Hicham Sbihi 34 years old, was born and raised in Sale, Morocco. He came to Virginia in 1997 with a desire to succeed in business. He took several computer courses, while working in a French restaurant. His ambition and drive led to uncountable hours spent on the computer building his knowledge of various programs and software, working as many hours as he could at the restaurant. He formed a workable familiarity with website developing and programming  tools and designed his first site in 1998 for an Italian restaurant.  Hicham, by this time, was completely accustomed in all daily operations of a restaurant. This gave him an edge in designing websites for restaurants because he understood the image that each was trying to project on the web. He applied for a business license and received it that same year. Shdow, LLC (http://www.shdow.com) as the name of the company and he would stick with it for the coming years.

As time passed, Hicham grew in his skills as a website developer and the business grew from 2 to 60 clients in the passage of one year while he was still working the night shifts at the restaurant. He marketed very little at first, referrals grew in number because of his professionalism, quality of work and speed with which he worked. His client list grew to over 300 and by 2005, he decided to go full-time with the business.  Marketing plans were made including postcards, cold calling and prior client referrals.  Offering services as a “one stop shop” gave Hicham an edge over other design companies.  Business cards, postcards, flyers and other materials gave businesses a greater choice in advertising their services and Hicham was able to design, print and deliver these materials in record time.

In 2007, looking for a way to branch out the business, Hicham decided to become involved in Electronic Security.  (http://www.shdowsecurity.com) He had always been interested in wiring, building circuitry and related equipment so the entrance classes to the Department of Criminal Justice Services as an electronic tech didn’t deter him from his goal. He received his Electronic Security license easily and proceeded to look for a place of business that would give him more exposure to sell security video surveillance systems.  He found a two office suite that was completely suited for his business with a store front window.  This office is still open in 2010 and will remain so as long as there is a need for those wishing to monitor their residence, business, property or governmental agencies.  Security, quality of workmanship, professionalism and always putting the client first is and will continue to be behind Shdow, LLC and Hicham Sbihi’s success.

There are those who will discourage working toward a goal that can only be seen in one’s mind.  Don’t let obstacles stand in the way of your dream.  Hard work and perseverance has caused Hicham to make a success out of his business; he supports and encourages those wishing to start their own business because he knows that it can be done. To come from nothing and build up to where he is today is an accomplishment and he believes that it’s possible for anyone to do the same who has the drive to succeed.