Key Takeaways

• Identify overlooked market gaps abroad, like Moshe Zuk did in Georgia, to gain a significant business advantage.
• Build your business foundation by reinvesting early profits and seizing practical financial chances as they arise.
• Prioritize trusting the right partners, as strong relationships often matter more than flawless business plans.
• Explore how unexpected chances, even seemingly risky ones like lending in new markets, can spark major business growth.

But in the case of Moshe Zuk, the story is a blend of all three. From humble beginnings in the marble business to becoming a powerhouse in international finance, Moshe’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, as the Chairman of Zuk Group, he leads a multi-sector investment empire rooted in bold moves, family values, and a strong belief in calculated risk.So, who is Moshe Zuk, really? Let’s take a closer look.

Starting Young, Dreaming Big

Moshe is a proud husband and father of three. His business journey began unusually early—while still serving in the army, he was already building his future. With support from his father, who had a marble company, Moshe started working as an agent, selling marble for staircases. Before long, he opened his own independent marble business, sourcing from the territories and selling in Israel.

By the age of 21, Moshe had already bought out 50% of his father’s partner’s shares, and within a year, he purchased his first home. That era of booming construction in Israel played to his advantage. Over the next decade, he continued working alongside his father until eventually buying out his share to become the full owner.

The Leap Into Finance

Moshe’s entry into the financial world wasn’t a calculated pivot—it was a natural evolution of opportunity. He began by giving suppliers early payments in exchange for cash discounts, a move that slowly introduced him to the world of investments.

The real turning point came when a friend went to Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) to buy land. There, they discovered a gap in the market: no banks, high demand for loans, and very attractive interest rates. Though it sounded risky, they took the plunge.

The first deal? A borrower took the money… straight to the casino. But surprisingly, he paid it all back. That’s when Moshe zuk realized he might be onto something. What started as a quirky one-time deal soon expanded into full-fledged investment operations in Georgia, Romania, the U.S., Kazakhstan, London, and beyond. The Zuk Group was born. 

Working with Family: A Double-Edged Sword

After buying out his father’s partner, Moshe worked side-by-side with his dad. The two were 50/50 partners, but his father gave him room to lead from an early age. “At 21, I was already dealing with banks, marketing, and managing accounts,” Moshe recalls. This early independence helped him grow fast.

But he admits, if he could go back and advise his 21-year-old self, he’d tell him to follow his own dream earlier and not spend ten years in a partnership that wasn’t fully his. Still, he acknowledges those years taught him valuable lessons and acted as a stepping stone.

Raising the Next Generation

The way Moshe was raised—to be independent and dream big—directly influences how he’s raising his own kids. He encourages them to follow their own paths, whatever those may be. “The wisdom is in dreaming,” he says. “Not the destination, but the ability to dream.”

Taking Risks Abroad: Lessons from Georgia

One might think investing in a country with less financial stability would be terrifying. But Moshe saw opportunity where others saw risk. Georgia, as it turns out, ranks 11th globally for ease of doing business—far better than Israel’s 40th.

The key lesson? If you never take a risk, you’ll never know success. Not all of Zuk Group’s international ventures have been smooth, but the wins have far outweighed the losses.

Advice for Building a Business Abroad

Moshe’s biggest tip for anyone looking to build a business outside of Israel?

“Don’t think Israelis are the smartest people in the world. Use local talent.”

Understanding the local culture, listening to the locals, and building a trusted team is what sets a successful business apart. It’s not about bringing your way of doing things—it’s about adapting to the place you’re in.

Learning from Failures

Not all international expansions were smooth. “Excel covers everything,” Moshe jokes, “but it won’t save you from the wrong people.” For him, trusting the right individuals is more important than having a perfect business plan. Failures often came from partnering with people who didn’t have the right intentions.

“Invest time in choosing the right people,” he advises. “With the right person, the business plan will work. With the wrong one, no plan can help.”

Spotting Future Leaders

When asked about a promising young team member, Moshe says what stands out is passion and a dream—but that’s not enough on its own. Experience, commitment, and character matter just as much.

He doesn’t start new ventures with just anyone. If there’s no trust and no proven relationship, he won’t move forward—no matter how good the idea sounds.

Key Takeaways from Moshe Zuk

If you’re inspired by Moshe’s journey and want to build your own legacy, here are a few of his golden rules:

• Start early – Don’t wait for permission.
• Trust is everything – People matter more than the plan.
• Dream big – But match dreams with action and responsibility.
• Adapt to local culture – Don’t assume your methods will work everywhere.
• Invest in relationships – Your success depends on your network.
• Failures happen – Learn, grow, and keep moving.

His story is a reminder that the path to success is rarely straight—but with determination, adaptability, and a little courage, you can build something that lasts.