Today we’d like to introduce you to Taki Skouras.
Hi Taki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Melbourne, Florida, and after completing my undergraduate studies in finance at the University of Florida, I decided to relocate to Atlanta with two friends and future business partners, Jamie and Joseph Brown. We didn’t have much, so we rented a space for $200 a month, and our business began in someone’s cramped basement. At that time, the wireless industry was growing, and we saw a significant opportunity in the accessories market. We did some research and ultimately secured our first lease at Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, which marked the official beginning of our company, Cellairis, in 2000. It wasn’t an easy start. There were challenges securing leases, especially because when people heard “wireless,” they assumed we were offering mobile services, not accessories.
Our early days involved a lot of hard work, but within a few months, we had expanded into Cumberland Mall, and soon after, we were able to bring on friends and family to help grow the business. By 2005, we faced some regulatory pressure and realized we needed to formalize our operations, so we transitioned into a franchise model. At our peak, we had around 850 domestic locations. However, as consumer behavior began shifting in the early 2010s, we started seeing changes in the retail landscape, particularly with the decline of mall traffic. That’s when we strategically began transitioning out of mall locations and focused on partnerships with major retailers like Walmart. Today, our business is focused on a more diverse model, with operations in multiple countries, including Brazil, Mexico, and the UAE, and we’re actively expanding into new areas such as enterprise and education.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not entirely. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the change in consumer behavior and the decline of mall-based shopping. Rents were high, and many malls were unwilling to adapt to new trends, which made it difficult for us to continue operating profitably. Then, of course, the pandemic hit in 2020, and that was another major hurdle. We had to close many of our stores, and some of them never reopened. The shift to e-commerce and the rise of micro-retailers forced us to reassess our business model and adapt to the new reality, which was like turning a large ship in a small pond.
We’ve been impressed with Cellairis, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cellairis began as an accessory retailer, but over the years, we’ve expanded our offerings. Today, we provide everything from wireless accessories to enterprise managed services, device sourcing, and more. Our business has evolved significantly to adapt to the changing market. We’re known for our ability to scale both domestically and internationally, and we’ve expanded our services to address the needs of specific verticals like healthcare, transportation, hospitality, and education.
A recent example of our innovation in the education vertical is the launch of the CyberSystem and Cyber Pouch. These products were developed to address the increasing cell phone bans in schools and provide a safer, more convenient alternative to locking away students’ phones. The Cyber Pouch helps manage distractions in the classroom by allowing students to store their devices safely, while the CyberSystem offers schools a comprehensive solution to manage devices and improve focus in learning environments.
What sets us apart is our ability to stay ahead of trends and deliver innovative solutions to our customers, whether it’s through partnering with major retailers like Walmart, integrating technology into the classroom with our products, or providing creative solutions like the CyberSystem to support the evolving needs of education.
I’m particularly proud of how far we’ve come on the international stage. We’ve successfully penetrated markets like Brazil, Mexico, and the UAE, which is no small feat for a company that started in a basement in Atlanta. But what excites me even more is how we’ve been able to evolve our business model to serve new verticals like education and enterprise. For example, we’ve introduced products like the Cyber Pouch, designed to help students stay focused and reduce distractions in the classroom. Our growth in these new areas is something I’m truly proud of.
At Cellairis, we’re all about innovation and adaptability. Our team is committed to offering the best wireless accessories, services, and solutions, and we’re excited about our future in the enterprise and education spaces. We’re focused on delivering top-notch managed services to businesses and providing devices, solutions, and accessories that help keep people connected and productive. I want our readers to know that Cellairis is more than just a retail business, we’re evolving to meet the demands of the modern world, whether that’s through our international growth or our products designed to help students and professionals thrive.
What are your plans for the future?
We are actively focused on growing in the enterprise and education sectors. We’ve made significant strides in these areas, and we see enormous potential for further expansion. We’ll continue innovating, introducing new products like the Cyber Pouch, and finding ways to help schools and businesses manage their devices more effectively. We’re also looking to strengthen our international presence and expand into more global markets. The future is bright for Cellairis, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cellairis.com
- Instagram: @cellairis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cellairis/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cellairis
- Twitter: https://x.com/Cellairis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cellairis
