Home: Rochester Hills, MI. Age: Fifty-seven. Birthplace: Bombay, India. Title: President and principal, S.M. Engineers.
Current project: Leading multisite urban redevelopment and infrastructure projects across Southeast Michigan. Latest accomplishment: Delivered complex municipal site-development approvals under accelerated timelines while maintaining full regulatory compliance. Latest contribution to others: Ongoing mentorship of junior engineers and interns. Hobbies: Tennis, golf, travel planning and photography. Recent travel or adventure: International travel across Europe and Asia.
Personality profile: Analytical, collaborative and grounded. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Reliable. Moral compass: The Golden Rule—combined with asking whether I would be comfortable explaining a decision publicly. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Transparency, accountability, long-term thinking and mutual benefit. What is your greatest joy? Seeing communities come alive from plans to reality.
What book have you repeatedly read? The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Pursuit of Happyness. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? An early career mentor who taught precision and patience. What’s the best advice you received in your career? "Do the work right the first time—your reputation will travel faster than your resume."
What is your big idea?
A real-time collaboration platform for city approvals.
What mega-trend most excites you? Smart infrastructure and data-driven design. What mega-trend most concerns you? Short-term policy thinking.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Designing the Long Game. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Irrfan Khan. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An engineer who builds things that last. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, near water, sharing stories, gratitude and laughter. What advice would you give your younger self? Be patient—consistency compounds faster than speed.
Personal motto: Design with purpose, deliver with integrity. Favorite quote: "Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort" (John Ruskin). Desired epitaph: He built beyond his own horizon.
