AS VICE PRESIDENT of the Civil Infrastructure Group at J-AAR, Sarhan Abu-Kwiek leads four divisions specializing in public infrastructure, site development, road building and electrical utilities. Overseeing 230 team members, he drives strategic growth, operational excellence and high-quality solutions that help shape our communities. His journey — from immigrating to Canada at 14 and overcoming language barriers to managing London’s largest civil construction company — reflects resilience, hard work and respectful gratitude for those who have helped him along the way.
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What has been your biggest business achievement, and why?
Having the privilege to lead the best civil construction group in Southwestern Ontario, where I was given the opportunity to support the growth of the group to twice the size it was when I first joined.
“I have learned to admit when I don’t know something and lean on those around me to learn from them”
What about your biggest business obstacle, and how did you face it?
Having less white hair and technical knowledge than the people I was entrusted to lead. I have learned to embrace that, admit when I don’t know something and lean on those around me to learn from them. Overall, it helps make everyone feel more engaged in the decision-making.
What’s left for you to do, professionally or personally?
There are lots of things I want to accomplish with J-AAR. I’d like to continue to help J-AAR advance in different markets and sectors of civil construction. On a personal level, I have a young family, so I need to work on becoming a better husband to my wife, Nada, and better father and role model for our kids — Mira, Essam and Yaseen — who are all still under six years of age. I would also like to get more involved with the community outside of work, so I am looking for opportunities where I can volunteer some of my time back to where it’s needed.
An old friend is coming to town, where are you taking them to eat?
Depends on the friend, but a couple of great options would be Ironwood Kitchen & Bar or Sagi of Wortley. My wife would likely just convince me to invite them over for dinner, where she would cook something fancy — she’s the good cook in the house.
And finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Riding a motorcycle. I am a responsible rider 99 per cent of the time, but it’s probably not the best activity to take part in, especially when you have a family that depends on you. I try to be very careful.
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