Join Tony Iannelli in his backyard as he interviews leaders in the Lehigh Valley!
Backyard Business
Episode 2: Featuring EBC Co-founder, Murtaza
Moving to America
Moving to America at 16 was quite a transformative experience for Murtaza. He saw America as a land of opportunity, a place where he could pursue his dreams and create a better future for himself and his family. Being a co-founder of EBC Printing, he has deep insight into how those early experiences shaped his entrepreneurial journey and the values it brings to the company.
EBC Culture
EBC places a strong emphasis on creating a supportive and nurturing work environment, akin to a family culture. This approach recognizes that when employees feel valued and well-treated, they are more likely to extend that same care and respect to customers. This can lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Creating a family-like culture in the workplace typically involves fostering trust, open communication, and mutual respect among team members. It also means supporting employees not only professionally but also personally, understanding their needs, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
We truly believe that engaged and happy employees are more likely to go above and beyond for both their colleagues and customers.
The Arrival of Andrea Hemphill
When Andrea joined us at EBC she had a significant impact on our company, especially in terms of shaping roles and presence in the community. Andrea brought in unique skills and perspectives that were crucial for the company's growth and visibility. She has strong presence in public relations, networking, and community engagement efforts. Her role is critical one within our company as she helps build brand recognition, trust, and relationships with current and new customers.
Our Gratitude
Murtaza's family's journey is a powerful testament to the impact of community support and accessible healthcare. His father's belief in community service, instilled in Murtaza and his brother, Mustafa, created a foundation of values that emphasize giving back and supporting others.
The pivotal time when St. Luke's Hospital diagnosed their father and Lehigh Valley Health Network provided life-saving kidney surgery underscores the crucial role of community institutions in saving lives. This opportunity, which wouldn't have been available in Tanzania, highlights global disparities in healthcare access and the life-changing impact of advanced medical treatments.
The gratitude Murtaza and his family feel towards their community is deep. They feel that experiences like these inspire them to continue to give back and contribute positively to those around them.
This sense of appreciation and indebtedness influences Murtaza's personal and professional endeavors, shaping EBC's culture of compassion toward their employees and community engagement.
Diversity and Inclusion
Tony's role in opening doors for Murtaza, especially as a person of color and Muslim, is significant. His support has not only helped Murtaza, but also underscores the importance of inclusion and diversity in business and community development. Murtaza's deep connection and admiration for the Lehigh Valley is evident in his role as an ambassador for the region. His genuine love for the area, coupled with his positive experiences, drives him to speak highly of the area to others. His advocacy not only reflects his personal gratitude but also promotes the Lehigh Valley as a welcoming and supportive community.
He loves the Lehigh Valley and believes it's truly the best place to live and raise a family. He appreciates how welcoming and supportive the community has been to his family and his business.
![](https://d2tl9ctlpnidkn.cloudfront.net/ebcprinti/images/contentimages/images/EBCPrintingAndSigns_Logo_SingleLine_CMYK.png)