Joe Davies, a self-made millionaire, had a humble start, working in fast-food places and construction sites. His life took a turn when he accepted an IT apprenticeship at the dawn of the e-commerce boom for a humble wage of $125 a week. Owing to his immense determination and tech skills, he eventually founded a successful online business, and held his ground even during the dot-com bubble burst – a testimony to his grit and commitment to innovation.
It was during his apprenticeship that Joe found his passion for Search Engine Optimization (SEO), despite having no prior background in it. He immersed himself in understanding the ins and outs of SEO and the complex internet marketing world. This decision to learn and innovate paved his path towards success in digital marketing.
In 2012, Joe, in partnership with a childhood friend Joe Taylor, launched FATJOE.com, an SEO venture. They managed to earn their first million within two years, allowing them to quit their regular jobs in 2013. Their hard work and tireless dedication led FATJOE.com on a growth trajectory, transforming it into a $12.6 million business with a workforce of 100 employees and serving over a thousand agency clients globally.
Joe attributes his success to personal ambition, curiosity, and a burning desire to make money.
Building an SEO empire from scratch
The entrepreneurial mindset, cultivated in him by his father who owned a successful training firm, was enhanced by his studies at the London Business School and later his practical experience at his father’s company. His leadership skills and knack for innovation played a key role in the company’s expansion. Moreover, his father’s mentorship was instrumental in shaping his determined and resilient approach to business.
Joe encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take initiative and to keep working hard. He emphasizes on the significance of staying open to change and believes that “actions speak louder than words.” Moreover, he advocates for constant learning and embracing failures as stepping stones. For Joe, there is no ‘overnight success’. His life is a clear example that with patience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is achievable.
