Tariq Farid

Embarking on an extraordinary journey from Pakistan to America at the age of 11, Tariq Farid’s story is a testament to the American dream. Growing up in West Haven, CT, he embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship early on. Tariq’s journey unfolded at a local McDonald’s, where he discovered the transformative power of business systemization.

In a bold move at 17, armed with a $5,000 loan from family and friends, Tariq purchased a flower shop in East Haven, CT, to open the first Edible Arrangements® (now edible®) store in 1999. Within two years, he transformed a single store into four. The venture swiftly evolved into a flourishing franchise empire, with nearly 1,000 stores worldwide.

Tariq’s strategic acumen not only shaped the company’s trajectory but also led him to found Netsolace® in 2001, a software distributor that later evolved into Naranga®, offering cutting-edge technology solutions for franchise companies, including edible®. Growing the edible® ecosystem in 2003, he went on to found BerryDirect®, a global supply chain service provider offering reliable global sourcing, fulfillment service, and high-quality products.

Beyond the boardroom, Tariq’s commitment to philanthropy is equally remarkable. In 2013, he established the Tariq Farid Foundation, channeling nearly $1 million annually to causes worldwide, ranging from healthcare and education to supporting refugees and fighting childhood cancer. His commitment to giving back through his foundation reflects his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.