Meet Mert Bakir | Founder & Visionary | VIO Digital Marketing & SaaS Platforms

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

Hi MERT, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is often perceived as a negative force — something to be avoided or feared. However, those familiar with risk management understand that not all risks are detrimental. In fact, there are positive risks, often referred to as opportunities. These are the moments when stepping outside of comfort zones can lead to innovation, growth, and success.

Every decision we make, whether in business or life, involves an element of risk. From entering a new market to introducing a groundbreaking product or service, growth often requires challenging what’s traditionally accepted. In these challenges, we find new possibilities and redefine what’s achievable.

I personally embrace taking calculated risks. This means not only understanding the potential downsides but also preparing the environment to create the best odds for success. By balancing preparation with courage, I’ve been able to navigate uncertainties and uncover opportunities that drive meaningful progress for my business and personal journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My journey into business started with coming to Australia to study, but my true intention was to understand different perspectives in business. I wanted to broaden my vision and learn from the best. After gaining experience working with leading global brands like Salesforce and IBM, I realized there was a gap in the market, especially in real estate. This led me to found ARK Emlak, with a mission to help people make meaningful investment decisions with their life savings. Real estate, by nature, is closely tied to visual marketing, so we quickly established an in-house team dedicated to our marketing needs.

I have a natural curiosity and enjoy learning about various aspects of business. Digital marketing, in particular, intrigued me due to its power to drive results. By leveraging relevant data, we could target the right people, at the right time, with the right frequency. It was like a form of data science, and I quickly saw how impactful it could be.

Our real estate business quickly delivered impressive results using data-driven marketing strategies. Some of the milestones we’re most proud of include securing deals with Bentley Residences Miami and establishing commercial property contracts with NASA suppliers. These achievements reinforced our belief in the power of data and led to the creation of VIO Digital Solutions.

We realized there was a huge potential in data-driven digital marketing, and VIO was born to harness this power for businesses across three continents. Today, we proudly serve over 100 clients, tailoring solutions that are validated by data and driven by our clients’ unique needs. Along the way, we also developed our own AI-powered CRM system, VIO Connect, to enhance marketing efforts even further.

What excites me most is how everything we do is shaped by our clients’ needs. Our solutions are customized, data-validated, and geared toward delivering results that matter. Success is a byproduct of this process, and it’s the satisfaction of seeing our clients grow that truly drives us forward.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Starting and growing these businesses was far from easy. There were numerous challenges along the way, from managing diverse teams across different regions to navigating an ever-changing market. However, the key to overcoming these obstacles was adaptability and persistence. I learned early on that being flexible and willing to evolve was crucial, especially when entering new markets and industries. Surrounding myself with a strong team and mentors helped me stay grounded and made tackling challenges more manageable.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand?

I want the world to know that VIO Digital Solutions and ARK Emlak are built on a foundation of integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to our clients. We are not just a service provider; we are partners in our clients’ success. Every solution we offer is tailored, thoughtful, and data-backed. We don’t just aim for success; we define it by the measurable impact we create for our clients. And through our dedication, we want to continue empowering businesses worldwide to achieve their goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Turkey, a journey through Izmir, Urla, and Bodrum would be the perfect way to explore both the vibrant city life and the serene Aegean coast — with a few surprises along the way, of course!

We’d start in Izmir, where you can soak up the lively atmosphere and the stunning waterfront. After checking out Konak Square and wandering through Kemeralti Bazaar, we’d grab a seafood dinner at Deniz Restaurant in Alsancak, known for its fresh catch and the perfect glass of Kavaklidere Angora White, a local wine that pairs beautifully with seafood. Then, we’d stroll around Alsancak, popping into trendy cafés and bars, all while making sure we sneak in our daily training — after all, my best friend knows we wouldn’t go anywhere without a little calisthenics (poor friend!).

From Izmir, we’d take a short drive to Urla, a charming coastal town famed for its wine, olives, and artisan culture. At Urla Şarapçılık, we’d enjoy some amazing local wines, paired with fresh grilled fish, while soaking in the vineyard views. A walk down Urla Art Street would give us a peek into the town’s artistic side. And, of course, no trip to Urla would be complete without a visit to OD Urla, where we’d indulge in creative twists on traditional Turkish dishes — like braised lamb with wild herbs or slow-cooked fish.

Then, we’d head to Bodrum, for a more laid-back vibe. After a visit to Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, we’d head to Gümüşlük, a quaint seaside village perfect for a sunset dinner at Gümüşlük Restaurant, where we’d savor fresh seafood while watching the sun set over the water.

Throughout the trip, we’d enjoy the stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage that make this region of Turkey so special. Whether it’s visiting local markets, exploring vineyards, or enjoying fresh seafood with a glass of regional wine, the essence of this trip is about connecting with the authentic flavors and hidden gems of Turkey.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and influences that have played a role in my journey. First, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my parents, Erkan Bakır and Güray Bakır, who have been incredible role models. They helped me develop essential business and life skills that I rely on daily, and their unwavering support has been a foundation for my growth.

I also want to recognize my sister, Cansu Bakır, whose constant support and encouragement have always pushed me to aim higher.

My business partner and life partner, Pınar Gürer, also deserves recognition for walking beside me on this journey. Her dedication and shared vision have been instrumental in shaping our success.

Finally, a huge shoutout to my dedicated teams in the US, Australia, and Turkey. Their hard work, creativity, and drive make everything we do possible. It’s truly a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals who bring our vision to life.

Website: https://www.arkvio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ark.vio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mert-bak%C4%B1r/

Other: https://arkemlak.com.tr/

Image Credits
Folkart NOVA