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Brooklyn, New York— Endeavor Detroit is excited to announce Jim Meeks, the entrepreneur behind MOVE Systems International has been selected to join the Endeavor Network. Meeks and his Grand Rapids-based manufacturing company was selected at the 74th Endeavor International Selection Panel (ISP) by a series of panelists, who were drawn from Endeavor’s extensive international network of business leaders and investors. Meeks was one of 26 high-impact entrepreneurs representing 18 companies and 13 countries who were selected at this ISP.
Jim Meeks of MOVE Systems International (with certificate) celebrates his selection into Endeavor. (Hannah Cohen Photography)
The ISP is the culmination of a rigorous and extensive multi-step interview and selection process. At the event, top international business leaders interview candidates about their businesses and high growth potential, then vote on whether or not candidates are selected as Endeavor Entrepreneurs.
Post-selection, Endeavor Detroit provides the entrepreneurs with a world-renowned suite of services and programs along with access to an exclusive mentorship network to accelerate the growth of their companies. A major benefit of selection to Endeavor Detroit includes introductions through a network of more than 3,000 local and international business mentors for strategic guidance in raising capital and entering new markets.
MOVE Systems International, founded by Meeks, is focused on modernizing the mobile food industry by providing a healthier, safer, and environmentally friendly food cart platform that can service both world renowned food brands as well as up and coming culinary entrepreneurs. MOVE Systems began by standardizing and upgrading the $1.2B New York City mobile food landscape with its state-of-the-art, eco-friendly food carts, and is now looking to expansion to other geographies throughout the US and beyond. Tacking on a full suite of end-to-end fleet management services, MOVE helps food retail brands and restaurants take to the streets by handling everything from the food cart manufacturing to the customer analytics.
Additionally, through its subsidiary Simply Grid, MOVE is working with the New York Fire Department and major hospital systems to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs for their mobile fleets. MOVE has become part of the country’s economic fabric by promoting entrepreneurship, supporting the veterans of our armed services, and manufacturing locally, all the while being a steward of the environmental sustainability movement within the world of mobile food and urban life.
In Meeks, panelists saw an entrepreneur with incredible grit and tenacity. The panelists were impressed with Meeks’ ability to manage a complex business model while remaining true to his community through education and employment. Panelists valued his persistence to keep production in Michigan, continuing the state’s manufacturing legacy.
Meeks presented his company to a panel of esteemed business leaders including:
Now selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur, Meeks will look to the mentors of the Endeavor Network to assist in expanding his growth strategy, including access to new markets—both domestic and international.
“Jim has all of the right traits that makes for a high-impact, high-touch entrepreneur. He is the exact kind of role model that has made the Endeavor network such a powerful force for good around the world,” said Endeavor Detroit Mentor Craig Hall. “Jim embodies the axiom of ‘doing well by doing good’. Having Jim and MOVE Systems as partners in Endeavor will help further empower his success to create a sustainable and impactful future for the communities where they operate and all of their associates.”
“It is rare to find a network of people who are as accomplished in their professional achievements as they are determined to help support others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. We are thrilled to now be a part of such a network in Endeavor,” said Meeks. “At MOVE Systems International, we are especially excited about the global roots of the Endeavor Network. We look forward to collaborating with peers and mentors in the target markets where our solutions can benefit the urban communities of all countries,” Meeks continued. “We believe Endeavor will be a great resource as MOVE capitalizes on the growth inflection point in front of us.”
About Endeavor
Established in 1997, Endeavor is leading the global high-impact entrepreneurship movement. Endeavor promotes economic growth and job creation by selecting, mentoring, and accelerating the best high-impact entrepreneurs around the world. To date, Endeavor has screened more than 47,000 entrepreneurs and selected more than a thousand individuals leading over 700 high-impact companies.
With support from Endeavor’s worldwide mentor network, these high-impact entrepreneurs:
Headquartered in New York City, Endeavor currently operates in 30 growth markets throughout Europe, Latin America, North America, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The Endeavor Detroit affiliate was established in 2015 and works with Entrepreneurs and mentors throughout the State of Michigan. Endeavor Detroit currently works with 18 entrepreneurs leading 10 companies including Algal Scientific, Banza, Benzinga, DROUGHT, DWM Holdings, Floyd, McClure’s, MOVE Systems International, Varsity News Network, and Vectorform.
About MOVE Systems International
MOVE Systems International is focused on modernizing the mobile food industry by providing a healthier, safer, and environmentally friendly food cart. Additionally, through its subsidiary Simply Grid, MOVE is working with the FDNY and major hospital systems to reduce carbon emissions and cut energy costs for their mobile fleets. We have become part of our nation’s economic fabric by promoting entrepreneurship, supporting the veterans of our armed services, and manufacturing locally, all the while being a steward of the environmental sustainability movement within the world of Mobile Food and urban life.
—ENDEAVOR DETROIT—