Anthony Nguyen, Founder & CEO of AXA Engineers
Ever seen a lotus blossom amidst the muck and mire, emerging from the depths of a murky swamp? Despite its seemingly unfavorable surroundings, the lotus unfurls its petals with grace, symbolizing the incredible potential that can arise from the depths of adversity. Just like the lotus, we too face our own swamps of adversity – times when life seems mired in challenges and uncertainties. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that our true strength is revealed. In the face of trials and tribulations, we have a choice: to succumb to the muck or to rise above it. While some may falter and surrender to the storm, there exist courageous souls who roll up their sleeves, dig in their heels, and push through the murky waters, refusing to let challenges define their journey. Instead of being weighed down by the circumstances, they harness their inner strength and navigate through adversity with resilience and determination, emerging stronger and more resilient than before. This story is going to unveil the inspiring journey of one such indomitable resilient business leader, Anthony Nguyen, the Founder & CEO of AXA Engineers, a trusted partner for US firms seeking outsourced civil engineering, land development & CAD services.
Born and raised in a humble village in central Vietnam after the Vietnam War, Anthony’s childhood was marked by challenges. Many of his peers couldn’t afford education and had to work to support their families. But despite financial hardships, Anthony’s parents made great sacrifices to ensure he received an education. Inspired by this, Anthony pursued civil engineering, with a singular goal in mind: to contribute to construction projects that would benefit his hometown. After spending nearly, a decade working for an American company, Anthony recognized the untapped potential of Vietnamese engineers in the United States. In 2016, he identified a glaring issue: numerous skilled Vietnamese engineers remained jobless, while US firms struggled to find qualified candidates. This realization fueled his determination to act. Thus, he founded AXA Engineers, driven by the dual purpose of delivering exceptional services globally and providing employment opportunities for Vietnamese engineers.
Rising Above the Challenges with Determination
In the early days of AXA Engineers, Anthony faced a multitude of challenges. With only a handful of clients willing to place their trust in him, and the company struggling to find its footing in the competitive market, the path ahead was far from smooth. Yet, Anthony was undeterred. Determined to turn things around, he invested countless hours into learning from seasoned business mentors, tirelessly refining his approach to propel AXA Engineers forward. Through sheer perseverance and a refusal to succumb to adversity, Anthony developed a unique approach to running the company.
Central to this strategy was the cultivation of a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where every team member felt valued and empowered. “This ‘happy business model’ became the cornerstone of AXA Engineers’ success, attracting top talent in the industry. I understood that the happiness of my team and the quality of service we provided to clients were crucial for our success.” asserts Anthony. As the company continued to expand, Anthony’s unwavering commitment to excellence bore fruit. Today, AXA Engineers stands as a testament to his vision and determination, poised for even greater achievements in the days to come.
Pioneering Excellence in Civil Engineering Outsourcing
With over 15 years of dedicated experience, AXA Engineers has established itself as the globally trusted leader in civil engineering outsourcing, distinguished by unparalleled technological prowess. The hallmark of their expertise shone brightly in 2023 as they proudly owned the most Civil 3D licenses in Vietnam. With over 50 highly skilled engineers dispersed across three offices, AXA Engineers brings forth over 15 years of extensive experience to every project they undertake. They prioritize collaboration and building strong partnerships, promising professionalism, reliability, and dedication to excellence for every client. From small-scale to large-scale projects, including land development, civil engineering, and CAD services the dedicated team at AXA Engineers is equipped with the knowledge and resources to handle it all. “Our mission is to bring the knowledge and expertise of Vietnamese engineers to conquer clients worldwide. We are committed to providing exceptional consultancy and civil engineering design solutions that exceed client expectations,” opines Anthony.
Their unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, ethical practices, and compliance sets them apart in an industry where others may compromise on these values. Utilizing licensed software across all operations, AXA Engineers mitigates risks, ensuring the highest levels of security and integrity for their esteemed clients. “What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to guaranteed work – if a project is done incorrectly, we fix it at no additional cost or refund your money. Our diverse range of services, including land development, traffic control plans, Civil 3D modeling, and CAD drafting, ensures that we can scale quickly and efficiently to meet your project requirements,” shares Anthony. Moreover, their investment in the team’s education, including comprehensive training and real-world exposure in the US, ensures that their designs are not only innovative but also practically applicable. More than just a civil engineering firm, AXA Engineers fosters a supportive work environment, valuing open communication and continuous learning.
