At just the age of 14, Dziabiak started his entrepreneurial journey with his company Media Catch. In the year 2001, not many companies had an internet presence. Dziabiak used this opportunity and figured out a way to create his own website and then began charging companies to create a website for them. In just 2 years, he turned this into a full-fledged business with 14 employees at the age of 16. The next year, he sold his company to some Canadian executive for over a million dollars making him a millionaire before the age of 18. Continuing his entrepreneurial mindset, he flipped to money from selling Media Catch and started an online record label called Next In Line Records. This business was a flop as he only had a few artists that played small venues and realized how costly it was to manage their ticket sales without paying a third party like StubHub or Ticketmaster. However, this did not stop Dziabiak and he quickly pivoted to launch a business that would solve his previous problem: ShowClix. ShowClix was a business that helped artists and event organizers with online ticket sales, on-site event operations and promotions, and box-office management. In just 7 years after launch, ShowClix grew to having 60 employees and brought in $100 million in annual sales. It was also voted one of the best places to work in Pittsburgh by the Pittsburgh Business Times. Dziabiak did not stop here. In 2012, he stepped down as CEO of ShowClix to co-found and act as CEO of The Zebra, an insurance-comparison website. He works alongside investors like Simon Nixon and Mark Cuban and offers quotes from 33 different insurers in all 50 states. The Zebra earned a 120% month to month increase in its first 3 months of operation and has been strong since then. Dziabiak has earned recognition in Inc. Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list, Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and won the Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America Award. This only lists a few of his awards. If anyone is the definition of a true entrepreneur, it is Joshua Dziabiak.
Never heard of Joshua Dziabiak despite his apparent presence in the Pittsburgh area, but it is incredibly interesting to hear of everything he has done! He’s done so much in the world of business, even at such a young age. Great writing!
I have also never heard of Joshua Dziabiak and I have lived in Wexford all my life. To start a company that in just 7 years had 60 employees and brought in $100 million in annual sales. That is awesome. I want to work hard like Joshua and start something that successful. Very impressive.