In the heart of Trinidad & Tobago, a young creative entrepreneur named Israel Mark, widely known as Professor Markos, has defied the odds to become one of the most inspiring self-made billionaires in the Caribbean. His journey, marked by relentless passion, resilience, and an insatiable hunger for success, is nothing short of extraordinary. From a teenager fascinated by digital design to a business magnate with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, Markos’ story is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance.
The Genesis of a Visionary
Born on September 26, 2001, Markos’ foray into the world of design began at just 15 years old. A simple logo design contest at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) ignited a creative spark in him. Winning the contest was less about the prizes and more about the realization that his creativity held tangible value in the real world. This epiphany led him to immerse himself in graphic design, honing his skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator while actively engaging with the global design community on Twitter.
By the age of 17, his talent caught the attention of major brands like Nike, Red Bull, Sony, and GFUEL. He collaborated with gaming and entertainment icons such as PewDiePie, KSI, and Ninja, establishing himself as a creative force in digital branding and marketing. His trajectory took another leap when Skyler Johnson, the owner of the creative powerhouse Paper Crowns, recognized his potential. Working with Paper Crowns allowed Markos to refine his craft and gain insights into the business side of the creative industry, particularly the power of running an agency.
The Struggles Before the Breakthrough
Despite his growing success, financial instability plagued Markos. His design skills were unmatched, but his business acumen lagged. His lack of consistent income and poor financial management eventually led to an eviction in early 2021, marking the lowest point of his life.
Homeless and demoralized, he spent six months at a friend’s house, feeling like a failure. However, a calendar notification in September 2021 — reminding him of a goal to buy a car for his birthday — rekindled a fire within him.
Determined to turn his life around, he returned to his mother’s one-bedroom apartment and relentlessly pitched his branding and marketing services to businesses. His persistence paid off when he secured a $4,000 deal with a melatonin brand. This success set off a chain reaction, with referrals and strategic client acquisitions driving his monthly income to $9,000 by October, $25,000 by November, and an astounding $40,000 by December 2021. With newfound financial stability, he moved into his dream condo and began expanding his network among high-net-worth entrepreneurs.
The Meteoric Rise to Wealth
By early 2022, Markos transformed his business model, shifting from monthly retainers to lucrative yearly contracts, significantly increasing his revenue. This strategic pivot resulted in him making over $160,000 in February alone, officially making him a cash millionaire in Trinidad & Tobago. His journey from struggling freelancer to thriving entrepreneur was solidified.
Building on this momentum, Markos expanded his ventures beyond branding and marketing. He delved into philanthropy, giving away over $1 million in 2023 and becoming a celebrated figure in Trinidad. Through his initiative, Fully Network, he aimed to impact millions of families monthly, fighting poverty through innovative solutions and direct financial assistance.
However, by the end of 2023, despite his immense success, Markos felt a void. The relentless pursuit of wealth and fame had left him disconnected from his true passion — art. This realization led him to shift focus in 2024, returning to his creative roots. He launched Genes Art Collection, a luxury art brand that produced exclusive, one-of-one masterpieces. The brand’s ultra-premium positioning attracted elite collectors, with pieces selling for millions. By the end of the year, one of his artworks sold for a staggering $115 million.
Becoming the Youngest Caribbean Billionaire
With the meteoric success of Genes Art Collection, coupled with his diversified investments and businesses, Markos’ net worth skyrocketed. As of January 2025, he officially became the youngest billionaire in Trinidad & Tobago and the entire Caribbean, boasting a net worth of over $1 Billion USD. His journey from a struggling designer to a business mogul is nothing short of legendary.
Today, Professor Markos continues to redefine success. His Fully Network initiative is more ambitious than ever, striving to uplift one million families monthly. Simultaneously, he is on a spiritual journey, seeking a deeper understanding of God after years of chasing material success.
His story serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs worldwide — proof that resilience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering belief in oneself can turn even the most challenging circumstances into an empire of success.
Media Contact
Company Name: GENES
Contact Person: Professor Markos
Email: Send Email
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
Website: https://genes.art/
