The United States has long been a land of opportunity for entrepreneurs from around the world.
Turkish businesspeople, in particular, have made significant contributions to the U.S. economy by bringing with them strong cultural values of hospitality, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
These values, often encapsulated in unique Turkish expressions and wisdom, have enabled them to build successful companies and enrich the American entrepreneurial landscape.
This article highlights the inspiring journeys of Turkish entrepreneurs who have established successful businesses in the United States through vision and determination.
Hamdi Ulukaya – Founder of Chobani
Industry: Food and Dairy
Founded: 2005
Headquarters: Norwich, New York, USA
Story: Born in Erzincan, Turkey, in 1972, Hamdi Ulukaya grew up in a dairy-farming family that produced cheese and yogurt.
Seeking to learn English and expand his horizons, he moved to the United States in 1994 to study at the University at Albany.
Noticing a lack of authentic, quality yogurt similar to what he enjoyed in Turkey, Ulukaya saw an opportunity in the American market.
In 2005, he purchased a closed-down yogurt plant in upstate New York with the help of a Small Business Administration loan and founded Chobani. Introducing a thicker, creamier Greek-style yogurt made with natural ingredients, Chobani quickly gained popularity. Ulukaya focused on quality, accessibility, and community involvement, which resonated with consumers.
Under his leadership, Chobani became the top-selling Greek yogurt brand in the United States, reaching over $1 billion in annual sales. Ulukaya is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including establishing the Tent Partnership for Refugees and implementing progressive workplace policies like profit-sharing with employees.
Cultural Influence:
Ulukaya's journey reflects the Turkish value of "Misafirperverlik" (hospitality), emphasizing generosity and warmth towards others. His commitment to quality and natural ingredients aligns with "Doğallık" (naturalness) and "Lezzet" (taste), key aspects of Turkish culinary tradition. The Turkish proverb "Azimli sıçan duvarı deler" ("A determined mouse can perforate a wall") resonates with his perseverance in building a successful business from humble beginnings. Ulukaya's focus on community and employee well-being embodies "Dayanışma" (solidarity) and "İyilik" (kindness), central values in Turkish culture.
Eren Ozmen and Fatih Ozmen – Owners of Sierra Nevada Corporation
Industry: Aerospace and Defense
Founded: Acquired Sierra Nevada Corporation in 1994
Headquarters: Sparks, Nevada, USA
Story: Born in Turkey, Eren Ozmen and her husband Fatih Ozmen immigrated to the United States to pursue higher education.
Eren earned an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno, while Fatih obtained an engineering degree. In 1994, they purchased Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a small high-tech electronics firm with a handful of employees.
Under their leadership, SNC expanded into aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity, becoming a global leader in innovative technology solutions. The company has contributed to significant projects, including NASA's Dream Chaser® spacecraft, designed for resupplying the International Space Station.
Eren Ozmen serves as President, and Fatih Ozmen as CEO, making them one of the most influential husband-and-wife teams in the aerospace industry. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and excellence has driven SNC's growth to over 4,000 employees across 33 locations worldwide.
Cultural Influence:
The Ozmens' success embodies the Turkish concept of "Azim ve Kararlılık" (determination and resolve). The saying "İşleyen demir ışıldar" ("Flowing iron glows") reflects their belief that hard work leads to brilliance. Their focus on innovation aligns with "İleriye Bakış" (forward-thinking), encouraging the embrace of new ideas and technologies. The Ozmens' dedication to advancing aerospace technology demonstrates "Bilim ve Teknolojiye Saygı" (respect for science and technology), deeply rooted in Turkish culture.
Osman Kibar – Founder of Biosplice Therapeutics
Industry: Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine
Founded: 2008
Headquarters: San Diego, California, USA
Story: Born in İzmir, Turkey, Osman Kibar developed an early passion for science and innovation.
He moved to the United States to pursue higher education, earning degrees in mathematics and engineering from Pomona College and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Kibar further advanced his studies by obtaining a Ph.D. in biophysics from the University of California, San Diego.
In 2008, he founded Biosplice Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine and developing treatments for degenerative diseases. Biosplice Therapeutics's groundbreaking work centers on small-molecule drugs that modulate the Wnt signaling pathway, which is crucial for tissue regeneration and cellular processes.
Under Kibar's leadership as CEO, Biosplice Therapeutics has built a robust pipeline of therapeutic candidates targeting conditions such as osteoarthritis, hair loss, degenerative disc disease, and cancer. The company's innovative approach has attracted significant investment and positioned it at the forefront of regenerative medicine research.
