Ebraheem Al Samadi: Treat Your Employees Well

The CEO of Forever Rose and Al Samadi Group has some words of wisdom for you

How did you get into the world of business, and why?
I originally got into business out of what I can only describe as a hobby backed by necessity. At the age of 14, I began selling second-hand clothing on eBay after moving with my recently divorced mother into a small apartment in Florida. I was 14 and felt responsible for taking care of her and my younger sister. That's how I got into online selling - and I turned out to be very good at it, with eBay eventually awarding me their '1000 Power Sellers' award at just 15. My entrepreneurial journey began there and I have never looked back!

What is your #1 personal principle at work? Do you have a catchphrase that you like to use to inspire colleagues/subordinates?
My #1 personal principle for success is not to be bitter or disappointed with what God has given you, as it may be for the best. I also don't believe in becoming so attached to something that it may ultimately lead to heartbreak and disappointment.
I always tell my colleagues to treat people as they wish to be treated themselves. When it comes to commercial development, I always encourage them to think "location, location, location" and to "follow-up, follow-up, follow-up"! I also say that assumption is the mother of all evil.

What is one important skill you think every professional should have?
The ability to take calculated risks. Some of the most successful business stories have often sprouted from risk-taking, and it's the people who take risks to tirelessly pursue their dreams who will be successful.

What has been your most challenging experience to date and what did you do to resolve it?
Supplying our clients with products they love. Forever Rose has grown so quickly over the past two years and, at first, it was very challenging to have enough supply and workforce to meet demand. To ease the burden of this issue, I've now opened a 10,000 sq ft production facility in Dubai, leaving 4,000 sq ft around it, which we can expand into in the near future in case the company's positive growth continues.

Who would you consider your role model as the perfect professional?
The person I look up to is His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His strategies in developing this country are awe-inspiring. He demonstrates that not only is it about being successful, but about being authentic and having integrity as well. I believe that when you are working in the best interests of the people you love, then you will go above and beyond to create solutions, services, products and destinations that are unlike any other.

If you had one free hour in the day to relieve stress, how would you use it?
I'd take my mother to the spa. I always try my best to spend as much time as possible with her and other members of my family, as they are a big part of who I am, and inspire me to work hard to give them the life that I believe they deserve.

Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Get into business for the right reasons. Don't enter the market to hurt competitors or for disingenuous purposes. Instead, seek to bring something new to the world that serves an unmet need or desire. Be creative, original and have business ethics, because your name is everything. If you develop a bad reputation, you'll have a bleak future ahead. Also, treat your employees well. They are the face of your company and the way they are treated by senior management has a trickle-down effect. Employees who are happy, healthy and secure will bring a positive attitude to the workplace and not only treat each other with that same respect, but will impart that positivity to your customers and clients, creating a more loyal and engaged customer base. Lastly, try your best to stay away from loans because it is borrowed money - meaning, you'll only have to pay back a lot more than you took on day one. I have never borrowed from banks or family and am proud of the achievements I've made based on innovation and determination.
- Staff reporter