Founder Magazine Team
Azeem S. Memon’s journey from an ambitious young man to a successful entrepreneur in the hospitality industry is a story of vision, determination, and resilience. Today, at the age of 35, Azeem stands as a leading figure in the hospitality and catering sector, managing Memon World, a company that encompasses event management and food services under its umbrella. With a current turnover of INR 4.5 million, Memon World’s success is a testament to Azeem’s unwavering commitment and strategic acumen.
Born into a Memon family with a rich business background, Azeem S. Memon was no stranger to the world of commerce. His father, a successful businessman, played a pivotal role in shaping his entrepreneurial aspirations. Growing up in an environment where business discussions were a common household affair, Azeem absorbed the nuances of business management early on. However, it was his active involvement in family responsibilities, particularly in the areas of hospitality, catering, and trip organizing, that ignited his passion for the hospitality industry.
After completing his graduation from Mumbai University, Azeem found himself at a crossroads. He could either join the family business or carve out his own path. Motivated by his father’s success and his own experiences in managing family responsibilities, Azeem chose the latter. In 2007, at the age of 22, he launched his first entrepreneurial venture, 777 Events, marking the beginning of his journey in the hospitality industry.
The Birth of 777 Events
777 Events was conceptualized with the aim of providing top-notch event management services. Azeem’s vision was clear: to offer clients a seamless and memorable experience, be it weddings, corporate events, or social gatherings. Leveraging his network of contacts and his keen understanding of the industry, Azeem quickly established 777 Events as a trusted name in the market.
The initial years were challenging. Azeem had to navigate through the competitive landscape of the event management industry, where established players dominated the market. However, his persistence and dedication paid off. By focusing on delivering exceptional service and paying attention to the smallest details, 777 Events began to attract a loyal clientele. The company’s reputation for reliability and excellence grew, and so did its client base.
Buoyed by the success of 777 Events, Azeem began exploring new avenues within the hospitality industry. In 2013, he identified a significant gap in the market: the need for high-quality, reliable catering services in educational institutions and on Indian Railways. Recognizing this opportunity, he launched Nutrimeal, a venture aimed at addressing this demand.
Nutrimeal was an ambitious project. Azeem’s goal was not only to provide nutritious meals but also to revolutionize the way food services were managed in these sectors. He meticulously planned the business, ensuring that every aspect, from sourcing ingredients to delivering meals, adhered to the highest standards of quality and hygiene.
The success of Nutrimeal was almost immediate. The brand’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction resonated with both educational institutions and Indian Railways. Nutrimeal quickly expanded its operations, opening multiple outlets in educational institutes and securing contracts to provide pantry food services on several prominent Indian trains. This expansion was a significant milestone for Azeem, as it marked the transformation of his business into a multifaceted hospitality enterprise under the umbrella of Memon World.
Azeem’s entrepreneurial journey was not without its share of challenges. Establishing a new business, particularly in a competitive industry like hospitality, required significant capital investment and meticulous planning. Azeem started 777 Events with an initial capital of INR 177,000, a modest amount given the scale of his ambitions. However, his strong business acumen, combined with his ability to identify market opportunities, enabled him to overcome financial constraints and scale his business effectively.
One of the major challenges Azeem faced was maintaining the quality of service while expanding his business. As 777 Events grew and Nutrimeal expanded its reach, ensuring consistent service quality across all outlets and events became a critical task. Azeem tackled this challenge by implementing stringent quality control measures and investing in staff training programs. He believed that the key to customer satisfaction lay in the details, and he spared no effort in ensuring that every aspect of his business met the highest standards.
Another significant challenge was the competition in the catering and event management sectors. Established players with deep pockets and extensive networks posed a constant threat. However, Azeem’s unique approach to business, which combined high-quality service with a deep understanding of customer needs, helped him carve out a niche for Memon World. His focus on building long-term relationships with clients, rather than just focusing on immediate profits, paid off in the form of repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
Today, Memon World is a well-established name in the hospitality and catering industry. Its impact extends beyond just providing services; it plays a significant role in the communities it serves. By providing employment opportunities, Memon World contributes to the local economy and supports the livelihoods of numerous families. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has also set new standards in the industry, pushing competitors to elevate their own service levels.
Memon World’s societal impact is also noteworthy. The company actively supports community events and cultural festivals, helping to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the region. Azeem, through his business, has made significant contributions to various social causes, further enhancing his reputation as a socially responsible entrepreneur.
Azeem’s contributions to the industry and the community have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has received several awards and accolades for his work. These include the Social Heroes Award by Haj House Hyderabad, the Rizvi Icon by Rizvi Education Society, and the Best Hospitality Industry award by Zanabia Trust and Help Yourself Foundation Mumbai. His work in event management has also been recognized with the Best Event Management Award by Minorities Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi at Dargah Ajmer Sharif and another from the Help Yourself Foundation Mumbai.
These awards are a testament to Azeem’s dedication to excellence and his commitment to making a positive impact through his business. They also serve as an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and social responsibility in achieving success.
Leadership Beyond Business
In addition to his business achievements, Azeem has taken on several leadership roles in various organizations. He serves as the Vice President of the Event Committee at Minhaj Ul Quran International, Director at Chishty Foundation Maharashtra, and Director at Madariya Foundation Maharashtra. He is also the Youth President of the All India Ulama Board Maharashtra, a Trustee at Hasan Vohra Madarasa and Masjid Welfare Trust, and a Director at Arbab E Tarikat Hyderabad.
These roles reflect Azeem’s commitment to giving back to the community and his dedication to promoting cultural and social causes. As the Festival Director of the International Sufi Rang Festival Ajmer India for the past 13 years, Azeem has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Sufi culture and heritage. His leadership in these organizations further underscores his multifaceted personality and his ability to balance business success with social responsibility.
Looking ahead, Azeem has ambitious plans for Memon World. He aims to expand the company’s catering services to more educational institutions and railway routes across India. He also envisions exploring new ventures within the hospitality industry, leveraging the experience and expertise he has gained over the years. Azeem is particularly interested in areas where he can make a significant impact, such as sustainable and healthy food services, and he is constantly on the lookout for new opportunities that align with this vision.
Azeem’s future plans are driven by his desire to continue making a difference through his business. He believes that success is not just about financial gains but also about the positive impact one can have on society. This belief is at the core of Memon World’s operations and is a guiding principle for all future endeavors.
Azeem’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. His advice is simple yet profound: stay persistent, be adaptable, and always prioritize customer satisfaction. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging personal experiences and backgrounds to find unique business opportunities. Azeem also believes in the power of resilience—facing challenges head-on and learning from them is crucial for long-term success.
He encourages young entrepreneurs to focus on building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, as these relationships often form the foundation of a successful business. Azeem’s own success is a testament to the importance of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
