Katie Taylor, OBDC’s Manager – Marketing & Special Projects interviews Darius Mahajer, Senior Vice President – San Francisco Market Manager. Darius brings over a decade of experience in various industries including textile importing, apparel manufacturing, small business consulting, and marketing. Darius holds an M.B.A in Management from San Francisco State University and a B.A in Professional Sales from Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, Georgia. Click here for Darius’ bio.
In what ways do you think OBDC brings value to our community?
Thanks to our partnerships with the City of San Francisco and the SBA loan products we offer we’re able to serve businesses and communities that often lack access to resources. We know that “mom & pop” shops are the foundation of what makes San Francisco incredible, and we work hard to keep and attract those businesses by offering financing and support, especially as rent becomes more of a challenge.
What is your role at OBDC?
I work with our clients from the very beginning of the loan process, whether it’s a phone or email conversation, through the process of getting the loan application completed, to the final approval of the loan. I also work to create and nurture relationships with our partners at the Small Business Administration, City of San Francisco, bankers, and other community partners. These relationships help business owners learn about our services and the resources available to support their businesses.
What inspires you about your work?
I have a very entrepreneurial spirit – it’s in the family. Growing up, my dad went from being Sear’s top performing electrician to opening up his own electronic repair store (back when electronics were too expensive to just throw out and buy again). Unfortunately, his businesses ended up failing. Now, my mom has been operating a home health care business in San Diego for the past three years. She is on the path to success, and I was able to recommend some credible organizations who could help her during the early years of her business. Unfortunately, I was too young to help my dad at the time. The ability to work with an organization that is tapped into such a great network of resources that helps small businesses is very gratifying. There are many reasons why a business can and will fail – at OBDC we aim to reduce that risk.
What do you enjoy about working at OBDC?
Working at OBDC gives me the opportunity to work with people that are passionate, determined, pioneers, risk-takers, and believers. These are all traits that I like to believe I have, and working with them allows me to not only help them achieve their goals, but also inspires me every time I see a successful business start or grow, as a result of our assistance.
Anything else you’d like folks to know?
That I am awesome :).
