Entrepreneurship is one of the most difficult fields to excel in, but Fort Hamilton’s very own senior, Mark Fallah is taking it by storm. Combining his knack for business and love for baking, Fallah has launched his very own company, Cookie Express, a baking business that has taken off and become a great success in just a few months. Its success has made him well-known around the halls at Fort, not only because of his catchy marketing strategies, but also because the cookies are simply delicious.
The idea for starting this venture came unexpectedly, as he was primarily focused on his job of being a lifeguard, and pursuing his love for sports. One day after seeing the success a friend had selling cookies, he recognized the high demand for baked goods, and set out to start his own business.
“I thought I could do it because I’m a really good cook and love to bake, so I said why not just do cookies?” Fallah said.
Fallah started testing new recipes and baking cookies, giving away free samples for people to try. As his company gained popularity, he started to advertise them more, hoping to expand his market. The more people tried them, the greater the demand became. “Ever since that day everything’s been flourishing,” he remarked.
Deciding to base his business around cookies, Fallah knew he could make something that people would love.
“I’ve always been a good cook and baker and I didn’t really know what else to sell,” he said.
To Fallah, cookies seemed easier to sell because of their universal appeal. It started out as a simple hobby, but became something much more meaningful. Once he received lots of positive feedback about how much people loved his cookies, he expanded his Cookie Menu to include numerous new items.
When asked what his favorite cookie was, Fallah couldn’t just pick one.
“Definitely either ’mores Indulgence or Oreo Stuffed Delight,” he said.
He especially noted that the S’mores cookie has become a fan favorite due to its perfect balance of flavors, with just the right amount of sweetness to where it’s not overbearing.
“The chocolate melts in your mouth and the graham cracker adds on to the realistic taste of actually eating a s’more,” he said. “Chocolate chips really add the cherry on top.” Meanwhile, the Oreo cookie is special for its simplicity and great taste. “Even people who say they don’t like cookies love them,” he added.
With all the success he has garnered with his business, Fallah hopes to continue expanding in the future. He aims to continue selling in college and grow his business and wants to sell his cookies in local Bay Ridge delis and cafes. After college he wants to own an accounting firm and run a bakery on the side.
“On the weekends I plan to dedicate my time to working on the cookie business,” he said.
Fallah also provided deep insight and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create their own companies. He wanted other people to know the value of connecting with their audience, something he credits for the growth of his business.
“You have to step out of your comfort zone and be able to connect with your audience,” he said. “It can even be simple things, like a high-five or a fist-bump, something that can make them feel connected to you or your product.” These strategies have helped him grow his company, something he aims to continue building on past high school.
Fallah’s business is a testament to success that results from hard work and determination. Something that started out of his own kitchen has become much larger, evolving into something he hopes to bring to new heights. There is no doubt that Fallah’s entrepreneurial spirit will keep bringing him great success, as he continues to share his love of baking with others.