Cultural Influence:
Kibar's journey reflects the Turkish value of "Bilim ve Teknolojiye Saygı" (respect for science and technology). His dedication to pioneering medical breakthroughs embodies the concept of "İleriye Bakış" (forward-thinking), emphasizing innovation and progress. The Turkish proverb "Azmin elinden hiçbir şey kurtulmaz" ("Nothing escapes the hand of determination") resonates with his relentless efforts to tackle complex health challenges. Kibar's commitment to improving human health aligns with "İnsanlığa Hizmet" (service to humanity), a core aspect of Turkish culture that values contributing positively to society.
Cem Sertoğlu – Partner at Earlybird Venture Capital
Industry: Venture Capital and Technology
Founded: Earlybird Digital East Fund in 2010
Story:
Born in İzmir, Turkey, Cem Sertoğlu is a prominent venture capitalist and entrepreneur who has significantly influenced the technology startup ecosystem both in Turkey and internationally.
After completing his education in the United States with a degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin, Sertoğlu began his career in Silicon Valley during the dot-com boom, gaining valuable experience in technology and entrepreneurship.
Previously, Cem was the Founder & CEO of SelectMinds in New York, the global leader in social recruiting and community management software. One of the social software pioneers, the company’s solutions enable the human capital management programs at some of the world’s largest companies. Prior to founding SelectMinds in 1999, Cem worked as a Strategy Consultant in New York for six years.
Returning to Turkey, he became a partner at Earlybird Venture Capital in 2010, co-founding the Earlybird Digital East Fund. The fund focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups in Turkey and Central and Eastern Europe.
Notably, he led investments in Peak Games, a mobile gaming company based in Istanbul. In 2020, Peak Games was acquired by U.S.-based Zynga for $1.8 billion, marking one of the largest exits in Turkish startup history.
His personal investment highlights include YemekSepeti, the leading online meal delivery company that was acquired for $589m by Delivery Hero in 2015 in the largest exit to date in Turkish internet; GittiGidiyor, the first major Turkish internet exit to eBay in 2011, for $218m; and Grupanya, which is Turkey’s leading local commerce marketplace.
Cultural Influence:
Sertoğlu's work reflects the Turkish value of "Köprü Kurmak" (building bridges), symbolizing his efforts to connect the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Turkey and the United States. The proverb "Bir elin nesi var, iki elin sesi var" ("One hand has no clapping sound, but two hands make noise") highlights his belief in collaboration and partnership across borders. His commitment to nurturing startups embodies the "Girişimcilik Ruhu" (entrepreneurial spirit), encouraging innovation and resilience in the face of challenges. By fostering global connections, Sertoğlu exemplifies "Dünya Vatandaşlığı" (global citizenship), embracing a worldview that transcends geographical boundaries.
The Cultural Edge: Turkish Values in Business Success
Turkish entrepreneurs have made substantial contributions to various American industries by integrating their cultural values, often encapsulated in unique Turkish expressions:
"Misafirperverlik" (Hospitality): Emphasizing generosity and warmth fosters strong relationships and customer loyalty.
"Azim ve Kararlılık" (Determination and Resolve): Demonstrating perseverance leads to overcoming challenges and achieving goals.
"Doğruluk ve Cesaret" (Truthfulness and Courage): Valuing honesty and boldness contributes to integrity and innovation.
"Bağlantı ve Topluluk" (Connection and Community): Focusing on building connections enhances collaboration and social impact.
"İleriye Bakış" (Forward-Thinking): Embracing innovation drives growth and success.
"Dayanışma" (Solidarity): Supporting others and working together strengthens communities and businesses.
These principles resonate with American consumers and industries that value authenticity, innovation, and social responsibility. By integrating Turkish cultural values into their business models, these entrepreneurs have successfully built loyal customer bases and made significant impacts in their fields.
Conclusion
The success stories of Turkish entrepreneurs in the United States highlight the power of vision, hard work, and cultural values. By leveraging their heritage and adapting to the American market, they have built companies that achieve financial success while enriching the cultural tapestry of the nation.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, these examples demonstrate that deeply held values and a commitment to excellence can lead to remarkable achievements. The journeys of Hamdi Ulukaya, Eren and Fatih Ozmen, and Osman Kibar serve as inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through business.
Whether revolutionizing industries with innovation, advancing technology and connectivity, or fostering community and social change, these Turkish businesspeople show that with the right blend of cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, success is within reach.
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