Businessman Living in America - Turk of America

Announcing the 2025 Edition of the 100 Most Influential Turkish Americans

Dear Friends of the Turkish-American Community, since 2002, TurkofAmerica, the first Turkish magazine published in the United States, has been dedicated to celebrating the achievements, leadership, and inspiring stories of Turkish Americans across the country. We are pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of the 100 Most Influential Turkish Americans is now being organized. This year, we are expanding our recognition program with a broad set of award categories covering business, sports, arts, academia, professional life, public service, innovation, and community leadership. Our aim is to highlight individuals who make meaningful contributions in their fields and serve as strong role models for the next generation. Application Timeline Applications open: November 30, 2025, Application deadline: March 31, 2026, Announcement of award recipients: May 2026 Selection Process Award recipients will be determined through a rigorous evaluation process overseen by: A distinguished Jury Committee consisting of well-known figures from the Turkish-American community. WATCH PREVIOUS AWARD CEREMONIES

November 22, 2025
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The 100 Most Influential Turkish Americans

From a Bag Stand in Connecticut to a 40,000 Square Foot Warehouse in New Jersey: Ali Dayı's Entrepreneurial Journey

Ali Dayı, who came to the United States in 2006 through the Work and Travel program, now operates a 40,000 square foot warehouse in Hackensack, New Jersey. From this facility, he provides 3PL, warehousing, and logistics services to nearly 50 companies looking to expand from Turkey into the U.S. market. He coordinates the entire process from storage to final delivery for firms selling on platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, Target, eBay, and Shopify. With his own truck fleet, Dayı offers intra- and interstate transportation services, employing a total of 25 people through his offices in both the U.S. and Turkey.

May 15, 2025
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Hiram & Solomon Cigars Introduces the Patriot Cigar Honoring M.W. George F. Hamilton, 91st Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts

Hiram & Solomon Cigars is proud to announce the release of the Patriot Cigar, a distinguished addition to its portfolio, crafted exclusively in the Dominican Republic to honor Most Worshipful George F. Hamilton, the 91st Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts. This carefully curated blend results in a medium-to-full-bodied profile that is bold yet balanced. The Ecuadorian Habano Claro wrapper lends a smooth, elegant finish, while the Dominican Ligero and Seco fillers provide depth and complexity in every draw.

March 26, 2025
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Chasing a Dream: From a Passion for Cinema to $100 Million in Auto Sales

Entrepreneur Yiğit Yalçın has never been motivated purely by money; success has always been his driving force. As the third-generation member of a family with a 100-year commercial legacy, Yalçın’s roots run deep in business. His grandfather, Hüseyin Yalçın, founded the first timber factory in Tekirdağ, Türkiye. Following in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps, Yiğit opened his first car dealership in Austintown, Ohio, with the goal of building a lasting legacy like his ancestors. In the years since he opened his first dealership, Yalçın has launched two more in Youngstown. Since starting operations in 2017, he has sold over $100 million worth of cars. Yalçars, Yalçın’s dealership group, has established itself as a reliable partner in the auto industry, and Yalçın plans to expand nationwide through trusted partners and franchise models. Though the COVID-19 pandemic slowed his growth plans, his ambitions remain strong.

January 21, 2025
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An American Dream Realized Through Ali Koç’s Touch: Pegasus Transport

Founded in 1994 with humble beginnings in New Jersey, Pegasus Transport Services Inc. has grown to become one of New Jersey's leading transportation companies. Behind this success story lies the support and vision of one of Turkey's wealthiest businessmen, Ali Koç. Cengiz Taşdemir, initially set on a path in music education, transformed into a thriving entrepreneur in the commercial world. A 1987 graduate of the Turkish Music State Conservatory at Istanbul Technical University, Taşdemir made the bold decision to emigrate to the United States, turning a new page in his life. This decision was heavily influenced by his wife and her sister's encouragement. Initially, the Taşdemirs stayed in Virginia Beach for 2.5 months before moving to New Jersey on the recommendation of a friend from Rize.

January 21, 2025
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Engineering Excellence: Florida Quality Truss Shapes Iconic Structures

Florida Quality Truss, based in Pompano Beach, FL, has been a leading truss manufacturer in South Florida since 1986. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing wooden trusses for residential, commercial, and custom projects, serving clients across the state, from the Keys to Tampa Bay and beyond. Founded with a commitment to quality and community, Florida Quality Truss is managed by Tolga Adak, who serves as the Vice President, and Güney Adak, who holds the position of President. Under their leadership, the company has grown to be a trusted name in the industry, known for its timely delivery and top-notch engineering services. The company operates strategically located manufacturing plants that ensure the prompt delivery of components throughout Florida. Güney Adak, who founded Florida Quality Truss with his brother Tolga in 1986, was born in Ankara, Turkey, in 1953. After completing his high school education in Ankara, he attended Istanbul University, where he studied economics before transitioning to Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) to pursue civil engineering. However, driven by a desire to enter the workforce at a young age, Adak left İTÜ and embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 20.