The Pillars of AXA Engineers’ Enduring Success
At the core of Anthony’s entrepreneurial journey lies a set of fundamental values that shape AXA Engineers’ culture and operations. Kindness, professionalism, and unity serve as the guiding principles that underpin every aspect of the company’s endeavors. By prioritizing kindness, Anthony fosters a culture of empathy and compassion within the organization, creating a harmonious work environment where individuals thrive. Professionalism ensures that AXA Engineers delivers high-quality service to its clients, building trust and credibility in the industry. Additionally, unity binds the team together, promoting collaboration and synergy to achieve common goals. These core values not only define AXA Engineers but also reflect Anthony’s unwavering commitment to ethical business practices and sustainable growth.
Sharing Insights for Emerging Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Anthony shares invaluable lessons for aspiring business leaders, particularly in engineering and consultancy. For Anthony, entrepreneurship isn’t merely about navigating smooth waters; rather, it’s about embracing obstacles as opportunities to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Thus, he encourages budding entrepreneurs to embrace challenges head-on, be open to the unknown, and step out of their comfort zone. Moreover, Anthony believes that a robust, dedicated team is the backbone of any successful venture. Hence, he stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who not only share the same vision but also contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
Continual learning is another cornerstone of Anthony’s entrepreneurial philosophy. In a field as dynamic as engineering and consultancy, staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies is non-negotiable. Thus, he encourages aspiring leaders to prioritize their own development and cultivate a culture of lifelong learning within their organizations (AXA Kaizen system). Anthony’s success isn’t solely defined by his technical acumen; it’s also underscored by the relationships he’s built along the way. “Trust is the foundation of successful partnerships and client relationships. Strive to build trust with your clients, employees, and partners. Deliver on your promises, be transparent, and always act with integrity. Trust will help you establish long-term relationships and open doors to new opportunities,” elucidates Anthony.
Recognizing that continuous improvement (Kaizen) is synonymous with progress in the engineering and consultancy realm, Anthony urges businesses to cultivate a culture that fosters creativity. “Promote a culture of Kaizen in your organization by empowering employees to share ideas, take risks, and explore new technologies to provide value to clients,” he adds.
Envisioning a Future of Growth, Innovation, and Collaboration
Looking ahead, Anthony envisions a future where AXA Engineers stands as a global leader, shaping the landscape of civil engineering and land development. With a steadfast focus on business growth, AXA Engineers is poised to expand its footprint across key markets worldwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. “Our goal is to be recognized for our expertise, continuous improvement, and commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients. In addition to business growth, I am equally passionate about the impact AXA Engineers can have on the industry. We aim to contribute to the advancement of civil engineering and land development globally by pushing the boundaries of what is possible,” affirms Anthony.
Through strategic investments in research and development, AXA Engineers remains at the forefront of continuous improvement, driving progress that reverberates globally. Collaboration lies at the heart of Anthony’s vision. He plans to actively collaborate with industry partners, academic institutions, and government bodies to share knowledge, and best practices, and promote thought leadership. Besides this, the company is dedicated to fostering an environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore new approaches to tackling the complexities of the industry. Through ongoing learning initiatives and robust support systems, Anthony aims to equip every member of AXA Engineers with the tools and resources needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. In essence, Anthony’s vision for AXA Engineers is one of growth, continuous improvement, and collaboration. By seamlessly blending business acumen with a commitment to industry advancement, he aims to steer AXA Engineers towards a future where it not only thrives as a global leader but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on the world of civil engineering and land development. “Our vision is to become a leading corporation offering world-class consultancy and civil engineering design solutions. We aim to contribute significantly to bringing value to our clients while showcasing the talent and capabilities of Vietnamese engineers on a global scale,” concludes Anthony.