7,000 monthly salary split between $3,000 from Dandy’s and $4,000 from ATCS. Manny reveals settling his life insurance and credit card debts and beginning the repayment of his remaining PPP loan.
Manny reflects on enduring tough times, taking loans to sustain his ventures, and cutting down on essentials to make his business thrive.
