Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Mr. Nuqul, Ghassan / Vice Chairman, Nuqul Group



Company Profile:
Established in 1952, Nuqul Group, a corporation of 31 companies, is one of the Middle East’s leading industrial conglomerates. Nuqul Group brings together 5,800 employees and exports its’ products to over 45 countries worldwide.
It is a line of business which covers a wide range of products including the core business of hygienic paper (paper mills and converting). It is a diversified industrial activity that includes ready mix concrete, synthetic sponge/foam, printed packaging material and stationery. Moreover, Nuqul Automotive has the exclusive dealership for Audi, VW, Porsche, Skoda brands, and an integrated Automotive representing Lamborghini and MAN. Nuqul Group represents a variety of different brands such as: FINE, Unium and ABC stationery.

How did you start your business?
Nuqul Group’s mother company – Nuqul Brothers Company – was founded by my father, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Elia Nuqul in 1952. Back then, it was a modest operation trading in the importation and distribution of foodstuffs. Through sustained efforts, it evolved and became a recognized and reputable business establishment well known in the markets.

When you first started your business, were you expecting that it would become not only your full-time occupation, but also a growing company?
When my father started the business, he was committed to improve the lives of our family members by creating a sustainable corporation. Hence, he embarked upon this journey by establishing a strong company and working hard to fulfill his dream by creating a solid platform with committed employees, pioneering technology to provide the best products to customers. He also worked relentlessly to create a family-like environment by enhancing our employees’ sense of belonging and loyalty to the Group. Hence, we can confidently say that we will continue to achieve more through hard work and determination. We have adopted the slogan of “Growing Together” and it reflects our relation with all stakeholders. It is our formula for success.

What is the most rewarding thing you have accomplished and why do you cite it above all your other accomplishments?
Giving back to our community is the most rewarding act. It is the reflection of my own passion which also mirrors my father’s sincere dedication to grant education and empowering tools to individuals in our dear country and communities across all markets and regions we operate in.
Through our corporate social responsibility, initiative and the adoption of Al Koura District in North of Jordan, we are accomplishing positive impact and this is what we cite above all achievements. Empowering a community through long term and sustainable focus rewards us like no other activity. It is the most valuable “return” and it is supported by several other initiatives conducted by our individual companies. For instance, benefiting the environment in terms of renewable sustainable forestry, water and energy saving projects in hopes of supporting the physically challenged, granting scholarships to students under the umbrella of our philanthropic arm, “Elia Nuqul Foundation” among several other initiatives that translate our passion.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an entrepreneur and how did you overcome them?
The challenges grow with the expansion of our business. When I joined my family’s business in 1985, the challenges were tremendous. I wanted to achieve the best results; numerous responsibilities fell on my shoulders. I learnt to look at any crisis from a positive angle and to step out of it instead of allowing myself to drown underneath the problem.
Overcoming a crisis and dealing with failures is a challenge I faced and continue to come across. Any growing business is subject to threatening incidents whether it is internal or external factors; thankfully our adherence to corporate governance protects us from such cases by reducing the negative impact and allowing us to adapt to it cleverly. We believe that revolution leads to revelation and since the separation of ownership from management; Nuqul Group has grown considerably through the institutionalizing of our business. “Our people” are our asset and we are proud to bring together 5,800 Nuqul Group members, embracing a pool of dedicated individuals.
Now our system of accountability, transparency and reporting to all of our stakeholders turns any challenge into a true opportunity.

What do you think it takes to be successful in the industry your company competes in?
Integrity and honesty stand at the core of the Group’s business ethics. Dedication and productivity are constantly monitored and encouraged with those showing the most commitment to the values of Nuqul Group.
Innovation, continuous improvements and commitment to quality and excellence in products and services also stand at the cornerstone of Nuqul Group’s values; excellence in work, production, delivery and customer care.

What advice would you give to those contemplating starting their own business?
Believe in your dreams; work hard and accept constructive criticism, seek opportunities and invest in your intellectual knowledge. The journey is not easy, it requires a lot of dedication and persistence, find the means to achieve your goals and you will get there.

What is the question I did not ask, but should have?
Where do you see yourself in 2030?
In 2030, I want to continue to make a difference in the business, family and community. I will be looking back at my journey of 45 years in the Group, the first decade of hard working hours with my father to build a strong equity in the market, followed by fruitful growth and continuous expansion to reach where we are today. The entire experience was led by a unique pool of professionals working within an institutionalized framework that will hopefully guarantee stronger and diversified presence. I hope to reap the fruits of our commitment and to see an empowered community through our initiatives. I would also want to spend more time and effort at the “Elia Nuqul Foundation” and help make it a major foundation. This would bestow an important platform to empower thousands of fellows and provide them with the right tools to grab opportunities and make a difference. I see myself just like my father, a devoted person with a strong passion to work relentlessly to achieve more; I will be few years older, hopefully with the same energy level, and the same spirit and enthusiasm.

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