In a new episode of the Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Ali Khataw, CEO of Incoteq Engineering and a Round Rock Chamber board member, to discuss his remarkable path from arriving alone in the United States to leading a 45-person engineering firm that has thrived for 35 years. Released on October 20, 2026, the episode, titled "Ali Khataw | From Immigrant Entrepreneur to Community Leader," offers a blend of business strategy and humanitarian storytelling that underscores the importance of immigrant contributions to the U.S. economy and the role of community engagement in business success.
Khataw's story begins with his solo arrival in the U.S. and enrollment at the University of Arkansas, culminating in the founding of Encotech in 1990. Under his leadership, the firm has grown from a solo practice into a full-service mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering company behind notable projects such as the Austin Central Library, the Butterfly Bridge, and the Zachary Scott Theater. This growth trajectory highlights the resilience and determination often associated with immigrant entrepreneurs, who frequently drive innovation and job creation in the communities they serve.
Beyond business, Khataw's commitment to community leadership is evident through his participation in Leadership Austin's 2009 class, where he learned about collaborative thinking and community trusteeship, and his tenure as chair of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. These experiences have informed his approach to philanthropy, including a unique points competition at Incoteq that rewards volunteer hours rather than board seats or donations, earning the firm a small business award from Austin Gives. Such initiatives demonstrate how companies can foster a culture of giving that benefits both employees and the broader community.
Khataw also shares his passion for photojournalism, with work featured in Oaxaca, Mexico, Pakistan, Cuba, Tanzania, and Kenya, including a piece on transgender communities in Pakistan for LFI magazine. He recounts photographing a blind Oaxacan sculptor for a Tono magazine piece titled "Hands That See" and the emotional experience of documenting Semana Santa in Oaxaca. These stories reflect the human connection that threads through his career, emphasizing the value of empathy and storytelling in leadership.
The conversation delves into practical leadership advice, including a pivotal suggestion from former Goodwill Industries CEO Jerry Davis, who urged Khataw to take a pay cut, stop designing, and focus on business development—a shift that unlocked Incoteq's growth. Khataw also previews an upcoming workshop trip to Tanzania and Kenya with Fair Trade Safaris CEO Saurabh Katipal, where proceeds will support wildlife conservation and education funding for a young woman in Tanzania. This blend of business acumen and social responsibility serves as a model for entrepreneurs seeking to make a positive impact.
For listeners, the episode offers actionable insights into scaling a business, fostering community ties, and integrating personal passions with professional success. Khataw's reflections on integrity, encapsulated in his father's teaching—"If money is lost, nothing is lost; if health is lost, something is lost; but if integrity is lost, everything is lost"—resonate as a timeless principle for ethical leadership. As the business landscape evolves, stories like Khataw's underscore the importance of diverse perspectives and community engagement in driving sustainable growth.
