Fords in Four: Ravi Reddy '90
1. What traits do you think successful entrepreneurs possess?
My career is a compilation of many rewarding ventures mixed together with many that were less than stellar. I have learned that to be successful, one must be determined, resilient, and relentless. All of my noteworthy ventures resulted from valuable lessons of failed ones. I often feel failure was the most important ingredient in my entrepreneurial success. However, it is the constant applications of the lessons that I learned from failure that continue to drive me.
2. What motivates you?
When I was young, my father repeated over and over that, “You can do anything if you put your mind to it." Whether it was beating Episcopal on EA Day 1989 down 21 points at halftime, starting my own construction firm right before 9/11, or battling daily in a ferocious New York City real estate market, I frequently use this advice to motivate me.
3. Recount an inspiring or defining moment in your career.
At the time, the economic collapse of 2008 was the worst single incident that affected my firm and life. Seven years later, I realized that it was actually the foundation for everything that I have achieved. It forced me to improvise, create a more conservative business plan to get through the rough years, and manage my firm rigidly to ensure that it was never exposed to the same risks again.
4. What is your passion?
I have been so blessed throughout my life. Supportive family and mentors, a world-class education, and the opportunity to have traveled extensively inspire me to pay it forward. I hope my experience in business and life will allow me to successfully give back to the world and enable others with less fortune to live prosperous and happy lives.
Ravi Reddy started Citistructure, LLC in 2001. His experience in construction management, general contracting, and real estate development led him to grow Citistructure to more than $80 million in annual revenue, managing the firm's commercial, retail, residential, and transportation projects.
