Adam Aboud: "I'm Not the 1% — I'm a Trinidadian | Corie Sheppard Podcast

For years, Adam Aboud has been associated with labels, assumptions, and perceptions that come with success. But behind the business owner is a man who sees himself simply as a Trinidadian. In this clip, Adam reflects on identity, belonging, and why he rejects the idea that people should be defined by stereotypes rather than their character. He shares his perspective on the "1%" conversation, his connection to Trinidad & Tobago, and why he believes people have more in common than they often realize. This conversation goes beyond business. It's about community, understanding, and the stories we tell ourselves about one another. We discuss: • The origin story behind Adam’s Bagelry — and how a bagel shop in New York sparked a lifelong business • The impact of the 1990 coup on Adam’s first store • Growing a family business out of his mother’s kitchen • Scaling from baked goods to sauces, retail, and now expansion • The role of trust, presence, and community in building customer loyalty • Why staying relevant means embracing change — from social media to local fruit This episode is filled with gems on entrepreneurship, legacy, and doing business your way. A must-watch for creatives, business owners, and anyone passionate about building something that lasts. 👇🏽 Subscribe, rate, and share if this one speaks to you. #coriesheppardpodcast #adamsbagelry #trinidadbusiness #caribbeanentrepreneurs #familybusiness #trinidadfoodscene 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Adam's First Business & The Impact of the 1990 Coup 02:15 How a Trip to New York Inspired Adam's Bagelry 04:53 Introducing Bagels to Trinidad 06:27 Staying Relevant in a Competitive Market 08:45 Why You Must Love What You Do 10:01 Forget the Money: Building a Business with Passion 11:11 Franchises vs Building Local Brands 13:22 Robberies, Setbacks & Resilience 14:17 How Adam's Became a Restaurant 15:56 Creating a Community Around Adam's 17:27 Supporting Local Producers & Using Local Ingredients 19:25 Building a Family Business Culture 20:34 Employees Who Have Been There for 30+ Years 23:21 The Next Expansion for Adam's 24:47 Why Adam Supports Small Entrepreneurs 25:43 How Adam's Sauces Became a National Brand 28:29 Why Trinidad Should Teach Local Business Success Stories 31:31 The Importance of Entrepreneurship Education 34:08 Family Legacy & Preparing the Next Generation 37:33 Managing Staff & Employee Retention Challenges 39:34 Adam's Unorthodox Hiring Philosophy 41:14 Why Trinidad Needs More Business Exposure for Young People 43:14 Redefining Success Beyond Money 45:01 Surviving COVID & Keeping Staff Employed 46:15 Adam's Future Expansion Plans 48:18 The Secret to Building Customer Loyalty 51:42 The Power of Social Media & Influencers 53:13 Adam Aboud on the "1%" Label 55:53 Being a Trinidadian First 57:06 Why Young People Need Hope 58:25 Final Thoughts