From Yemen to Philadelphia: Finding Success Through Hard Work as Entrepreneurs
Hussam and Moneef Bin Break launched Diagno Pest Control in 2018 soon after graduating from the Welcoming Center’s Business Training Program. Within a few months of operating, the brothers obtained a small business loan from FINATA, a Welcoming Center partner specializing in lending to immigrant entrepreneurs, allowing them to purchase their first branded truck.
Like many immigrant entrepreneurs, Hussam and Moneef worked additional jobs to support their families
The brothers entered their second year of business with a base of happy customers, virtual office space in center city, and the passion and drive necessary to grow. Like many immigrant entrepreneurs, Hussam and Moneef worked additional jobs to support their families, but in 2019 the brothers tripled their sales, bought an additional truck, and hired an administrative employee allowing them to focus all of their efforts on Diagno and expansion to New Jersey and the corporate market in 2020.
Pictured: Hussam and Moneef Bin Break
Despite having masters degrees and professional work experience abroad, the Bin Break brothers started at the bottom in Philadelphia.
Hussam and Moneef grew up in Yemen, a country with a long history of conflict, before moving to the United States. Hussam came to the US in 2015 with his wife, father, mother, and sisters. Upon arriving they applied for asylum, seeking sanctuary from the war that was ravaging their home country. About a year later, Moneef, his wife, and his children were able to join their family in Philadelphia.
During his first year in America, Hussam worked as a manager at a fast-food restaurant, before finding a job with a local pest control company. When Moneef arrived, Hussam was able to get his brother a job alongside him. Despite having masters degrees and professional work experience abroad, the Bin Break brothers started at the bottom in Philadelphia. Determined to support their families, they combined their new knowledge gained from working for a local pest control company with their backgrounds in business and sought help from the Welcoming Center to launch a new enterprise: Diagno Pest Control.
Hussam and Moneef present their business plan at the Welcoming Center Business Training Program business plan competition.
The brothers attribute their quick growth to the lessons they learned as participants in our 12-week Business Training Program and the ongoing technical assistance we provide to all graduates.
The brothers attribute their quick growth to the lessons they learned as participants in our 12-week Business Training Program and the ongoing technical assistance we provide to all graduates. What we see are two passionate individuals who are working extremely hard to make their dreams come true despite the barriers they face as immigrants.
This became even more evident as the brothers pivoted in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hussam and Moneef have powered on and remained focused and positive, serving their customers the best they can while concentrating their efforts on new marketing tactics—like this video they created and securing capital to ensure the sustainability of their business.
