Marko is the CEO of America EB5 Visa, whose mission is to connect international investors with EB-5 issuers.
At Riverside Management Group and its wholly-owned subsidiary, BCW Securities LLC, he is in charge of EB-5 capital-related activities.
Marko is also the co-Founder of CBP Invest LLC, a global immigration company, advising clients in second country citizenship in countries like Grenada, Turkey, USA, Canada, to name a few.
As the founding partner of BH Capital Management (BHCM), a real estate investment company, Marko specializes in opportunities in development and investment as well.
Marko has been on Wall Street for over 30 years. Previously, Marko was a managing director at BNY Mellon, leading the firm’s financial institutions derivative sales business globally.
In talk with Marko
How many hours a day do you work on average?
15
Can you describe/outline your typical day?
Prayer, learning, work, leisure, indoor cycling
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Very positively. My family comes first, no matter what.
What motivates you?
Challenging situations. The more difficult a predicament I could be in, the more motivated I become.
How do you generate new ideas?
I read a lot. I follow attorneys, regional centers, developers, industry trade organization blogs and formulate solutions for potential client problems.
What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
As a devoted, practicing professional within the Jewish faith, my biggest fear is to fall into the trap of my evil inclination. We all have this, and our challenge is not to deny its existence but arm ourselves with adequate knowledge and faith to fight it.
How did you come up with the name for your company?
I wanted it to be simple and deliver the message. When people ask me what we do, I tell them to read the name of the company. Our new company is called CPB Invest. This one is a little less obvious than America EB5 Visa. It stands for Citizenship by Property Investment.
How did you raise funding for your venture?
I have not borrowed any funds yet. Our entire global enterprise is self-funded.
How do you build a successful customer base?
I make use of social websites. I work with solution partners all around the globe.
How does someone get you excited and willing to commit?
I do not like to be sold. As long as I hear that someone is proposing a reciprocal relationship, I am always willing to listen.
As a serial entrepreneur, how do you see the market growing in your country?
Our product is solid. We expect tremendous growth in the next couple of years. COVID-19 restricted international travel. Now that it is almost behind us, we expect exponential growth in our business.
How do you advertise your product/service?
We do not advertise but publish a lot. We believe in delivering content to our potential clients. When customers see the value-add service, we provide they come to us organically. As mentioned above, our solution partners refer business to us as well.
To what do you attribute your success?
Dedication. Belief in the mission of the enterprise. Above all, the help I receive every day from the Almighty.
What was the reason to start an IT company? Are you from the same background?
We are not an IT company. We are an immigration and investment consulting company.
What do you look for in an employee?
Dedication. They should love their work. They need to be motivated and be a self-starter. Most importantly, they need to consider themselves as if they are the “owner” of the company rather than an “employee” of it. That is why almost our entire compensation structure is success-based. The better the company does, the better all the stakeholders, including the employees, do.
What made you choose your current location?
Even though we are a New York City-based company, we conduct most of our business virtually. So, location is not of great importance.
What kind of Corporation is your business?
We are an LLC.
Do you work locally or internationally?
Both locally and internationally.
What’s your company’s goals?
The mission of our company, America EB5 Visa, among other things, is to help foreign nationals to obtain a green card through the proven EB-5 program.
What are your responsibilities as the business owner?
Primarily business development and customer support.
Does your company help the community where it is located?
Absolutely. We take an active role in a few religious and educational organizations in our jurisdiction.
Have you ever turned down a client?
Yes. If we believe that the client has very little to no chance of getting approved or does not have the necessary funds or commitment to go through the process, we turn down the client.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Believe in what you do. Do not settle for mediocracy. Whatever you decide to do, aim to be the best at it, and do it as if it is your hobby.