January 21, 2025
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How an Ice Cream Truck Became Her American Dream

In June 1999, Tülay Unutmaz arrived in the U.S. on a tourist visa with her three children, unaware of the tough journey ahead. Following an unfortunate marriage that ended after 18 years, she chose to stay in America rather than return to Turkey, determined to provide a better future for her children. Her estranged husband tried to force her out of the home through a restraining order. However, after learning of the domestic abuse she had suffered, the local sheriff intervened and instead issued the order against her husband, allowing her and her children to remain in their home for three additional months. After that, she began the search for a rental.

January 21, 2025
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$5.5 billion Visa Mastercard settlement: Who is eligible for a one-time payment?

Mastercard and Visa settled a class action lawsuit months ago that accused the global payment giants of violating antitrust laws to exploit merchants. Millions of businesses were forced to charge high fees to accept customers paying with Visa or Mastercard. Some are entitled to a payout to compensate for the negative effects these actions had on their livelihoods.

December 7, 2024
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Barbaros Karaahmet of Herrick Feinstein Announced as Office Managing Partner of the Year Finalist by Law.com

America's leading media platform in the field of law, law.com, announced the finalists of the Office Managing Partner of the Year award among law firms in America. Barbaros Karaahmet, the managing partner of Herrick Feinstein, one of the well-known law firms in New York, was also included in the list where 10 firms made it to the finals. The evaluation, where the winners will be announced on September 5, includes partners from leading law firms in America such as Sidley Austin, Manning Kass, Tully Rinckey, Holland & Knight, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, along with Herrick Feinstein.

August 29, 2024
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New York Life and Beyond Magazine Latest Issue Has Been Released

"New York Life and Beyond" magazine's latest issue focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and features prominent Turkish and Greek restaurant owners in New York and New Jersey. The magazine also includes news and research on owners of restaurants in two states and lists nearly 300 dining places. The magazine also devoted space to the earthquake that occurred in Turkey on February 6 and relief efforts conducted in the United States.

August 1, 2023
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ColdX: Leading the Way in Cold and Frozen Storage Solutions

Cold storage plays a pivotal role in preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods, ranging from food to pharmaceuticals. In this dynamic industry, one company stands out for its comprehensive solutions and commitment to excellence: ColdX. Founded by Eyup Ulu, also the owner of one of New Jersey's largest truck fleets, PortX, ColdX has recently completed construction of its state-of-the-art facility in Wayne, NJ, setting new standards in cold storage services. ColdX offers a wide range of specialized storage solutions tailored to various industries. From frozen foods to pharmaceuticals, the company ensures precise temperature control to maintain optimal conditions throughout the storage period. With its advanced refrigeration systems and climate-controlled environments, ColdX guarantees the integrity of stored products.

April 30, 2024
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"Lean Startup, To Lean Company, To Rich Exit" by Dr. Kenan Sahin is released with Forbes Books

NEW YORK, March 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lean Startup, To Lean Company, To Rich Exit: How To Apply Kenan Systems' $1,000 In, $1.5 Billion Out Principles To Today's Startups by Kenan E. Sahin, PhD is now available. The book is published with Forbes Books, the exclusive business book publishing imprint of Forbes, and is available today on Amazon. Lean Startup, To Lean Company, To Rich Exit tells the story of Dr. Kenan Sahin's extraordinary entrepreneurial journey.

March 27, 2024
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Rising Turkish Entrepreneurs in the American Restaurant Business

By Cemil Ozyurt - The number of food and beverage establishments owned by Turks or offering Turkish cuisine in the states of New York and New Jersey has reached 300. A comprehensive list of Turkish-owned or foreign-owned but Turkish cuisine-serving dining establishments was compiled in a study conducted by TURKOFAMERICA magazine. In New York and New Jersey, there are nearly 300 establishments operating in categories such as fine dining, authentic Turkish cuisine, steakhouse, seafood restaurant, fast food, cafe, lounge, bistro, diner, bakery, pizza & pide salon, hookah lounge, food trucks, and catering. While the number of businesses owned by Turkish entrepreneurs in America was around 50 in 2009, there has been a noticeable increase in the last 10 years. Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 until now, nearly 100 businesses have been established.

August 14, 2023
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Eyüp Ulu: The Unsung Hero of the Largest Disaster Relief Campaign: Mobilizing Turkish-Americans for Earthquake Aid

One of the greatest disasters of the century, the earthquake that struck on February 6, 2023, affecting 11 provinces in Turkey, prompted Turkish-Americans in the United States to mobilize for aid efforts. Online campaigns were launched, and people came together to donate clothing, medical supplies, tents, and various other materials. However, questions arose as to how and where the aid would be organized. The logistics company PortX, located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, became the central hub for the relief campaign on the East Coast. With the assistance of around 300 volunteers, nearly 200 containers of relief supplies were packaged at the PortX warehouse.

August 14, 2023
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