He is an embodiment of the success that relentless hard work and industry can bring about. A successful entrepreneur and an exemplary social worker with an illustrious record in service to humanity. BTW speaks to Mr Fareed Bader, Chairman and M.D. of Bader Group of Companies and President of The Rotary Club of Manama to know more about the man and his vision.
Looking back at your early life, how would you summarize it?
I was born and raised in Manama, Bahrain. Looking back, I would say that there is one special childhood memory which made me the man I am today. It was the lesson I learnt
from my father about how to purse my passion with patience and persistence. I wanted a guitar so badly, my father didn’t buy me the guitar and said, ‘You have to earn it and work hard for it, get good marks in school. So I worked hard. I even worked in a small factory during summer time for two months with a salary of BD 50/month, my full focus was to buy this guitar that I was so passionate about. I managed to get good grades and bought the guitar.
A quick peek into your academic and professional history?
Having studied electrical engineering and then getting my degree in Civil Engineers from the Swansea University in U.K., I returned home to assist my father in his business but after a year I decided that I need to move forward and be an entrepreneur myself. I started my own waterproofing company.
Tell us something about the Bader Group of Companies.
Bader group of companies was established in 1983. It all began as a small water proofing company with six workers and a supervisor and myself. In those days we had little resources; the only way would be able to advertise was through the newspaper.
Our business grew fast and after 10 years, we decided to go into manufacturing the material that we used to import from the U.K. This move was the biggest and the most challenging step in my life.
Bader group, holds companies under its arm:
1. Gulf Membrane & Coating company : which is the manufacturing facility.
2. Sphinx management & Property Development: which is Property Development Company.
3. Infura: which is a consulting company for business management solutions. (J.V.)
4. Aramis: which is a soft ware solutions. (J.V)
5. Group 7: is a Security Company solution.
6. Stargate Telecom: is a telecom solution Co.
How has your company grown under your able leadership?
Over the years, we witnessed great feats achieved and landmarks reached by our company. In the process, I had grown as a leader with my leaderhip skills honed through these achievements. I have learnt the hard way. I believe I have inherited the gene called “ HFL” which means Hungry For Learning, I have never stopped learning by reading books, attending workshops, traveling, and attending high level, seminars.
“Share the cake!” is my philosophy of leadership. It is the leadership style of partnership where as we grow as a company, all stake-holders must feel it and enjoy it.
We grow together but there is price to be paid, nothing come easy!! We have values and need to respect those values in order to strive towards our vision and mission.
Our values:
Our values are “BADERCO”
B: Bold
A: Ambition
D: Dedication
E: Enthusiastic
R: Respect
C: Caring
O: Organized
Customer satisfaction is our main goal.
Our Moto: Customer come first.
How did you get initiated into social service? Was it a calling right from the beginning?
Can’t say that social service was a calling right from the beginning. It goes back to 2004 when my mother was diagnosed with cancer and after long struggle with the disease, I promised her that I will dedicate my life to help the under- privileged and poor people. She passed away, God bless her soul, and I have kept my promise and since then I have been helping the poor, the sick, and the orphans.
Please tell us briefly about your involvement with the Rotary Club.
My involvement since then been by joining Rotary Club on 2005. I have served as Community Director, International Director, Vocational Director, Secretary, and now, the President.
What has been your greatest achievements professionally and a social worker?
My greatest achievement professionally from being factory worker to become factory owner, and greatest achievement socially is raising fund to buy cytometer for cancer patients in collaboration with cancer society, and thanks to Mr Farooq Al-Moayed & Yousif & Aysha Al-Moayed charity fund.
What according to you are the greatest challenges that the youth of today face?
A greatest challenge for the youth today is to be able to become successful entrepreneurs themselves and then be able to pay back to the society. They need to learn to find their passion and with persistence and patience, pursue their dream till they achieve their goals.
How would you define a successful human being?
A successful human being is the one who makes others successful, who changes people’s life, who makes others happy. That is the real success in life. I felt most successful when I help others to become successful, I have been blessed and thanked god to the opportunity to serve others.
What is your message to aspiring entrepreneurs of Bahrain?
I always say that our greatest friend and enemies reside not outside, but inside us. So does success!! So my message to aspiring entrepreneurs of Bahrain is that: You are the future of this country, don’t loss hope; life holds immense possibilities so don’t lose hope. Look into your potentials and take the first step into the ocean of greatness.