Rami Reda––a talented entrepreneur and proud second-generation business owner––is no stranger to the hard work and dedication that it takes to see a startup grow, survive, and thrive. Across his impressive career, Rami has created over 300 jobs, raised over $75 million, and generated over $400 million ROI for shareholders and investors. Rami Reda has become a dynamic force to be reckoned with in the business world and shows no signs of slowing down.
Rami learned how to build, run, and grow multiple businesses from an early age while growing up as the son of two Lebanese immigrants. His family came from humble beginnings of owning and running a convenience store, which quickly grew to more than 50 locations across Southern Ontario. Soon their successful business ventures branched out to starting an ATM company, which then grew to be the largest company in the country.
Rami Reda learned critical lessons in entrepreneurship while watching his parents on their entrepreneurial journeys and soon knew entrepreneurship was his calling. Rami went on to attend DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University, which helped sharpen his knowledge and hone his entrepreneurial skills. He graduated from the university with honors in his Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing, Sales, and Retail, focusing on Retail, Marketing, Advertising, Sales, and Strategy. He was also the recipient of the Deans List and Honours Award for the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.
Throughout his professional career, Rami has been recognized for his accomplishments as a Global Convenience Industry Achievement Award Winner and as a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 for the Southern Ontario Region.
As a professional, Rami Reda has a wealth of knowledge in different areas. He has experience in real estate, managing multi-million dollar land development, renovation, and addition projects. He’s worked in retail management and distribution consulting, as well, and he has experience in Consulting, Industry Development, Budget and Revenue Forecasting, Event Planning, Public Speaking, and Financial Services. Rami has also acquired knowledge and expertise in customer marketing, acquisition, and data management.
In his community, Rami has worked with the Police Chief’s Citizen Advisory Committee through the Hamilton Police Services. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Convenience Store Association for four years and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for six years.
Throughout his extensive and impressive career, Rami Reda has developed a keen expertise in entrepreneurial insights, startups, and everything that goes into building a strong and successful business.
Our Interview With Rami Reda
Question: What’s the most important thing we should know about you?
Rami Reda: I’m a serial entrepreneur and second-generation business owner who is committed to growth, success, and my community.
Question: Name the most impactful lesson you learned from failure.
Rami Reda: As a very impatient and persistent person, learning when to push and pull the levers has been an important lesson I have had to learn.
Question: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Rami Reda: 5 Days for the Homeless, a charity I co-founded in 2005 in which business students go homeless on campus to raise awareness of youth homelessness. This organization has gone on to be across 50+ universities throughout the world.
Question: Name a tool you use for work that you can’t live without.
Rami Reda: My phone, it keeps me organized for everything that is needed for my businesses and also personally with my family and friends.
Question: What is your favorite hobby and why?
Rami Reda: Golf. Greatest hobby that has taught me a lot personally and professionally. Personally, spending time outdoors, and enjoying time to myself or with a select few people. Professionally, it is a sport that teaches patience, and strategy.
Question: What excited you the most about your businesses right now?
Rami Reda: Given everything going on with covid, we are thankful that our businesses continue to provide essential services and products.
Question: What concerns you most about your businesses right now?
Rami Reda: The health and safety of every single one of our team members. As long as there is no impact with the team members, then we can maneuver through anything.
Question: What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
Rami Reda: I think anyone starting their own business, no matter how big or small the size of their business is a risk.
Question: Name one small habit that positively impacts your productivity.
Rami Reda: I organize my days thoroughly, and ensure that anything that needs to be done is scheduled. From quiet time, to strategy time, to running errands, this is the only way I can accomplish as much as I do in a day.
Question: What tips do you have for getting a seat at the table?
Rami Reda: Don’t wait for the invite.
Question: What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
Rami Reda: Malcolm Gladwell’s books have all been great reads and taught me so much in business and life.
Question: What motivates you to keep going? What keeps you hungry?
Rami Reda: Growing up and seeing my parents succeed is motivating. Considering that they came to a new country and english being their third language, there is no reason for me to not accomplish more than they have given the tools and resources I have been blessed with.
