When I look back on my journey—from growing up in Lebanon to building a life and business in the United States—I can honestly say that nothing has been more foundational than family. Family is where I learned the value of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. It gave me the motivation to keep going when things got tough and the perspective to stay grounded when things were going well.

Balancing ambition and personal life hasn’t always been easy. When you’re driven and passionate about what you do, it’s easy to let business consume your time and energy. But over the years, I’ve come to understand that real success is about more than just professional achievement—it’s about building a life that includes and honors the people you love.

The Early Days: A Shared Dream

When I first opened The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan, it was more than just a business venture. It was a dream rooted in my love for food and hospitality, and it quickly became a family effort. Whether it was my wife helping with operations or my kids hanging around after school, our restaurant became an extension of our home.

Those early years taught me that involving your family in your business isn’t just helpful—it’s powerful. You’re building something together, and that shared investment creates bonds that are hard to break. It also sets an example for the next generation about the value of hard work, commitment, and chasing your goals.

The Struggle to Maintain Balance

But it wasn’t always easy. There were times when the demands of the business felt overwhelming. Long hours, tight margins, staffing challenges—there’s always something that needs your attention when you run a restaurant or manage airport food operations. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget that your family also needs your time and energy.

There were moments when I realized I was missing out—birthday parties, school events, simple dinners at home. Those moments were wake-up calls. I started to realize that success in business means very little if your relationships at home are struggling. So, I began to make changes.

Setting Boundaries and Priorities

One of the biggest shifts in my mindset was learning to set boundaries. I used to think that being available 24/7 made me a better business owner. But over time, I realized that stepping away, even for short periods, actually made me more focused and effective. I started carving out time specifically for family—whether it was a weekly dinner, a family trip, or just unplugging for a few hours to be present.

I also learned to delegate more. Trusting others with parts of the business allowed me to be more present at home. It’s tough at first, especially when you’ve built something from the ground up, but letting go a little is essential if you want to maintain balance.

The Strength of a Support System

Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of having a strong support system. My family has been my rock—through every business transition, every challenge, every late night. Their encouragement and understanding have kept me going more times than I can count.

Involving them in the decision-making process, sharing both the wins and the struggles, has made them feel more connected to the journey. And in turn, I’ve felt more supported. It’s a two-way street: when your family understands your mission, they’re more likely to support your sacrifices. And when you understand their needs, you’re more likely to prioritize what matters most.

Teaching the Next Generation

Now that I’m in a new phase of life, I find myself thinking about legacy. What am I passing on—not just in terms of business, but in terms of values? I want my children and grandchildren to know that ambition is important, but so is balance. That you can work hard and still make time for the people you love. That success is not just what you achieve, but how you treat the people along the way.

I’ve had conversations with my kids about what it means to lead with integrity, to build something meaningful, and to prioritize family even in the busiest seasons. Whether they choose to follow in my footsteps or pursue their own paths, I want them to carry those lessons with them.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Success

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that ambition and personal life don’t have to be in conflict. They can support and strengthen each other—if you’re intentional. Balancing the two takes effort, reflection, and sometimes hard choices. But it’s worth it.

Over the years, I’ve come to define success not just by business milestones, but by the quality of my relationships, the health of my family, and the joy we share together. That’s the kind of success that lasts.

So if you’re chasing a big dream, my advice is this: Bring your family along for the journey. Involve them, prioritize them, and don’t be afraid to hit pause when they need you. Because at the end of the day, family is not a distraction from success—it’s the foundation of it.