Mark Dukas is a cryptocurrency investor and trader from Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Massachusetts. In the past, he worked as a sales representative for SimplexGrinnell in Florida and Texas. Soon after starting his career, he decided to prolong his education and obtain an MBA. Consequently, he received a master’s degree from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2009. Currently, Mark Dukas’s practice also works with people who are interested in cryptocurrency. Since his successful track record of crypto-trading dates back to 2014, many consider his insight valuable and advantageous. Besides his current field, he also spent a few years working as a certified personal trainer. Working with people early on helped him decide to be in the client-serving business.
The in-depth knowledge of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, NEO and Monero, and more is what helps Mark Dukas’s Charlotte brand. He stays up to date on the latest market trends and upcoming changes. Doing so enables him to prepare for potential price drops or increases. Simultaneously, he keeps all his clients informed, which is how they can retain a successful portfolio. Surprisingly, even those with zero exposure to cryptocurrency can make inquiries to Mark Dukas’ Charlotte office. When starting an investing career, he helps individuals learn the basics by providing constant feedback. Not to mention the hands-on directions when buying each investment.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
I began looking at cryptocurrency trading early in 2014. Bitcoin was still under the radar, and altcoins or digital currencies were nearly non-existent. I saw this as a perfect opportunity. The industry was very young, and the risk to reward seemed worth it. There was only a handful of crypto experts around the world. So, I educated myself through research and believed that Bitcoin had good odds to go viral.
How do you make money?
In the beginning, I didn’t make much money at all. I ate a lot of humble sandwiches for a while and made a lot of sacrifices. Then a few years in, I started to make a little bit of money from my investments. I bought coins that grew substantially. Consequently, my investments also increased in value. Nowadays, however, I work as a consultant for individuals who are not sure how to invest and trade full time. So, although I still have passive income, I make money through my business interactions as well.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
For me, Bitcoin started recording gains in 2016. I invested in 2014. Therefore, I would say that it took about two years for my investment to pay off and then 2017 became the year that changed my life.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I approached the entire concept of cryptocurrency with a grain of salt. Things were starting out, and nobody knew how to forecast this market. I mostly dealt with my emotions and trying to learn as much technical analysis while continuously researching and staying on top of all the fundamental changes. I taught myself not to become romantic with investments and if I was right to let it run and if I was wrong to get out.
How did you get your first customer?
I started posting some of my work on LinkedIn in 2016 and had a few family members ask me for advice in 2015. Once the Summer of 2017 hit the market was on fire, clients saw some of my work and word of mouth spread. It was almost a self-fulfilling prophecy.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works well to generate new business?
Excellent results are the best marketing material you can have. If you have something to show to people, they will almost always come back. My track record with trading is more than a few months of successes as I have over three years crypto trading coupled with positive returns to back it up.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision I’ve made in the last few months is selling a few three-year-old investments. I noticed certain trends that told me the market was overextended and decided to pare my portfolio down slightly. I am still extremely long crypto assets but believe in taking some off the table as well so that if markets turn I have enough cash to re-deploy to quality projects that become oversold. Based on how 2018 has been turning out, I think that it was a good choice.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I do my due diligence, whether it is research or preparation for client meetings. I always pay my dues to be successful and never get too ecstatic about trading wins. My mantra is “grind daily celebrate rarely.”
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Well, seeing Bitcoin grow in 2017 was something that proved a lot of naysayers wrong. My favorite moment was the realization how all my efforts were well worth it and the decision I made in 2015 to quit corporate America had truly paid off.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am hoping to expand eventually to make some crypto training videos with chart analysis on great setups for investments and do some live streams for group situations where face to face meetings are not possible.
What business books have inspired you?
“Black Edge” by Sheelah Kolhatkar and “In Search of Excellence” by Robert H. Waterman Jr. and Tom Peters.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I subscribed to a grammar-checking software. I write a lot of memos to my clients, and this tool has made the process faster.
Who do you hope to be home as successful as?
I strive to achieve all my personal goals. As an investor, I try to be the best in what I do. For me, success comes in the form of time and being free. If I have time and my financial future is on track well then, I’ve already made it.