Making It with Jon Davids 177 - I Was Kidnapped at Gunpoint and Now I Run a $1B+ business | Omair Tariq, Cart.com
Mar 14, 2025
Omair Tariq, founder and CEO of Cart.com, shares his inspiring journey from being kidnapped at gunpoint in Pakistan to building a $500 million e-commerce empire. He discusses the life-altering lessons learned from trauma, emphasizing resilience and the drive for success. Tariq delves into the challenges of the mid-market e-commerce landscape, the importance of seamless business systems, and strategic growth through acquisitions. He also highlights the value of partnerships and creating lasting impact beyond mere profits.
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Kidnapping and Survival
- At 15, Omair Tariq was kidnapped at gunpoint in Pakistan, and his car was used in multiple robberies.
- After a shootout and a failed execution attempt, the kidnappers left Omair and his friend stranded.
Trauma-Driven Strengths
- Omair's near-death experience instilled pessimism and paranoia, but these traits proved beneficial for building businesses.
- He developed intense risk planning and worst-case scenario skills, essential for valuable companies.
Cart.com's Vision
- Cart.com offers a vertically integrated infrastructure for mid-market e-commerce businesses.
- It provides software, services, and logistics, simplifying complex operations like a "Home Depot" for the mid-market.