About
Mark Hirst
Building brands and a life in alignment
I’m Mark — a founder, strategist, and lifelong learner. I lead two ventures: Blue Beetle, a digital agency focused on high-converting websites, and Redro, a smart menu platform for hospitality brands. Beyond that, I care deeply about doing meaningful work with people I respect — guided by clarity, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility.
I care about doing work that matters — with people who mean it.
I’m at my best when I’m building something from scratch, solving a real problem, or helping others find clarity in the chaos. I believe in staying curious, thinking long-term, and living in alignment with what feels true.
The Journey
I spent over two decades building a business. On the outside, it looked like success; good clients, a talented team, a portfolio I was proud of. But inside, something didn’t feel aligned. I was pushing, but not flowing. Achieving, but not growing.
That changed after an experience that shook me to my core. During an Ayahuasca retreat, I had what felt like a near-death experience, and it broke something open. I came home with a new lens. I started meditating, studying Kabbalah, exploring breathwork, and tuning into teachings that helped me connect inward rather than simply perform outward.
Since then, I’ve been working to build from a different place — a place of clarity, trust, and truth. I still run two ventures, but I lead with presence. I still make plans, but I follow what feels right. The work is the same. I’m just not.
2004
Founded Blue Beetle
Started in Dubai with a simple mission: build digital experiences that actually move the needle. Over the years, Blue Beetle grew into a trusted agency for premium hospitality, real estate, and service brands.
2016
Started developing Redro
What started as a side project became a full-fledged digital menu platform for restaurants and hotels. Redro was born from a belief that hospitality should be simple, beautiful, and smart.
2024
A turning point
A transformative Ayahuasca journey changed everything. It wasn’t just emotional, it was existential. The experience reset my inner compass and opened the door to a different way of working and living.
2025
Building with clarity
This chapter is about integrating what I’ve learned, and what I’m still learning. From breathwork, meditation, and Kabbalah to teachings on frequency, focus, and aligned action, I’m building with clarity and showing up with more presence in everything I do.
What I Stand For
These four values guide how I live, lead, and work. They’re not just words, they’re how I decide who to work with, how I show up, and what kind of energy I bring to the table.
Empathy
Understanding people is the starting point for everything. Whether it’s a client, a colleague, or a customer — I try to see things from their side first.
Reliability
Do what you say you’ll do. Show up. Keep showing up. I believe trust is built in small, consistent ways over time, and lost in a moment.
Integrity
It matters how we get there. I care about doing things the right way, even if it’s slower or harder. I don’t believe in shortcuts that cost you your soul.
Kindness
You can be kind and still be sharp, strategic, and ambitious. Kindness isn’t weakness, it’s clarity with compassion. That’s how I choose to lead.
Off the Record
I’m a husband, a father, and a work-in-progress. I’ve lived in Dubai for two decades and now call South Africa home, where I’m closer to nature and finding more space to think clearly.
Most mornings start with breathwork or meditation. I like building things. Fixing things. Learning things. I’m drawn to people who are curious, kind, and doing their inner work.
When I’m not working on Blue Beetle or Redro, I’m usually going down some rabbit hole — spiritual teachings, behavioural psychology, consciousness studies, or how to make my son laugh at dinner.
Let’s Connect
I’m always open to meaningful conversations; whether it’s about working together, collaborating on something new, or sharing stories on a podcast.
If something here resonated with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. I read every message personally.