Oweis Zahran reflects on his formative years as an entrepreneur, noting that true financial success often comes after years of hard work and overcoming challenges. “I’ve learned that you only get rich when you sell a company,” he remarks, emphasizing the need to build a strong foundation first. Today, Zahran’s ventures reflect a significant transformation from those early days of struggle to becoming a notable figure on the global business stage.

OWS Automotive: A Leading Force

Zahran is the mastermind behind OWS Automotive, which has emerged as a leading provider of automotive services worldwide. The company specializes in a wide array of services, including first response, parts manufacturing, and fleet repair. Boasting revenues of approximately US$800 million and a workforce of 3,000 employees across 14 countries, OWS Automotive has established itself as a key player in the industry, serving clients including various government agencies as well as corporate fleets.

Expansion into Entertainment with OWS Capital

In 2020, Zahran broadened his entrepreneurial horizons by launching OWS Capital, which focuses on creating innovative businesses within the fitness and entertainment sectors. Notably, he partnered with the esteemed actor and host Steve Harvey to form MELT Holdings. This collaboration has resulted in the establishment of the Platform Health Club, a premium fitness brand, and various high-profile events, such as the Open Fire Food Festival and the MELT Golf Classic.

“That’s definitely the ideal way to say it,” Zahran responds when asked if OWS Capital allows him to enjoy the finer things in life while OWS Automotive handles the expenses.

Strategic Partnerships and Growth

OWS Automotive has experienced remarkable growth, attributed largely to strategic partnerships and joint ventures. Zahran has successfully collaborated with several major clients, including the governments of Brunei and Dubai, along with companies like Mobil 1. His strategy often involves forming joint ventures where local governments share ownership, allowing for tailored solutions that serve local needs effectively.

“We would enter at the highest level, formulate a joint venture or a partnership between one of our companies, whether it’s OWS Automotive or another, but we would formulate a partnership between our company and the local government,” he explains. This approach has not only enhanced service delivery but has also led to the creation of jobs and substantial revenue growth. Zahran notes that his company averages the sale of a subsidiary each year, significantly boosting revenue streams.

Challenges and Reflections

Despite his successes, Zahran remains acutely aware of the challenges associated with leadership. He believes that hiring the right people is critical, but just as crucial is knowing when to part ways with them. “Who you fire to me is a lot more important than who you hire,” he asserts, underlining the importance of maintaining passion and motivation within his team.

The pressures of leading a significant enterprise have also taken a toll, and Zahran is contemplating his future role in the organization. “I realized about five years ago that when you have a big company on paper, you don’t have any money in the bank,” he explains, reflecting on the challenges of balancing valuation against liquid assets.

Aiming for Greater Heights and Giving Back

Now at the forefront of a valuation approaching one billion dollars, Zahran is strategically planning for an exit while expanding his investments in real estate, generating passive income. “I would like no less than a billion dollars,” he declares, affirming his ambitions for financial success.

However, Zahran’s aspirations extend beyond personal wealth. He expresses a desire to shift focus towards philanthropic efforts that bring genuine happiness. He shares an impactful experience from a recent trip to Morocco, where he shared leftover food with a homeless individual, highlighting the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community. “I want to experience the feeling I got from giving that guy that food. I haven’t felt that way in a long time,” he notes.

Conclusion

At just 35 years old, Oweis Zahran is already recognized as a prominent figure in entrepreneurship, known for his commitment to business success and community upliftment. Whether through OWS Automotive’s impressive service offerings or the vibrant initiatives under OWS Capital, Zahran is poised to continue making a significant impact in the business world for years to come.