Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Akhmedov.
Hi Zach, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Originally from Baku, Azerbaijan – a country that was under Soviet rule for 70 years and that has been involved in a war with Armenia since the late 80s, I arrived in the US with my family in 2001, settling in Kansas City. I was 17 at the time. I immediately had to work several jobs to help my parents with the bills while attending college full-time. Between 2007 and 2016, I mainly lived in Europe while working in the corporate oil and gas industry. In 2017 my wife and I moved back to the US permanently. In 2017 I took over my dad’s non-emergency medical transportation company Reltrans which has been servicing the Kansas City metro area since 2005. Both my wife Irina and I have extensive experience organizing trade shows and exhibitions, including major international events such as the World Petroleum Congress. And we both are passionate about interior design. We felt compelled to organize a large-scale interior design and furniture event in Kansas City that would showcase some of the best local and out-of-state brands and really put KC on the map regarding interior design.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a war refugee and moving to a different country several times due to prejudice and discrimination, I have seen my share of hardship. However, all those struggles and negative experiences have made me much stronger.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Throughout my career in the petroleum business, I’ve visited numerous trade shows in over 20 countries. Having been part of organizing committees of some of the largest trade shows in the world, my wife Irina and I know how to put together a large-scale event that will be entertaining and educational for our visitors. We are looking at creating an international event in the heart of the Midwest. We aim to have a professional trade show open to local and out-of-state design enthusiasts. An event where an interior designer from Chicago can establish contacts with a high-quality tile manufacturer from Kansas. A place where a local homeowner from Overland Park can meet face-to-face and see the products of an Italian furniture designer without having to go to his showroom in Atlanta or LA. A show where interior design professionals can network and establish new relationships with some of the best brands on the market.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Ability to adapt to a changing environment while recognizing new opportunities; loyalty is required for any successful business and personal relationship. One of the most important characteristics of my success is my absolute willingness to learn something new and useful whenever I see an opportunity.
Pricing:
- Attendance fee – $10
- Exhibition fee – call for info
Contact Info:
- Website: mwdaff.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwdaff/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mwdaff
