Niranjan Shah is a highly successful entrepreneur noted for his ability to lead with passion and insight. As the Chief Executive Officer of Globetrotters Engineering Corporation since 1974, he has consistently been recognized for his accomplishments. He also develops GEC Design Group and Information Technology Group, both of which are subsidiaries of Globetrotters.
Exploring a Career Filled with Success
Niranjan Shah’s career has been long and filled with exciting accomplishments. That includes leading the electrical, structural, and mechanical engineering for the I-355 South Extension in Chicago, as well as significant improvements at O’Hare International Airport. His work is also noted throughout the city in various other projects.
The path to finding success is not always easy, especially for a minority-owned business owner. Yet, he has worked through numerous economically challenging times to create a significant impact on the region and on the more than 250 people that work for him.
Early Beginnings
Shah’s life began in a small village called Gujarat in India. Then, in 1944, the world was in turmoil due to the wars, and change was occurring on a global scale. He was raised in an impoverished area, in a home that did not have modern plumbing or electricity. Yet, during these early years, he learned some of the most important lessons about how to lead and maintain strong values. From a young age, he learned the importance of remembering his ancestry and applying the values his family taught him to his life’s mission, including his business model.
Shah was lucky in that he was given a chance to live in that small area to attend college. He graduated from Sardar Patel University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. From a young age, he recognized the importance of helping to bring modern electricity and resources to people across the world, including in those small communities. After graduating, he won a full scholarship to the University of Mississippi, which meant a move to the U.S. After earning a master’s degree in civil engineering in 1971, he continued his education, applying to and being accepted at the Harvard Business School. A few years later, he graded from the Executive Management Program, one of the most notable of such programs in the U.S.
Entering the Working World
Going to college and earning a degree does not always lead to accomplishments in the career world, and for Niranjan Shah, there was still a lot of work to do. He overcame several challenges and took on some initial consulting jobs that afforded him the opportunity to learn how to lead in business. Yet, even through these opportunities, he struggled to find what he could call his true dream position.
That is why even after overcoming numerous challenges already, Shah decided to start his own company, taking one of the biggest risks of its lifetime. In 1974, he did just that, launching Globetrotters Engineering Corporation, a consulting firm that would later go on to create incredible success.
How to Build a Strong, Long Career
While his company found success, it took a lot of work and perseverance to make these dreams come true. One of the foundations that helped to make it a success was the relentless goal of being at the cutting edge of engineering. The organization was able to capitalize on its ability to provide the most advanced solutions possible.
Through hard work and building a strong reputation, Shah saw his company take on and receive recognition for numerous projects. That includes work on Chicago’s Deep Tunnel Project. This project was particularly successful for the company earning the Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award. This recognition comes from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
The company also received recognition for the design and construction of the International Terminal 5 at the Chicago O’Hare Airport. A component of that project was to create an impressive solution for the growing airport’s needs.
Other projects included the reconstruction of the I-80 and I-355 South extension projects. Another project, the reconstruction of U.S. Route 6 from 159th Street in Illinois to the I-294 interchange, also received recognition for its impressive results. The Illinois Department of Transportation awarded it the Consultant Exceptional Service Award.
With a consistent drive for innovation and remaining at the helm of the industry, Globetrotters would continue to be recognized for its work not just in these construction projects but in other areas as well. For example, the company was fundamental in the development of the Fiber Optics Network in the entire state of Illinois, as well as the building of the 911 Emergency Communications Center in Chicago.
Shah and Globetrotters is not just a U.S.-based company. It has provided a wide range of services across the world, including Costa Rica, Nigeria, Belize, Indonesia, and Central America, providing access to incredible opportunities to people around the world as they do.
A Foundation Built on Strong Leadership
Globetrotters began from the ground up, building success in many industries. Along the way, the organization struggled through challenges, faced growth obstacles, and often found itself managing tough economic conditions. Without a doubt, it was Shah’s ability to lead and to push towards innovative outcomes that helped the Globetrotters business model continue to grow and flourish.
The fast pace and challenges of the engineering industry – which saw incredible growth throughout the late 20th century and into the 21st century – did not overwhelm Shah’s leadership.
A core component of that leadership is supporting the people and communities that helped to build his organization as well as providing resources for the people that needed them the most. Never forgetting his roots, Shah has long been a supporter of helping the underprivileged and creating opportunities where there are none. This includes small villages in India as well as in the U.S. He aided in the building of both a medical clinic and a high school in his home village as well, providing new opportunities for the people still living there.
He has consistently worked to support people who are underserved. During the Gujarat Eathquake in 2001, Shah was able to support the needs of the region and helped to get 200,000 pounds of medical supplies, food, and clothing to the region. He also provided financial support to the community afterward, as it was working to rebuild. A long, expensive process, the work he did here would allow him to earn the Glory of Gujarat Award four years later.
A Political Supporter
Throughout his career, Niranjan Shah worked to support what he believed in, supporting numerous governments as he did. That includes working to improve Indian-American relations throughout the 1980s and beyond. He also worked under several U.S. Presidents, including President Ronald Reagan, President George Bush, and President Bill Clinton. He had a strong bond with President Clinton and helped to support various endeavors together. He also worked to support the National Financial Committee and National Steering Committee for President Clinton during the 1992 and 1996 campaigns. His work to support the Democratic party is noted and continues to play a strong role in the efforts provided to provide public service to the region.
Remaining Committed to His Company and Vision
There are numerous factors that contribute to the success Niranjan Shah has had, but most of that success comes from a passion for creating a successful business without ever forgetting his past. He has worked to build from his strengths while working on a consistent basis to improve his weaknesses, relying on others to help him to achieve recognition.
Noted as a fair leader, one that has a positive, hard-working mentality, Shah continues to lead Globetrotters and many other initiatives toward success. That includes some of the most adventurous and incredible civil engineering sectors in the world.
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