Birthplace: Semnan, Iran
Company: Develops smart concrete-testing technologies for the construction industry.
Education: PhD in civil engineering, Carleton University (2010)
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Charitable involvement: Invest Ottawa and Carleton University
Biggest biz achievement: Establishing Giatec Scientific in 2010 and growing it to $5 million in annual sales.
Biggest biz obstacle: Old-school construction industry’s reluctance to adopt high-tech solutions.
Biggest influence: My former supervisor, Dr. Mehdi Ghalibafian, at the University of Tehran. He taught me how to be a great engineer and a successful entrepreneur with a high level of integrity.
Biggest lesson learned: To be persistent. No matter what happens to your business, giving up is not an option. I learned this by watching other successful businesses.
First job: Research assistant at university when I was 22 years old.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Work hard and never give up on your dreams!
What’s left to do: Create a global impact on the concrete industry to improve the quality of infrastructure and reduce carbon footprints.
Favourite pastime: Hot yoga
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platforms: Facebook, Linkedin
