Meet Manish Hirapara | CEO at PeakActivity

We had the good fortune of connecting with Manish Hirapara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manish, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I disagree with the notion that you have to be in Silicon Valley to be at the heart of tech innovation. The “Florida as Silicon Valley lite” narrative overlooks our immense potential. Yes, we haven’t replicated the sheer scale of that juggernaut yet, but we have something Silicon Valley often lacks: boundless ambition and a unique ecosystem brimming with untapped potential.

Think about it: we have Miami exploding with creative energy, attracting talented individuals and fostering a vibrant startup scene. Universities like UCF (my alma mater), NSU, and FAU are brimming with brilliant minds, many of whom end up leaving for other tech hubs. But why? We can offer them the same opportunities right here, under the sunshine.

And it’s not just sunshine! We have a pro-business environment, lower living costs compared to California, and a diverse, multilingual talent pool perfectly suited for the globalized tech landscape. Companies like Magic Leap and Citadel are choosing South Florida, and even giants like Google are expanding their presence here. That’s no accident.

We all know of CITY Furniture. They’re not just a furniture chain anymore. As one of PeakActivity’s valued clients, together we are pushing the bounds of innovation with cutting-edge AI and VR in their retail and supply chain processes, becoming a true tech innovator right here in our backyard. This trend is snowballing: from biotech startups in Miami to fintech firms in Fort Lauderdale, the innovation wave is amplifying.

So, no, I don’t think we’ll simply be a carbon copy of Silicon Valley. We’ll be something different, something vibrant, something uniquely South Florida. A global tech hub bathed in sunshine, fueled by diversity and an insatiable hunger for innovation. And I, for one, can’t wait to see it unfold.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Equipped with the better part of two decades of experience in the eCommerce industry, I founded PeakActivity in 2015 with a singular goal in mind: establish an organization of experts working together to elevate eCommerce, technology, and AI business outcomes for our clients. What sets us apart? Our commitment to being the most valued, long-term partner to our clients. We are not solely focused on quick wins. At PeakActivity, our engagements are rarely one-and-done affairs.

Guided by our “Dream. Deliver. Elevate.” methodology, we leverage our vast levels of experience to lift our clients’ business outcomes. Our ideal client recognizes that becoming digitally minded is essential to success in the current market ecosystem. Keen observers know that they face a steeper climb than ever before. This is where PeakActivity shines. When we work with organizations who are open to embracing technology but want a partner to accelerate the implementation of such changes — this is where we set ourselves apart. Our diverse teams of experts work tirelessly to leverage their expertise to identify opportunities and implement immersive retail experiences, best-in-class technologies, and innovative AI and spatial reality solutions for our clients.

I am most proud of the brilliant people and the hard work they deliver that make up PeakActivity. I’ve come to learn that an organization is nothing but a network of conversations, and when those conversations are driven by some of the leading minds in the eCommerce and technology spaces, incredible results are sure to follow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question. Anyone who knows me knows of my love for our local South Florida community.

I have always loved the outdoors and being out in nature, so I would absolutely have to take them on morning walks to various local beaches. To start a day with the fresh ocean breeze and soft crashing waves as the soundtrack to a conversation with an old friend, it doesn’t get much better.

After our morning walks, I would bring them to some of my favorite local coffee chains, like Mane Coffe. We’ll need the caffeine since we will be taking frequent bike rides to explore all the different bike paths South Florida has to offer. It must be said as well, that contrary to popular belief, there is some pretty great mountain biking on offer down here. Getting the blood pumping in one of the many mountain biking parks would definitely be on the itinerary. One of my favorite rides to take solo or with friends is along the levy. Something is mesmerizing about biking long distances next to the water.

Finally, I would need to take them on a visit to the Levan Center of Innovation at NSU to see our community’s innovation in action. This is truly the innovation hub of South Florida, figuratively and literally. There is a conference room there that has views of Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and the Everglades. All from one room.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Andrew and Keith Koenig, CITY Furniture

Website: peakactivity.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishhirapara/