Service, Sports, and the Power of Words | Rahim Karmali – Serv Translation Agency

In the Season 1 finale of Behind the Business, Faheem Savja sits down with Rahim Karmali, Founder and CEO of Serv, a fast-growing translation agency. From working on his honeymoon to navigating the challenges of fatherhood and entrepreneurship, Rahim shares the raw and real story behind building a business from scratch.

Rooted in service and shaped by his background in competitive badminton, Rahim opens up about:

• Spotting a gap in the translation market
• The early days of Serv and learning from a tough business split
• How AI is reshaping the industry — and why localization still reigns
• Balancing the demands of family and entrepreneurship
• Why authenticity and persistence are critical for success

With lessons in grit, growth, and staying grounded, this episode is a candid look at the hustle behind a business that helps brands be understood around the world. 

Stay connected with #behindthebusiness :

📱 Instagram: www.instagram.com/behindthebiz_pod/

📱 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/behind-the-business-podcast/

 

 

Chapters:

(0:00) Intro

(0:37) Founding Serv Translation Agency

(3:37) Pivoting and Launching with Partners

(7:26) Why the name "Serv"?

(9:21) Experience in Northern Pakistan

(11:55) Athletics and Business

(13:44) Parenthood and Entrepreneurship

(16:46) No Days off - even on vacation

(18:36) Seeing your product out in the wild

(20:17) The impact of AI in the industry

(23:18) Impact of Rahim's Family on Entrepreneurship

(28:33) Business Development on crutches

(31:06) Moving the business to Toronto

(34:02) Relationships - in life and business

(37:20) Lessons from Nine Years in Business