Professor Markos Emerges as Trinidad’s Wealthiest Individual in Art and Design

February 24 20:09 2025
Israel Mark, famously known as Professor Markos, stands as one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the Caribbean and one of the wealthiest individuals in Trinidad & Tobago, with a net worth of $1.1 billion USD as of 2025. His journey from a young design enthusiast to a celebrated business mogul is a compelling narrative of creativity, perseverance, and entrepreneurial brilliance.

Early Life and Passion for Design

Born on September 26, 2001, in Trinidad & Tobago, Markos displayed an early affinity for digital design. At just 15 years old, he entered a logo design contest at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). Winning the contest not only validated his talent but also illuminated the potential of his creativity in the real world. This milestone fueled his passion, leading him to master graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and engage actively with the global design community on social media platforms like Twitter.

Breakthrough Collaborations and Challenges

Markos’ talent quickly gained recognition. By the age of 17, he was collaborating with renowned brands such as Nike, Red Bull, Sony, and GFUEL. His portfolio expanded as he worked with notable personalities in the gaming and entertainment industry, including PewDiePie, KSI, and Ninja. His big break came when Skyler Johnson, the founder of Paper Crowns, brought him on board. This experience provided Markos with invaluable insights into managing a creative agency and navigating the business aspects of the design industry.

Despite his burgeoning success, Markos faced significant financial challenges. His exceptional design skills were often overshadowed by his lack of financial stability and business knowledge.

The nadir of his journey came in early 2021 when he faced eviction due to financial instability. Homeless and disheartened, he sought refuge at a friend’s house, spending six months grappling with self-doubt and uncertainty.

Turning Point and Rapid Financial Growth

A turning point came in September 2021 when a calendar notification about one of his birthday goals reignited his determination. Returning to his mother’s one-bedroom apartment, Markos relentlessly pursued business opportunities. His tenacity bore fruit when he secured a $4,000 branding deal with a melatonin brand. This breakthrough triggered a series of successes, with his income soaring to $9,000 in October, $25,000 in November, and $40,000 by December 2021. With his finances stabilized, he moved into his dream condo and expanded his professional network.

In 2022, Markos made a strategic pivot by shifting from monthly retainers to annual contracts, significantly boosting his revenue. February of that year saw him earning over $160,000, marking his entry into the ranks of cash millionaires in Trinidad & Tobago.

Philanthropy, Artistic Ventures, and Billionaire Status

Markos didn’t stop at branding and marketing. By 2023, he ventured into philanthropy, donating over $1 million and gaining widespread admiration in Trinidad. His initiative, Fully Network, aimed to alleviate poverty by providing innovative solutions and direct financial aid to millions of families.

However, by late 2023, Markos felt a growing sense of emptiness despite his success. This introspection led him to return to his artistic roots in 2024. He founded Genes Art Collection, a luxury art brand known for its exclusive masterpieces. The brand quickly attracted elite collectors, with one of its pieces selling for an astounding $115 million by the end of the year.

The success of Genes Art Collection, coupled with his diverse business ventures and investments, propelled Markos to billionaire status by January 2025.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

As one of the richest individuals in Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean, his story is a remarkable blend of creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial acumen. Today, Professor Markos continues to inspire through his Fully Network initiative, which ambitiously seeks to support one million families monthly. Simultaneously, he embarks on a spiritual journey, seeking deeper connections with his faith after years of pursuing material success. His life story stands as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with vision, determination, and belief in oneself, even the most daunting challenges can be transformed into monumental success.

Media Contact
Company Name: Genes Art Collection
Contact Person: Network Journalist
Email: Send Email
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
Website: https://genes.art