Building a Visionary Future with MODAD Group

For the past 25 years, HE Magazine has been your trusted source, bringing you informative articles, captivating profiles, and insightful features that mirror the pulse of today's society and the business world. Highlighting the top celebrities, decision-makers, and business figures, HE Magazine has become an integral source in bringing the latest news and projects in the region and beyond. But the success story doesn't end there. Introducing HE Properties, our latest venture shines a spotlight on the real estate industry's brightest stars. 

And today, we have the privilege of welcoming a true industry titan, the mastermind behind MODAD Group. Join us as we sit down with Chairman Mohamed El Haddad, a visionary leader who has been revolutionizing the construction, real estate, MEP services, and smart solutions sectors for over 12 years.

From Architect to Visionary Entrepreneur

Mohamed El Haddad, an architect who graduated in 2009, embarked on his professional journey while still in university. He started working in his third year of university, immersing himself in the fields of construction and architecture. This early experience laid the foundation for what would become Modad Group. Initially established under the name Mohamed El Haddad Group, the company later rebranded to Modad Group with the addition of a real estate development sector, marking a new era of growth and diversification.

Venturing into Construction and Beyond

Haddad's career began in 2009 as an instructor, offering lectures and courses. By 2011, he ventured into the construction sector, engaging in maintenance work and later joining the banking sector. This transition was far from straightforward. "The banking sector is highly complex, requiring advanced technological solutions and engineering. In 2014, I went to NBE three times and was turned down each time because I lacked a business experience certificate. However, I eventually got an opportunity with another bank. I remember standing outside that bank every day for a month, hoping to get a chance. In 2015, I finally got it, and that was the turning point. The company grew, the number of employees increased, and more partners joined us," Haddad shared.

Overcoming Challenges in Construction

The construction industry posed significant challenges for Modad Group, primarily due to the reliance on subcontractors and workers like electricians, mechanics, and firefighters. To maintain control over projects and adhere to tight timelines—often as short as 30, 60, or 90 days—Haddad established sister companies to support the main construction sector. These companies specialized in MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) services and technology, ensuring that Modad could handle high-tech solutions and smart buildings efficiently.

Strategic Expansion into Real Estate

In 2021, Modad Group began planning its expansion into the real estate sector. By March, they had established SECTOR in the new administrative city and are now expanding into New Cairo, the North Coast, and another project in the administrative city. This expansion reflects Modad Group's strategic vision and commitment to growth in diverse markets, showcasing their adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

What Sets Modad Group Apart?

"I have a deep passion for this job. I feel like I have a message to convey to everyone," Haddad expressed. "Everything we do is done with love. I focus on details and learn from the difficulties people face with other companies to provide them with a better experience. Even if a client is satisfied, if I’m not convinced, I’ll start from scratch. This commitment to excellence is a key to our success. We started with just 5000 EGP in 2011, and now we’re handling about 8 billion EGP, working with some of Egypt’s top business figures."

Navigating Adversity

Modad Group has faced numerous challenges, including the revolution in 2011, wars, and the pandemic. "All these challenges significantly impacted our work, but I always strive to turn obstacles into opportunities and continue to grow." Despite these obstacles, the company’s growth rate has approximately doubled since 2015, thanks to the dedication and hard work of Haddad and his team.

Key Transitional Moments

A pivotal moment in Haddad’s career came in 2013 when he took his first job in construction, relying entirely on his own capital. When funds ran low, he sold a small apartment at a loss to maintain his reputation and complete the project. "This experience helped me grow both professionally and personally. I faced numerous failures, but each time I got back up and continued my success story."

Vision for the Future

Modad Group aims to be among the top three real estate companies in Egypt and eventually expand globally. Their achievements in the administrative capital city, including the opening of three major buildings with significant sales, have garnered trust from major entities like the National Bank of Egypt, Bank Misr, and the Ministry of Finance.

Influential Figures

Haddad credits three individuals for influencing his success. His mother taught him the importance of hard work. "In 2004, during high school, my score was lower than needed for engineering. I cried a lot, wanting to get into engineering, but she refused completely, teaching me that if I wanted it that bad, I should have worked harder for it. My father eventually helped me get into the faculty of engineering, but I will always remember the lesson my mother taught me: that I always need to work hard for what I want to achieve."

Another influential figure was an engineer Haddad trained with at university. "I spent two months training with him on site. One day, he asked me why I was wasting my time there. I had already spent three summer vacations working with him on-site and in another office to understand the full scope of the work. His encouragement led me to open my own company."

The third influential figure was his uncle. "He always believed in me and told me I was going to be a big success. He was a banker and gave me the initial push to understand corporate banking, which facilitated many aspects of my work."

Let’s get a bit creative…

-  If Modad Group had a superpower, what would it be in the construction (and related areas) world?

If Modad Group had a superpower in the construction world, it would be passion. "My love for my work and the team, and my belief that I can get the best out of each one of them made me believe that we will achieve big things someday."

- If you had to describe Modad Group in emojis, which ones would you choose?

Haddad created a new emoji. “Let’s imagine a young man wearing a decent athletic apparel; very classy yet casual and moving with passion in his eyes”.

- If you had to describe Haddad as a person using only emojis, which ones would you choose?

iPad: “I cannot work without planning, and I am always working on something. I have 3 calendars; my children, my personal one that helps me manage my daily activities, and the work-related one that’s managed by my team.”

- If your life were a board game, what would the title be, and what would be the winning strategy?

Not giving up. “No matter what happens, I never let anything stop me.”

- If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice before starting Modad Group, what would it be?

To focus on the sequence of actions happening. “I always have a belief; God didn’t have my back once, twice and multiple times to leave me today when I fall. So, this what gives me patience for the next challenge. I have been in that dark place before, and God got me out of it at the end. So, be patient, work for it, and you’ll be rewarded.”

Balancing Work and Life

"Maintaining a routine is the most important thing," Haddad said. Despite long work hours, he prioritizes time with his children and personal fitness. "I try hard to find that balance, but a lot of times work can get a bigger share. However, I always wake up with my kids, get ready with them, drive them to school, go to the gym, then head to the office at 10 am and keep working till 9-10 pm. Then I go home to see the kids before they sleep, and that’s it."

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on his journey, Haddad advises perseverance. "If you have a dream and you believe in it, keep working on it and never lose faith, because if it is engraved in your head and heart, then you’ll be rewarded at the end."

Looking Ahead

As Haddad looks to the future, his vision for Modad Group remains ambitious. He dreams of positioning Modad among the top three real estate companies in Egypt and expanding its footprint globally. This vision is fueled by a commitment to innovation, quality, and an unwavering belief in the power of perseverance.

Mohamed El Haddad’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. Through countless challenges and setbacks, he has built Modad Group into a formidable force in the construction and real estate sectors, with ambitions reaching far beyond the borders of Egypt. His journey offers valuable lessons in determination, hard work, and the importance of maintaining a visionary outlook, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way.

Interviewed and written by: Perihan El Etreby

PR Agency: Tiny Green Rhino (TGR)

Photography: Abdelrahman El Dash

Producer: Youssef El Ghazzawy

Media Production: Coxswains

Vision by: Longeblack

Styling: Hakim Youssif

Assistant Stylist: hesham