Consistency is important. Developing habits that will help you become successful is crucial. This is why you want to make sure that you are as consistent as possible every single day.
Design is an important aspect of engineering. Learning is oftentimes associated with success when it comes to keeping builds that are relevant. Fortunately, Pedram Zohrevand, Ph.D., PE has fifteen years of experience in various industries that correlate to the career path that he has chosen. He is currently the President of CES4 and provides various private and government clients with engineering services. Pedram Zohrevand is a high performer who believes in giving it his all every day to achieve his goals. Let’s take a close look inside the mind of this prestigious man and how he tackles his workload each day.
Where did the idea for CES4 come from?
I wanted to implement the knowledge that I had gained over the years (working in Academia and simultaneously in building and structural engineering industries) and create innovative and smart solutions for real-life problems. These innovative engineering solutions and designs can save our clients a tremendous amount of money and time in their construction and retrofit projects.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I wake up every morning at 5:30 a.m and begin meditating. It is important that you have a clear head whenever you begin your day. It helps you focus on the tasks that are set before you and minimize distractions.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I always try to think out of box and incorporate my expertise and up-to-date knowledge for every and each of my projects even if they are very simple and straight forward. I am always looking for smarter and more efficient ways to build a structure or to retrofit an old building.
What’s one trend that excites you?
There is a tremendous number of existing buildings and infrastructural systems (highways, bridges, etc.) all over the country that are very old and cannot be replaced. There is a serious need to upgrade, renovate, and retrofit these aging buildings and bridges with creative solutions. Our industry can save the nations billions of dollars each year by utilizing smart solutions and innovative techniques to renovate our old buildings and structural systems.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I always see things from a glass half full perspective. I am always focused on solving problems rather than thinking about the outcomes. There will no doubt be challenging times that happen to us whenever we least expect it. However, our attitudes dictate whether or not we can overcome these problems. Keeping a positive attitude is crucial to success.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself to relax more often. I wanted to take on the world and never took the time to take care of myself. I would burn out often and end up missing work. Taking care of yourself is important to ensure that you can do good work. I recommend that all entrepreneurs adopt this mentality.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
People are inherently good. I believe that most people want to help and will give someone the shirt off their backs if the situation called for it.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Consistency is important. Developing habits that will help you become successful is crucial. This is why you want to make sure that you are as consistent as possible every single day.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
I try and ask my staff for their opinions as often as I can. A tight grip on the company can cause suffocation and will push people away from management. Keeping our doors open to ideas from all the people in our company is crucial for success.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I ended up taking on too much whenever I was younger and it would cost me a startup. However, I learned to pace myself to prevent this from happening again.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I highly recommend that you look into app development. There are many ways that you can provide niche industries with apps that can help them improve productivity. It’s a goldmine waiting to be found.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I took $100 and purchased new clothes. Looking good helps me feel good. I do better work whenever I feel good.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Google Docs and One Drive are incredibly important to me and my company. We utilize their cloud services on our smart phones and computers everywhere we are. The interface is incredibly seamless and easy to use. Their services are also cost-effective and are perfect for startup companies.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I highly recommend reading Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy. Time management is an important aspect that all entrepreneurs need to master. This book helps you overcome obstacles that may prevent you from being productive during your day and will provide you will knowledge that is empowering.
What is your favorite quote?
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” by Mark Twain. This quote gives me a purpose in life and helps me stay productive throughout even the hardest of days.
Key Learnings:
● Stay positive as often as you can
● Develop healthy habits for success
● Pace yourself to ensure you don’t burn out
Connect:
Steve (Stefan) Junge hails from Germany and helps with the day-to-day publishing of interviews on IdeaMensch. While he and Mario don’t share a favorite soccer club, their enthusiasm to help entrepreneurs is a shared passion.