With extensive experience as a Manager and Entrepreneur, Nicholas N. Bouri has proven track record in various industries, including Real Estate, Shipping & Port Services, Mining, and Building Materials (Cement, Concrete, and Aggregates), with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). He is a Partner at N.G.B Construction & Management and a firm believer in continuous personal and professional development. Nicholas’ specialization lies in Business Development, Sales, Construction, and Project Management.
In his role as a Partner, Nicholas takes on the responsibilities of business development, sales, and marketing for the group, encompassing activities such as real estate development, mining operations, and building materials production. He finds satisfaction in being at the forefront of the business, witnessing projects evolve from design to construction. Coordination with architects, project managers, contractors, and workers to ensure the realization of the company’s vision is a crucial aspect of his role.
Nicholas excels in identifying, negotiating, and securing agreements with clients, a role he particularly enjoys. Additionally, he dedicates efforts to studying the market, conducting competitive analyses, and developing marketing strategies across various outlets. This includes designing and creating content for both print and digital platforms, showcasing his multifaceted approach to business development and sales.
Balancing Business Acumen with Continuous Learning
Nicholas is a firm believer in continuous personal and professional growth. Beyond the office, he leads a vibrant social life and actively participates in various sporting activities and hobbies, including archery, sailing, kickboxing, and regular gym sessions. A passionate traveler, Nicholas enjoys exploring new places both for work and leisure.
Demonstrating his commitment to ongoing education, Nicholas enrolls in yearly university or training programs to acquire specific certifications. His educational achievements include a B.S in Business Administration from DEREE College, an MBA from UQAM (Canada), an EMBA from Bucharest Business School, and a Master’s degree from the University of Economics of Bucharest. Additionally, he has completed the MAP program from INSEAD and a graduate certificate in Finance from Cornell University. Nicholas has also undertaken certification training programs in various fields, including Cement Manufacturing, Concrete Production, Real Estate Development, Port Operations Management, Shipping, Cyber Security, Project Management, and Consultancy.
Within the workplace, Nicholas describes himself as a driven and ambitious individual who prefers being on the front lines of development, construction, and growth. He is not fond of spending extended periods in the office but thrives on meetings, networking, and sealing deals. Nicholas finds joy in visiting construction sites, witnessing ideas materialize, and actively seeks hidden opportunities, finding creative ways to secure financing. He attributes these privileges to having his brothers supporting him in the office. Nicholas particularly enjoys the art of negotiation, building and maintaining relations with clients and suppliers.
NGB is a privately-owned and rapidly growing real estate development group with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Established in Bucharest, Romania, in 1995, the group specializes in the development of Commercial, Industrial, and Residential real estate intended for leasing or sale.
In addition to its real estate ventures, the group owns AGREMIN, a company engaged in aggregate mining and the production of construction materials. AGREMIN is actively involved in the extraction, manufacturing, and distribution of crushed limestone, sand and gravel, and asphalt products crucial for the construction industry.
Strategically located across Romania, NGB’s properties and mines are positioned to serve the diverse needs of the market. The group’s dedicated and experienced teams bring comprehensive industry and market expertise, employing flexible distribution methods to consistently deliver high standards and proven results in both real estate development and construction materials provision.
Leadership Dynamics
Nicholas believes that the number of leaders within an organization should depend on factors such as its size, the presence of different activities or divisions/products, and the qualifications of potential leaders. If additional leaders are qualified and can add value to the organization, and if the company can afford them, it may benefit from having more leaders. However, Nicholas emphasizes that effective leadership requires a supportive structure and team to align with the leader’s efforts, objectives, and vision.
While having more leaders could potentially bring diverse expertise and insights, Nicholas also acknowledges the potential drawbacks. The presence of multiple leaders may lead to clashes of ideas, disagreements on fund allocations, and other challenges that could negatively impact the organization. Therefore, the decision to have more leaders should be carefully considered, weighing the potential benefits against the risks and ensuring a cohesive and collaborative leadership structure.
Value Addition, Growth, and Enduring Impact
Nicholas sees success through multiple dimensions, primarily by enhancing the value of his group. This includes the strategic addition of value to assets, creating new income streams through leases or sales. Witnessing the continual growth of the company in terms of size, revenue, and profits stands as a testament to success in his perspective. Additionally, the impact of transforming vacant land plots into enduring structures, envisioned to last for the next 50-100 years, instills a profound sense of pride. Beyond internal achievements, client satisfaction serves as a crucial indicator of success, reflecting the value and quality of products and properties provided by the company.
The Dynamics of Success
According to Nicholas, successful organizations require a dual approach. On one hand, a leader, often the founder or innovator, plays a pivotal role by taking charge, identifying opportunities, and providing solutions. Simultaneously, he emphasizes the crucial role of a supporting team in various functions such as back-office operations, accounting, legal, and administration. The synergy between the leader and the team is paramount, demanding a delicate balance and positive chemistry. Nicholas underscores the importance of carefully selecting individuals who can positively contribute to the organization, fostering an environment of collaboration and effectiveness.
Career Wisdom
Nicholas provides valuable guidance to individuals embarking on their careers. He emphasizes the importance of consistently adding value to one’s company or division, encouraging a mindset of continuous improvement and contribution. His advice advocates for a combination of boldness and courage when facing challenges, fostering resilience in the professional journey.
Nicholas offers valuable advice to someone stepping into a leadership position for the first time:
- Practice Patience: Allow yourself time to adapt to the leadership role.
- Communicate Clearly: Ensure messages are well-received and understood.
- Build a Skilled Team: Assemble a team that adds value and complements your leadership.
- Set Clear Objectives: Define achievable targets and timelines for the team.
- Motivate Your Team: Foster a passionate and motivated work environment.
Nicholas underscores the significance of becoming an expert in one’s field and expanding knowledge across various disciplines to enhance versatility. He highlights the dual importance of effective teamwork and the ability to take initiatives, promoting a balanced approach to collaboration. Clear communication is another key aspect, and he encourages individuals to express thoughts and ideas clearly. Lastly, Nicholas emphasizes the value of learning from experienced professionals, gleaning insights from both their successes and failures, to shape one’s own career path.
