Age: Entered my sixth decade. Wow, more than half a century. Profession: Engineer, who worked on himself to be become an entrepreneur. Organization: GET Group/Generic Engineering Technologies and Contracting. Title: Chairman-Partner. Significant other: My wife, my cheering soul, my backbone and supporter, Rania Bechara. Alma mater: Ecole Superieure des Ingenieurs a Beyrouth (B.S.); McGill University (master's degree).
Current project: My side business and a cider factory project under the “Tiny Moon” brand. Recent recognition: The Guiness World Record for the construction of the longest pitlane in Qatar. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Moving to Qatar, a quantum leap on every level. Hobbies: Boxing, art collection, reading and walking/hiking in my lovely village. Last book read: The Good Spy, by Kai Bird. Recently viewed and recommended: She Walks in Darkness. Recent unique acquisition: An old house in Beirut that resembles the lost heritage of the city.
Moral compass: Would I make the same decision if no one were watching? How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual respect, honesty and calm in crisis. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Transparent, reliable and driven by shared values. What is your greatest joy? My kids. What is your greatest fear? Losing purpose or passion in what i build (socially or professionally). What word or phrase do you use far too often? Habibi. What natural talent have you neglected? Painting. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Medical professionals, a very giving job if practiced ethically.
What was your first paying job? Junior site engineer on a residential project in Beirut. What book have you repeatedly read? Good to Great, by Jim Collins. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A family photo from when my kids were still small. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Build trust before you build towers. What is your go-to source of news and information? Bloomberg, TF1 and Al Jazeera. What company or organization do you most admire? Mercedes Benz. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? When my kids came into the world.
What is your big idea?
Integrating sustainability and digital technology into every stage of construction, from design to lifecycle maintenance. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Encouraging the sector to move beyond short-term projects toward long-term infrastructure stewardship. What message do you want to send out into the world? Integrity is the foundation that holds everything upright. What mega-trend most excites you? Smart, green cities. What mega-trend most concerns you? The decline of craftsmanship in favor of speed.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Building Integrity. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mum. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An architect. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A family heirloom painting. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Stay with my wife and kids. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t rush; build foundations that last. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day GET completed its first landmark project.
Personal mission: To build structures and a company culture that endure beyond their creator. Personal motto: Lead quietly, build boldly. Favorite quote: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching” (C.S. Lewis). Desired epitaph: He built with purpose and left with peace.
