Today we’d like to introduce you to Ahmad A Siddiqui.
Hi Ahmad A, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my career in the corporate world after completing my studies in Karachi, Pakistan. While I enjoyed the structure and growth that came with corporate life, I always had an entrepreneurial drive. In 2001, I took a leap of faith and started my first software development company; right around the time of 9/11, which completely changed the business landscape and my personal trajectory.
Despite early challenges, that experience profoundly shaped my understanding of business, resilience, and leadership. In 2004, I sold my company and moved to the United States, where I worked with major corporations such as American Express, Hewlett Packard, JP Morgan Chase, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Those years gave me a deeper appreciation for systems, scalability, and strategy—but the entrepreneurial itch never left.
In 2008, I start again; this time on the side while still working in the corporate world. Over time, that effort grew into IT Verticals Inc. and ApparelnBags.com, two companies that now serve thousands of customers and brands.
Along the way, I’ve learned that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about creating opportunities, empowering people, and driving meaningful impact.
Today, I focus on helping small and mid-sized businesses compete and thrive through technology, eCommerce, and digital innovation—and honestly, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. It’s been anything but a smooth road. But I’ve learned that the challenges are what shape you the most.
When I started my first company in 2001, the timing couldn’t have been tougher. The 9/11 tragedy completely changed the global business environment, and as a small startup founder, I faced major setbacks almost immediately. My main client and investor pulled out, and I suddenly found myself being Chief Everything Officer; from sales and project management to programming late into the night.
Later, when I moved to the U.S., it took time to rebuild from scratch. Balancing a demanding corporate career while nurturing my entrepreneurial ambitions on the side was another challenge (and completing MBA; all in parallel, while we had two kids). My startup didn’t work out, There were financial pressures, long nights, and moments of doubt.
The 2008 financial crisis and, more recently, the pandemic were also major tests. During COVID, for example, two of our key suppliers went bankrupt, and we lost millions in sales almost overnight. Those were hard moments, both professionally and emotionally.
But every challenge taught me something valuable — how to adapt, how to lead through uncertainty, and how to keep moving forward even when the path isn’t clear. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. They made me more resilient, more strategic, and more empathetic as a leader.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
ApparelnBags.com Inc. was founded in 2011. Today, ApparelnBags.com offers promotional products, branded apparel, and business marketing solutions to companies all across the United States.
Our DNA has always been centered on helping small businesses succeed — not just by selling products, but by helping them make ROI-based investments in their promotions and marketing. We believe every small business deserves access to the same level of quality, creativity, and technology that large corporations enjoy.
Behind the scenes, we’ve built a strong operational and eCommerce infrastructure that enables us to serve thousands of businesses efficiently, while still maintaining a personal touch. Our focus on process, technology, and customer experience has been the key to our growth and long-term partnerships.
Although I’ve spoken about ApparelnBags.com here, it would be unfair not to mention IT Verticals Inc., which I often call my “mothership.” It’s where every idea is born, nurtured, and eventually sent out into the world to do great things.
IT Verticals offers custom software development, eCommerce solutions, and digital transformation services that help businesses scale efficiently. Founded before ApparelnBags, it has always been the technology backbone behind many of our ventures. It’s where innovation meets execution — a place where we experiment, test, and build ideas that often evolve into independent business units or full-scale products.
With ApparelnBags.com Inc a a big brother; today, we’re building a healthcare-focused brand called MediVerticals, where we help healthcare providers with customer acquisition and process optimization through our digital, promotional, and marketing solutions. This venture reflects the same philosophy that drives everything we do — using technology, creativity, and data-driven strategies to empower organizations to grow and operate smarter.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Life & History of Prophet Muhammad
Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud
On Personal side, (late) Dr. Israr Ahmed – a religious figure
Gary Vee – When I listen to him, it seems I am talking.
Yes, I am bit conservative and very simple person 🙂
Pricing:
- Small Business Solutions; to fit budget and ROI
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ahmadsiddiqui.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahmadasiddiqui/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aasiddiqui/
- Other: https://www.apparelnbags.com/
Image Credits
All pictures are personal pictures.
