How At 23, Paul Mwangi’s First Business in America Made $25 Million In Revenue
By Mukurima Muriuki
Paul Mwangi lives with his family in Southern California. At first glance, he may come across as laid-back, but don't let that fool you. He is one of the most influential Kenyans in California, even earning an honorary award from Hollywood.
Back in 2002, at the young age of 23, Mr. Mwangi’s first company in America raked in an impressive $25 million in revenue. Just two years later, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange approached him with an offer he couldn't refuse.
However, Mr. Mwangi’s journey didn't begin in America. Growing up in Dandora, he dreamt of becoming a pilot, inspired by his uncle H.E. Mwangi, who held the prestigious position of Kenya Airways' chief training officer. He admired his uncle's discipline, respect for others, and how he carried himself. He aspired to model his life after him.
After completing high school, Mr. Mwangi pursued an Avionics Engineering diploma at the Kenya Polytechnic with the goal of becoming a pilot. He was so committed to this dream that he eventually transferred to California State University, marking the beginning of his American adventure and a life-changing decision.
America turned out to be quite different from what Mr. Mwangi had seen on television, in movies, or heard in songs. What stood out was the abundance of opportunities, and he quickly learned that the key to unlocking these opportunities was discipline.
His ambition shifted from becoming a pilot to venturing into business and making a substantial income. He had witnessed the lifestyle his uncle enjoyed and aspired for more. His parents' journey also influenced his decisions profoundly.
Mr. Mwangi’s parents were not highly educated, but they worked relentlessly. His mother, a secretary, also engaged in a side hustle selling farm produce, while his father operated a shoe-shine business. Their hard work enabled them to purchase a matatu and later a plot. They didn't stop there; they bought a second matatu and upgraded to a bigger house in Dandora Phase five. Discipline was the common thread that bound their success.
With this mindset, Mr. Mwangi changed his major to Accounting, recognizing that he needed a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial ambitions.
After college, he secured a job and steadily climbed the ladder to become the Director of Government Contracting. This role played a pivotal part in shaping his future.
Learning the intricacies of Government contracting unlocked his potential, prompting him to take a bold step. At the age of 23, Mr. Mwangi founded his own company. The company dealt with state governments, providing pharmacists, and astonishingly, it generated over $25 million in revenue within its first year. In just two years, a Fortune 500 company acquired it.
The new owners were so impressed with Mwangi’s expertise that they requested him to stay on as a consultant for two years.
In 2011, Paul Mwangi embarked on another entrepreneurial journey by establishing a nationwide staffing company specializing in healthcare. His clients were states and cities, and the company boasted an annual revenue of a staggering $120 million in its first year.
His business acumen attracted yet another irresistible opportunity, leading to the sale of his second company. To this day, he continues to serve as a consultant for the company.
Paul Mwangi shared his belief that America offers abundant opportunities, and a college degree is not a prerequisite to achieving a six-figure income. All it takes is discipline, networking, and seeking guidance and mentorship from the right people.