Written by: Sheik Md Akij, a UBalt MBA student and graduate assistant in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

I encountered Habib Noor’s inspiring journey while scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed and watching a TV interview featuring him. When he mentioned that he arrived in the U.S. in 1989, it caught my attention instantly because I was born in the same year. I couldn’t help feeling a unique connection to his story. Like me, Noor was an international student who arrived in the U.S. with big dreams. Over time, he rose to establish Noor Inc., a global business empire.

Since 2003, Noor has been the individual owner and president of Noor Inc., a privately-held umbrella company based in New York, overseeing a national portfolio of 21 staffing, recruiting, and healthcare service brands, operating in 45 states with 4,400 contingent staff members.

My entrepreneurial journey and Noor’s are quite similar. Noor, who also came to the U.S. from Bangladesh, faced many of the same challenges I now experience, like cultural differences, homesickness, and the uncertainty of being far from home. His story truly resonates with me, and I believe it will resonate with many others walking the entrepreneurial path.

His story left a lasting impact on me, especially as I balance the responsibilities of being an MBA student at The University of Baltimore and a graduate assistant at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). His determination to build something meaningful from nothing was a lesson I’ve taken deeply to heart. In an interview, he said, “From the beginning, I wanted to be an entrepreneur.” This unwavering focus and ability to turn every challenge into an opportunity resonates with me. It made me rethink my approach to academic, professional, or personal obstacles.

By mentioning his nationality as Bangladeshi, I do not wish to confine him to a single narrative. Instead, I aim to highlight how his achievements serve as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. His journey inspires people from all walks of life—far beyond geographical or cultural boundaries. Noor’s success demonstrates that the entrepreneurial spirit knows no borders, and his story rings true with anyone striving to overcome challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Habib Noor graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1995 with a degree in finance, laying the foundation for his business career. His experience at Aerotech, a staffing company, provided valuable insights into business management and sparked his entrepreneurial drive. In 2003, with determination, he launched his own staffing company. Though the early years were challenging, Noor’s vision extended beyond running a small business.

One of the most profound lessons I took from Habib Noor’s journey is how he turned crises into opportunities for growth. The 2008 U.S. real estate crisis was a defining moment for Noor’s entrepreneurial journey. While many businesses struggled to survive, Noor saw an opportunity to grow. He began acquiring companies and expanding into various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and IT. This diversification transformed Noor, Inc. from a small staffing company into a conglomerate that now boasts 14 offices across the U.S., operates in 45 states and has grown to include 21 brands under its umbrella. Noor Inc.’s reach continues to expand, with 250 corporate staff members and 4,400 contingent employees driving its operations.

With over 2,000 clients, including giants like Citibank, Pepsi, and the United States Justice Department, Noor Inc. is a finance, IT, and healthcare leader that provides essential services to companies and government agencies.

Noor’s response to the crisis was about thriving, not just surviving. His approach taught me that setbacks are not barriers but chances to innovate and push beyond comfort zones. Learning from his example, I now see crises as opportunities for growth, allowing me to approach academic and professional challenges with a mindset focused on finding solutions.

One of Noor’s most inspiring qualities is his commitment to inclusivity. Noor, Inc. stands out for its diverse workforce. “We don’t hire people based on their beliefs or where they come from,” he explains. “We have Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and people who don’t follow any religion.” This inclusive philosophy fosters a culture of respect and collaboration that drives the company forward.

His approach has taught me the value of diversity in entrepreneurship. At the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, I advocate for inclusive practices that embrace different perspectives. Noor’s story reinforces that embracing diversity is not just morally right—it’s an intelligent business strategy that fosters innovation.

In reflecting on his journey, Habib Noor shared, “We have an amazing team. We work together, bond together, and accomplish big goals together.” This sentiment encapsulates the ethos behind his success—a unified team striving towards shared objectives. “The secret of our company’s success is we have a team that comes from different parts of the world, meshes and is close to each other to accomplish goals.” This diversity and unity have been fundamental in building a thriving enterprise under Noor’s leadership.

Habib Noor’s journey resonates deeply with me as an international student and my role at the Center. His emphasis on teamwork and diversity and the viewpoint that all goals are possible when we work in harmony—align perfectly with the values we espouse at CEI.

Navigating the U.S. business landscape, Noor’s experiences provide invaluable lessons for all of us. His story is a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through resilience, collaboration, and the strength of a diverse, and unified team. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn from him and all of the entrepreneurs at UBalt.

Habib Noor, President & CEO- Noor Inc.