MEET THE BUSINESS
JUNE 2019
Walid Zaineldeen, President
Mr. Walid Zaineldeen is the President of District Construction Corporation a construction company in the metro-DC area specializing in drywall, framing and specialty ceilings. Although the company started in 2016, the idea first started in April 2014 at an ADYA networking event in Philadelphia. Walid remembered listening to various business men and women and realizing he could do the same. He had been in construction for almost 10 years and was comfortable with the networks he had built; however it was not until his father’s passing that he felt the ultimate push to start the company. Walid took the leap in January 2016 and that was the inception of District Construction Corporation.
Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Walid.
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How did you become an entrepreneur? Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I think I can attribute my label as an “entrepreneur” to the group of friends that have surrounded me. As successful entrepreneurs in various fields of work, my friends have shared their experiences and even opinions that I believe are better than any book could teach. Undoubtedly, it is their successes –and even their downfalls– that have helped mold me to become an entrepreneur.
Please discuss a moment or turning point in your life that led you to your career path:
In 2006, my current business partner, Shadi Mokarem, owned a painting company in the metro DC area and had just landed a really large contract. He approached me because he was in dire need of someone to help him with the construction sites. At the time, I was 23 years old working as a programmer at an access and security firm. So when Shadi approached me, I decided to use my vacation time to help him with whatever he needed. My job consisted of driving to various job sites, counting how many workers were on the job, and then taking material orders of anything the workers needed for the day. Shadi taking a chance on me was, without a doubt, the moment that shaped my future.
Please discuss a role model that motivated you or mentor you had that helped guide you:
Of course, Shadi is a great mentor and has taught me everything I know not only about construction but also financial investments. He has one of the best minds when it comes to conducting a successful business. My friend, Amer El Souki, has also played an instrumental role in my life. As my biggest cheerleader, his enthusiasm for any idea I pitch is the best kind of motivation. Most importantly, when I do discuss business idea, Amer immediately finds the necessary tools or mechanisms to make that idea happen.
Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame? How did you overcome that and what advice would you give others in your situation?
When I first started the company, it was just difficult to get contracts. Because DC is such a small town, the norm is to award those contracts to the reputable companies they already know and work with. My biggest challenge was to break through that barrier of what I would call the “veterans” of DC construction.
My plan was to get these companies and people who run them to trust me. I did two things that I believe were the sole reasons I secured their trust: 1) I held myself accountable and stood by my word, and 2) I made myself personally available to anyone at any time of day. In doing those very simple things, those people knew they were not just dealing with another construction company. Rather, they were dealing with me.
As an entrepreneur, what is it that motivates and drives you?
What motivates me? No person in their right mind would put themselves through the stress of running a business if it was not for the potential to create a secure and stable future. In other words, money. Also, having the flexibility to work whenever and wherever, without having to report to anyone, is a plus. Also, holding full decision-making power is definitely an added bonus. As for my drive, it is the notion that I am building a legacy to hopefully outlast me that makes this an invaluable experience and venture.
What would you say are the key elements for starting and running a successful business?
I think it is critical as a business owner to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. We tend to lean on our strengths and overlook our weaknesses. Instead, there is always something to be learned from others around us and can strengthen our weaknesses. One quote I tend to live by and that is applicable to running a successful business is, “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room.”
Fear of failure also plays a huge role in running a successful business. If you’re not willing to do whatever it takes you are most likely going to fail, so it can be the one thing that pushes you to be the best version of yourself.
Where do you see your business in the next 10 years?
We have maintained a healthy growth pattern over the last 3 years, the hope is to keep the pace. It’s a very exciting time for us in the DC Metro area, plenty of work and opportunity.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who are starting out?
I have never been the kind of person who gives out advice. People will either take your advice and do exactly what you say or do the exact opposite. I’m more interested in shared experiences and that allows the individual to make their own decisions. But you still have to set high expectation for yourself and always do whatever it takes. Know your strength and weakness and get better at both.
Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:
My friends and I play basketball weekly. Like most men my age, we all foolishly believe that are still the athletes we were as teenagers. So, it’s a good day when no one goes home injured or on a stretcher. I also recently got married and my wife and I like to travel as much as possible. We’ve been to Argentina and Jamaica this year, and will be travelling to Bali this summer. We also like to dine out quite often, even though she’s a great cook, but we can never say no to a good meal and drinks out.
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