real estate investor
Malik’s biggest takeaway from PAC was understanding the diverse opportunities in real estate, including lending. Already owning 14 mixed-use rental units across three properties, all acquired in 2021 under RubyG LLC, his portfolio includes both residential and commercial properties. Malik’s vision is to expand by adding more units and diversifying into land, storage spaces, and warehouses, while collaborating with others to scale. Inspired by Chris’s growth from 2 units to 130 in less than a decade, Malik believes he can achieve similar success by broadening his horizons and exploring different lanes within the real estate sector.
entrepreneur
Co-founding Soul Bowls, a fast-casual soul food restaurant, with a former classmate and local chef, the National Restaurant Association forecasts the single bowl concept as hot this year. The trio launched the first location in a building Malik owned, which led to a successful second location in February 2024. Now, they’re aiming for a third, then a fourth location, and eventually to franchise. With one restaurant in Hartford and another in West Hartford, they’ve gained valuable experience that has supported their expansion. Initially, Malik didn’t conduct market research, but did for the second location, preparing the team for expansion into new markets. His goal is to secure funding, deciding between investors or remaining private. Additionally, he plans to productize a family BBQ sauce, “Soul Bowl Sauce,” to bring to market.
Hobbies
Dedicated to his professional pursuits in real estate and the restaurant industry, Malik balances his career with a variety of hobbies. Traveling is at the top of his list; he recently visited the Cayman Islands and plans to visit Mykonos by the end of the year. Passionate about fitness, he loves working out regularly and is trying to get into golf, even taking lessons when he has available time. Although he used to hate the beach, he now loves it and finds recharging through his travels essential. Malik’s diverse interests keep him engaged and motivated both personally and professionally.
