James Khuri is the CEO of several companies, James is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. James provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of several companies.
James Khuri joins other leading Bestselling Authors, International Speakers & entrepreneurs, CEOs, and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team is delighted to have James join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
James Khuri is a prosperous and well-respected entrepreneur as CEO of several companies. James owns nine companies, ranging from real estate to manufacturing and distribution, brick-and-mortar retailers and e-commerce websites. James was born and raised in Rochester, New York. In 1983, his family moved to Lebanon in an attempt to restore their residence there. After just six months, however, they returned to New York because of the hostile and unsafe living conditions caused by the ongoing war. James then went to the University of Rochester where he obtained his MBA from the Simon School of Business. At the age of 32, he moved from New York to California, where he is currently living. James began his successful career in real estate in 2001. James has always been discerning when he invests in real estate, currently owning medical and apartment buildings in New York and Los Angeles. He does not invest in other forms of real estate, because he does not believe that anything else is feasible in the current market. Real estate may have been where James started, but his bigger focus and a much larger area of success for him is e-commerce.
James developed a love of trading cards early in his life and turned this passion into a huge distribution business, becoming Amazon’s main distributor of trading cards and Hasbro & Mattel merchandise for more than 136 countries. With consumer behaviors changing, the booming growth of e-commerce business also shows no signs of slowing down. James is constantly expanding his range of products, adapting his fulfillment and distribution plans to the needs of each country in which he distributes, selecting the right products, and streamlining efficiency. His efforts have led to some recent achievements. One was that Amazon assigned an employee to work exclusively with one of James’s companies to support his sales in the 136 countries to which they are selling. The other is a new fulfillment system, which was created in partnership with Walmart in partnership with Walmart and is called “Fulfilled by Walmart.” Outside of work, James loves spending time with his seventeen-year-old son. They are avid foodies and enjoy watching movies together. In addition to keeping his mind sharp, James likes to be physically fit by lifting weights, hiking and boxing. Another very important person in his life is James’s mother, she was always a big supporter and a great mother, always there in times of need. James is also committed to giving back and has co-founded a charity called beautifullminds.com, a nonprofit that provides educational assistance to facilities and programs that help those in the community in need of mental and spiritual support, rehabilitation support and physical education / therapy. James Khuri is a committed father and son, as well as an experienced and highly successful entrepreneur. He has worked wholeheartedly to build his businesses. He is excited to continue his efforts every day to bring the world both what it needs and desires.
Let’s start by telling us about your business.
I started buying medical office buildings in 2001, and now I primarily keep to medical office buildings and apartment buildings because I do not believe that anything else would be worth the time or investment in the current market. Then I expanded into e-commerce manufacturing, distribution, and fulfillment as the industry grew. Today, I own four real estate companies and five manufacturing and distribution companies.
Q: Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
I have great vision when it comes to being able to see into the future of consumer needs. Then I know exactly where I need to focus my energy and direct my company and that all results in benefits to the customers which in turn produces fans in the business.
Q: Please tell us the one thing that separates your business from the competition?
I make good business deals. I am able to produce great synergies with other companies which result in stronger companies, more profit, and value for the customers.
Q: And to finish this section, please tell us what is the one major key to your company’s success?
The energy I bring. Whether I am in a real estate transaction or dealing with manufacturing or distribution, I always bring the same energy to my business dealings, which is my best energy. That rubs off on everyone. When the CEO maintains a positive attitude and sets the example that we are going to do our best work on a daily basis, it has a far-reaching effect in the company.
Q: For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
Really do your research and learn as much as you can about the industry you are getting into. Then, take the leap and don’t let fear hold you back from taking the next step which is actually making your first deal or making that first call. The good news is that you only have to do those “firsts” one time.
Q: For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what one big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
Just remember to take things one day at a time. You may have a particularly hard day or week that feels endless but just keep calm, you will get through it. Then you will be better equipped to handle the next tough day or week that may come along.
Q: In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
I like to keep things streamlined and efficient, so I use a news aggregate to get all of my news from one source. I also have a few magazines I subscribe to and podcasts I listen to stay current on different topics.
Q: What is your “Why”? In one sentence, why do you get up in the morning?
I get up in the morning for my son, and because I believe in what I do.
Q: In one sentence, what is the most important thing one has to do to be a great leader?
In order to be a great leader, one must appreciate the value of life and be completely unbiased towards all.
Q: In one sentence, describe how important your customers are to your business?
My customers are very important and are the driving force behind many of the decisions I make when it comes to my businesses.
Q: In one sentence, describe a positive way that technology can make the world a better place?
Technology makes the world a better place by allowing people all over the world to access products that they otherwise would have never dreamed of being able to.
Q: In one sentence, tell us something positive to motivate our readers?
You have permission to do what makes you happy.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?
I get ready with some coffee and time with my son before we both get started with our hard work for the day.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setback?
You just keep going, you can hear “no” many times, but you only need one “yes”.
Q: In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
When hiring, I believe it is important to seek individuals who are capable of out-of-the-box thinking.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?
I have learned how to separate business from personal life; how to focus on the people I love while keeping my head away from making business deals and decisions.
James Khuri, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We appreciate you participating in this important roundtable interview series, and helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family nothing but the best.
