Education: Confederation High School
Biggest business achievement: Developing a strong management team, culture and processes at EVOO so I could focus on building a new brand and restaurant at Mati. This required about six months away from EVOO to achieve this.
Biggest obstacle overcome: Building and operating two successful restaurants while continuously battling Crohn’s disease.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)
The value of an Algonquin College degree: Experiential learning, taught by industry experts
Zaahra Mehsen was three years into a biology degree at a local university when she realized she wanted to take a different path. “I realized that it’s not my thing,”
Last month Ottawa Salus launched “Opening Doors to Dignity,” a $5 million campaign to construct a 54-unit independent living building on Capilano Drive. Set to open in late 2025, this
Biggest influence: My father. All the countless sacrifices he made for us allowed our family to live easier and happier.
Most important lesson I’ve learned in business: The importance of establishing key internal processes at the onset of opening a business. At first, my main focus was on customer satisfaction (experience, quality food, etc.) and not necessarily the back office of the business.
First job: Busboy and dishwasher at Rockwell’s restaurant
Favourite pastime: Watching my son play hockey.
I’m currently reading: It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work by David Heinemeier Hansson and Jason Fried
Favourite movie: 300
Favourite Ottawa sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day