Toufic Kreidieh is CEO of the Brands for Less Group, a UAE-based discount retail business that specialises in selling luxury brands at a fraction of the cost. The group operates in more than six countries in the Middle East and one in Europe.
What is the best way to start your day?
I follow the proverb ‘the early bird catches the worm’ and implement this in my everyday routine, by waking up early in the morning and completing most of my chores, including my workout sessions and morning walk with my dog. This stimulates my mind, while also encouraging and providing energy for the rest of the day’s tasks.
If you could be any character from a movie, who would you be?
I would imagine myself as Iron Man, mainly due to the character’s vision and expertise in his field. Iron Man, as a character, has always worked to advance his skills to the best of his intellect, allowing him to stay on top of any crisis. It is a value that speaks to me, and I hope to instil the same in everything I do.
What is your greatest achievement?
Building my own business from the ground up and launching it with my partner has been the greatest accomplishment of my life. We have invested a great deal of time, energy, and effort in order for the business to reach new heights and achieve several major milestones.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
I would tell my 13-year-old self to be confident and foster strong values of self-belief. I would remind him that with utmost faith, determination, and perseverance, one can achieve anything in this world. I would also ask him to dream big and strive for greater heights, in order to conquer anything and everything.
If you had 24 hours left on Earth, what would you do?
I would probably spend the time I have left with my family and loved ones, reflecting on everything I have accomplished in this life.
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
It would definitely be Bill Gates. Bill Gates exemplifies the values of determination, hard work, co-operation, practice, and smart decision-making. The story of Bill Gates encourages us to get back up and try again, whether we succeed or fail. Remember that Mr Gates was previously unable to recruit employees due to a lack of funds, but now has a net worth of $129 billion and lives a successful life as one of the world’s richest men. That journey, in my opinion, speaks volumes.
What would you like to achieve in the next 10 years?
Taking the company global would be my top priority in the next 10 years, as I believe we have so much more to offer the world now that our brand has grown exponentially. Apart from that, I just want to continue giving back to the community and uphold the values that I have nurtured. I would also like to pass on these values to future generations so that they can be the best versions of themselves.
