| Razor Suleman | |
|---|---|
 Razor Suleman speaks to students at Wilfrid Laurier University, March 2006. |
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| Born | May 20 1974  Toronto, Ontario, CA |
| Occupation | CEO, I Love Rewards Inc. |
| Website | www.iloverewards.com |
Kaizer Suleman (born May 20, 1974), better known as Razor Suleman, is a Canadian entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of I Love Rewards Inc.
Contents |
Biography
Early years
Razor was born in Toronto, Ontario on May 20, 1974. Realizing his passion for entrepreneurship at a very young age, Razor started his first business when he was 15 years old. This entailed buying Upper Deck sports cards in bulk from American suppliers, then reselling them to Canadian dealers for profit.[1] It was this experience that fueled Razor’s passion for business, and eventually inspired his subsequent ventures.
University Years / Razor's Edge
In September 1994, Razor began attending Wilfrid Laurier University to obtain his undergraduate degree in Business Administration. It was in his first week at university (frosh week) that he was nicknamed “Razor” by his fellow frosh-group members. Shortly after becoming appointed a Floor Representative for his residence, Razor was given the responsibility for sourcing the residents’ athletic apparel. This included branded pants, shirts, hoodies, etc. In doing this task successfully, Razor realized that he could extend his “clientele” and transform this concept into a profitable business. After a little on-campus marketing, he began selling branded athletic apparel to campus groups and clubs. On May 17, 1995, Razor officially incorporated his first registered business, Razor’s Edge.[2] Razor went on to graduate from university - completely debt free - in May of 1998.
Snap Promotions
After Razor graduated, Razor’s Edge continued to do business, but it traded its student-based clientele for small businesses and large corporations. Razor’s Edge was now responsible for creating branded promotional products for its clients’ employees. In August 1999, Razor’s Edge merged with another company and formed Snap Promotions. While working with a large corporate customer, Razor became aware that branded promotional products were becoming a less effective solution for businesses to motivate their clients and customers. As a result, Snap Promotions shifted its business model from branded merchandise to points-based online rewards programs. To reflect this new direction, Razor branched off another company called I Love Rewards in 2002.[2] Predicting a decline in market demand for promotional products, Razor (and his employees) sold Snap Promotions in May of 2005, and decided to focus their attention on I Love Rewards.
I Love Rewards
Since incorporating I Love Rewards, Razor has led the business to many successes. Most recently, I Love Rewards was named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers by Maclean's[3] , and Canada's 12th Fastest Growing Company by Profit Magazine.[4] Razor now acts as the CEO of the company, and has a team of more than 40 Employees.
Awards
September 2003 – Marketing Magazine’s Top 30 Marketers under 30 (finalist)
October 2004 - Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (finalist)
November 2006 –Distinguished Ismaili Small Business Award (winner)[5]
October 2007 - BDC's Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Ontario[6]
Speaking Engagements
Past
In the past, Razor has spoken at universities, trade shows, and other events, spreading his message of entrepreneurship. He has spoken at his alma mater, Wilfrid Laurier University, on 3 different occasions.
Upcoming
September 26, 2006 – York University
February 1, 2008 – HRPAO Conference, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
External links
- I Love Rewards Blog
- Razor Speaking to Organizational Behavior Class at Laurier
- Razor on Rogers TV
- Razor on Bootstrapping
References
- ^ "My First Financing" - I Love Rewards Blog.
- ^ a b I Love Rewards Press Kit (PDF). I Love Rewards.
- ^ Canada's Top 100 Employers.
- ^ Profit 100 List.
- ^ Ismaili Mail.
- ^ News Wire.
