Legacy is a funny thing. You can work hard for years to build one, but once you inevitably hand it over, it takes on a life of its own. How it continues to evolve depends on the strength of your initial vision and the determination of those who come after you to maintain it.

Radwan Haddara had a vision when, in 1965, he founded a construction company with passion, integrity, teamwork and an unbreakable entrepreneurial spirit. Those ingredients came together to form Haddarco, one of the most respected construction firms in Melbourne. Today, his sons Abdullah and Mohammed Haddara are the company’s Co-Directors.

Trusted to carry on their father’s legacy, Abdullah (as Head of Operations) and Mohammed (as Head of Construction) have taken the ball and run with it, elevating Haddarco to a new level. Their work has earned them both finalist spots at The CEO Magazine’s 2025 Executive of the Year Awards in the Construction, Transport and Logistics category.

“From a client perspective, there is now greater demand than ever for quality, efficiency and certainty in a builder,” Mohammed tells The CEO Magazine. “Haddarco has built its reputation around these very strengths, and we’re capitalizing on this shift.”

Value in the construction industry is no longer defined purely by cost; collaboration, quality control and reliability all play a part in landing the next big job. These have been a part of Haddarco’s DNA from the beginning, Abdullah explains, and the years haven’t dulled their father’s core values.

“I’m most proud that Haddarco has stayed true to those values even as we’ve grown,” he says. “Integrity and honesty aren’t just buzzwords for us – they’re the lens through which we make decisions, big and small.”

Building community

While growth is important, the Co-Directors know it mustn’t come at the expense of the character that has come to define Haddarco.

“We’re unwavering in our commitment to being the best at what we do, and the clarity of that purpose has built trust with clients, partners and our team,” Abdullah says.

“Even through the tough times, we stayed true to our principles, and today that commitment is reflected in the long-term relationships we’ve built with clients and communities.”

Through its work, Haddarco has done more than build relationships within the community; it has helped build the community itself. Successful projects include schools and colleges, religious centers, apartments, office fit-outs and libraries. That these all hold great value in the community is no coincidence. Mohammed says these are the projects that satisfy his soul.

“Seeing people experience and benefit from the buildings we deliver is the most rewarding part of my job. There’s nothing quite like walking through a finished project and watching a community begin to make it their own,” he says.

“Whether it’s children learning in new classrooms, families gathering in shared spaces or neighbors connecting in facilities designed to bring people together, that tangible contribution gives me immense pride.”

It’s a sentiment Abdullah shares.

“When you hand over the keys to a client and you see their genuine smile, it’s a moment that signals trust, relief and the realization of collaborative value,” he says.

“It’s proof that we’ve translated strategy into tangible outcomes, and it re-energizes the whole team.”

Purpose-driven culture

The Haddarco team is a diverse group rich with experience and passion for the work. Abdullah says the company culture is rooted in purpose, and that’s shared by everyone in the firm.

“Our motto, ‘Building with Purpose,’ emerged from a team-building exercise and reflects the intentionality we bring to every project,” he reveals.

“This culture fosters collaboration, accountability and a client-centric mindset. When teams feel connected to a larger mission, they move faster, take ownership and consistently deliver outcomes our clients can rely on.”

The foundation of this culture is a blend of honesty, integrity, respect and, of course, purpose. Mohammed says these were beacons to follow when things were tight for Haddarco financially.

“Staying true to those values required real resilience at that time, but they guided us through,” he points out.

“What we have on the other side of it is an environment where people feel trusted, respected and driven by a shared sense of purpose. It fosters loyalty, collaboration and pride in the work we deliver, qualities that inspire our people to give their best every day.”

Haddarco has invested heavily in its people, sound in the understanding that this is the way to build a team that consistently exceeds expectations. This then shines through for clients, who expect more than ever.

And the company is stepping up to the ever-present challenge of demand. The recent shortage of skilled contractors has squeezed the industry, but Mohammed believes modular construction is the answer, particularly for high-end projects. It’s also part of Haddarco’s future road map.

“Modular delivery not only ensures greater consistency and quality control but also addresses that shortage,” he says. “By investing in this methodology, we’re positioning ourselves at the forefront of the future of construction.”

AI is also a part of that future, as it is for so many industries.

“It enables smarter decision-making, faster delivery and more personalized client outcomes across our spectrum of work,” Abdullah says.

“We’re responding by integrating AI thoughtfully across our workflows, enhancing efficiency, improving risk management and unlocking new services for clients, all while staying vigilant about governance, ethics and the human touch that differentiates us.”

Leading by example

The human touch is something Haddarco has plenty of. That it remains a family business goes a long way in today’s world of construction, particularly for community projects. The Co-Directors have maintained this by retaining their father’s lessons through their leadership style.

“My leadership philosophy is rooted in the most important lesson I learned from my father: lead by example,” Mohammed says. “I believe a leader must never ask of others what they’re not willing to do themselves. That means working hard, staying vigilant, avoiding complacency and always – always – taking pride in the work.”

Abdullah leads in a similar fashion, with a heavy emphasis on empowerment of staff.

“I believe in giving people room to grow at their own pace, avoiding micromanagement and empowering them to build confidence through autonomy and mentorship,” he says.

“It’s about creating an environment where talent can flourish, decisions are grounded in our values and everyone feels responsible for the client’s success.”

As the Haddarco team works to place the company at the forefront of the industry, Mohammed and Abdullah are determined to do so with purpose.

“I love knowing that every building we create is built with purpose, with the goal of fostering community, supporting growth and making a positive difference in people’s lives,” Mohammed says.

“Our work doesn’t just create structures, it creates opportunities, experiences and lasting impact for people and their communities. Ultimately, our success is measured not only in the structures we complete, but also in the communities that thrive because of them.”

It’s this that drives the pair as leaders – every Haddarco project has a place in the legacy they’re carrying on.

“Our growth, innovation and client impact flow from staying true to our values while embracing the opportunities that technology and a forward-looking mindset bring,” Abdullah says.

“We’re committed to delivering excellence with integrity – today, tomorrow and for the long haul.”