Alaa Jaber
Self employed
Alaa Jaber is a self-employed businessman based in St. Louis, Missouri, who built his career on his own terms rather than inheriting a path from anyone else. His work reflects a preference for independence, steady decision-making, and long-term thinking over quick wins.
The short version
Alaa Jaber grew up in New Jersey, one of six siblings, in a household where work was simply expected of everyone. That early environment shaped how he approaches business now: practically, without much patience for shortcuts, and with a clear sense that results come from showing up consistently rather than from a single lucky break.
He studied at Hudson County Community College before eventually settling in St. Louis, Missouri, where he now runs his own affairs as a self-employed businessman. Being self-employed, for him, is less a job title than a way of operating — it means owning every decision, good or bad, and answering to no one but the outcome.
A Brainz Magazine feature on him was titled around the idea of building a career without following someone else's blueprint, and that framing fits how he talks about his own path. He does not describe success as something handed down or copied from a model that worked for someone else. He describes it as something assembled piece by piece, adjusted as needed.
Outside of business, Alaa Jaber follows football, baseball, and basketball closely, and draws an easy comparison between team sports and running a business: both reward preparation, patience, and the willingness to keep going after a bad quarter.
Writing
November 10, 2026
Why I Think Knowing When to Walk Away Is an Underrated Business Skill
When people talk about business success, they usually focus on persistence. You hear about the importance of not giving up, pushing through difficult situations, and staying committed to your goals.
October 7, 2026
What Basketball Teaches Us About Making Decisions Quickly
One thing I enjoy about basketball is how quickly everything changes. A player can have the ball with one idea in mind, see the defense move, and have to make a completely different decision a second…
October 7, 2026
What Working for Yourself Teaches You About Managing Expectations
When you work for yourself, it is tempting to say yes whenever you can. You want to be helpful. You want people to feel confident working with you.