10 Questions for Chief Growth Officer Arif Quraishi
1. In a few sentences, describe what it means to be the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) for Legence.
As Chief Growth Officer, my role is both strategic and tactical, with a focus on achieving organic growth for Legence. The growth team aims to understand the market and customers’ evolving dynamics—their needs, challenges and opportunities—and then apply these insights to execute growth strategies such as cross-selling, service growth, performance contracting and fabrication. The role also involves identifying new business opportunities by building enterprise teams that work in collaboration with business units and cross-functional groups.
2. What, if anything, has been a surprise to you over the past three years that you’ve been in this role?
I have encountered numerous positive surprises. Notably, I have observed a strong commitment to collaboration and growth from leadership, which is uncommon in large organizations. Additionally, there is a remarkably consistent culture across multiple companies and an impressive breadth and depth of talent.
However, I have also identified some challenges. These include the need to leverage our operational-focused business to expand into a sales-driven culture and the limited impact of government funding on our business. It is my hope that government incentives will be distributed to our clients before the end of the year to continue our growth momentum.
3. What was your role before coming to Legence, and how did it prepare you for the CGO role?
I joined Legence through the acquisition of Building Systems Holdings (BSH), which encompassed ICS, Obermiller Nelson Engineering, and CPMI. As the President of BSH, I was accountable for overall operations. Before my tenure at BSH, I held leadership positions in sales and marketing at Johnson Controls and Philips Lighting. My experience as an entrepreneur managing a small business, combined with exposure to large publicly traded companies, provides me with a unique perspective beneficial to Legence. I bring expertise in implementing systems and processes required for a multi-billion-dollar organization while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit—achieving the attributes of a large company with the feel of a small enterprise.
4. What are some trends in the built environment that you see Legence taking advantage of next year and beyond?
There are significant market and economic trends that align with our capabilities. We provide high-performance sustainability, engineering, construction, and fabrication solutions to meet the requirements of mission-critical customers. These solutions address trends such as data center growth driven by AI demand; onshoring of manufacturing, particularly for semiconductors and other precision manufacturing; and demographic changes increasing the need for healthcare, municipal, and educational facilities.
I am enthusiastic about our capacity to capitalize on these opportunities to continue making a positive impact on both our customers and employees, by offering stability and various pathways for professional growth.
5. What is one thing you want Legence employees to know from your business perspective?
We are in a unique place because of our loyal customers and 5000+ talented and engaged staff members who offer a complete range of services to build, renovate and repurpose our customers’ facilities. In addition, our collaborative and problem-solving culture will enable us to continue to reach new heights.
6. What characteristics do you look for when hiring someone new into the Legence Family?
Even though there are specific technical skills, education, certifications and licenses required for many roles at Legence, there are certain traits that transcend any role. When considering a new hire, I always look for proactivity—making things happen rather than waiting for them to happen—as well as the ability to go outside of their comfort zone, because that is when real growth happens. I also look for critical thinking, problem solving and the ability to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly. Finally, I look for a strong work ethic, which trumps everything.
7. Can you share a piece of career advice that has stuck with you along your professional journey?
The primary reason I hold this position is due to the invaluable feedback I received from mentors, managers, and leaders throughout my career, particularly regarding my areas for improvement. This guidance enabled me to enhance my skills and grow professionally. Therefore, my advice is to be truthful to yourself and your team, and success will naturally follow.
8. With Thanksgiving coming up, what are your most memorable traditions around this holiday?
When we first moved to the US, my mom planned our first Thanksgiving. Not knowing how to make an American turkey, she reverted to her Pakistani roots and made a tandoori turkey and used leftover biryani as the stuffing. Since that day, the “tandoori Thanksgiving tradition” has continued at the Quraishi household. East meets West!
9. Having been born in Hong Kong and spending your childhood there, how would you describe the impact of that experience on who you are today?
Consider Hong Kong as Manhattan on steroids. We resided in an urban environment densely populated with concrete structures and skyscrapers, undergoing constant development. It was inevitable that I would pursue a career related to buildings. Consequently, I obtained my degree in mechanical engineering and have dedicated over 30 years to working with buildings.
On a side note, bamboo scaffolding is still used in Hong Kong to build these skyscrapers. Check out this video!
10. Onion rings or French fries? Why?
It’s not about the fries or the onion rings—it’s all about the dip. Mayo, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt and pepper—whisk it and you’re ready to dip either the fries or the rings. YUMMY!
