CO-FOUNDER & CEO, KNACK

HOMETOWN: Palm Harbor, Florida
ALMA MATER: University of Florida

AT THE OFFICE: Qureshi is the co-founder of Knack, a technology platform that partners with colleges and universities to power and scale peer-to-peer tutoring programs, making it easier for students needing tutors and tutors looking for students to find each other. “I was working a corporate job for some time and wanted to have more of an impact with my work,” he says. “Working in education has been an incredible experience that allows me to make a direct impact on the lives of others — creating jobs for students while also enabling students to have access to free peer tutoring support.”

GIVING BACK: “I’m really passionate about entrepreneurship and have been fortunate to work with the Tampa Bay Wave” startup accelerator, Qureshi says. “I had no experience building a business before launching Knack, and it was quite a daunting process to get started. Many folks have what it takes; they just need a push and some guidance. I hope to pay it forward to new entrepreneurs as they seek to begin their journeys.”

WHEN I’M NOT IN THE OFFICE, YOU CAN FIND ME… Playing guitar or hanging outdoors with my dog, Koda!

WHEN I WAS A CHILD I WANTED TO BE… A musician!

DO YOU HAVE A MOTTO OR PHILOSOPHY YOU LIVE BY? Do the right things, with the right intentions, and things will happen leading you towards success.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? Your identity is not tied to what you do. Who you are isn’t what you do. It’s much more than that, so don’t take work too seriously.

THE BIGGEST LESSON I LEARNED THIS YEAR WAS… To enjoy life because we can only control so much.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT TAMPA IS… The quality of life, being by the ocean and the sunshine!

MY SECRET TALENT OR SKILL IS… Learning songs on the guitar by ear.

THE BEST THING I WATCHED THIS YEAR WAS… The Social Dilemma on Netflix.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM VACATION? Exploring the islands of Indonesia.