Age: 38
Birthplace: Qom, Iran
Company: Giatec offers Internet of Things solutions to the concrete industry.
(Sponsored)
Ottawa businesses critically important to ending youth homelessness across the city
Local businesses joining United Way East Ontario’s effort to prevent and end youth homelessness not only helps build a stronger, safer, and healthier community, but gives a boost to Ottawa’s
How Westboro’s female entrepreneurs are making it an attractive destination to live, work and play
When fitness guru Amber Stratton opened the first Pure Yoga studio in Ottawa in 2012, Westboro was her first choice. “The space we found was a really good starting point
Education: PhD in civil engineering, University of Ottawa (2009)
Charitable involvement: American Concrete Institute
Biggest biz achievement: Selling Giatec’s first product and exporting it to the U.S.
Biggest obstacle: Being afraid of failure!
Biggest influence: My professor and mentor, the late Dr. Mehdi Ghalibafian. He was the most ethical, conscientious and hard-working person I have ever met. As a professional civil engineer, he was truly dedicated to improving people’s lives and was a role model for not letting his personal interests get in the way of this.
Biggest lesson learned: It is only “sales” that matter! Startups can grow and develop products in their early days by relying on government grants or raising investment. But the business does not grow unless the founders shift their focus to generating revenue from scaleable sales to customers.
First job: Selling candies.
Advice I’d give the younger me: Take one thing at a time and don’t worry about the future!
Favourite pastime: Photography
I’m currently reading: How Google Works by Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg
Favourite movie: Inception
Favourite song: Persian songs by Mohammad-Reza Shajarian
Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators
Favourite local summer event: Canada Day
Preferred social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
Twitter handle: @_Aali
