In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Russel Karim, CEO and Founder of SourceEazy, about his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his company. Originally from Bangladesh, Russel has been part of the Iowa startup ecosystem for 14 years, beginning with his first venture, Solver Iowa, during his time at the University of Northern Iowa. Russel's background in the clothing manufacturing industry in Bangladesh inspired him to create SourceEazy, a company that connects fashion design with global manufacturing, particularly focusing on the promotional and uniform product industry. The company, originally named Dhakai (after the capital city of Bangladesh), aimed to bring visibility to the origins of fashion production and has since evolved to SourceEazy, reflecting its broader global reach and supply chain solutions.

The podcast delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by SourceEazy amidst recent trade tariffs and shifts in global supply chains. Russel explains how the company has strategically positioned itself by offering non-China supply chain options, which has become increasingly attractive to clients seeking alternatives due to the tariffs. SourceEazy's technology streamlines the process of designing and sourcing promotional products, providing significant savings and efficiency by cutting out middlemen. The company leverages its AI-powered platform to offer a seamless experience for distributors and suppliers, enhancing competitiveness in a $173 billion market. Despite the volatility in trade policies, Russel remains optimistic about SourceEazy's growth and potential to scale, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and technological innovation in navigating the current economic landscape.

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