Meet Pishoy Zaki | Real Estate Developer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pishoy Zaki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pishoy, how do you think about risk?
When I started EastGrove Development, risk was an essential part of the foundation of the company. From the very beginning, it was clear that creating something from the ground up would involve taking chances and stepping into the unknown. The first major risk was forming the company itself. I had to make decisions with limited resources and a clear vision but without certainty about the future. I knew that in order to succeed, I had to trust my instincts and take that leap despite the uncertainty.

One of the biggest challenges in those early days was finding the right subcontractors. Early on, I worked with a range of contractors—some were highly skilled, others needed more training and guidance. At first, it felt like a gamble bringing on teams that weren’t necessarily perfect, but I saw potential in them. So, I took the risk of investing my time and energy into teaching them the standards and processes that were essential to our projects. I didn’t want to just find contractors who could ‘get the job done’; I wanted to create a cohesive, reliable team that could grow with the company.

Those risks didn’t always pay off immediately. There were moments of frustration when things didn’t go as planned, but I realized that these setbacks were part of the process. I didn’t give up on these relationships; instead, I doubled down. I took the time to communicate, guide, and build trust. Over time, the team grew stronger, and what began as a handful of workers with varying skill levels turned into a solid core of subcontractors who were aligned with our vision and values.

The continual risk-taking, of giving people second chances and investing in their growth, created a loyal and skilled team that could handle more ambitious and larger-scale projects. It allowed us to scale the company and take on more jobs without sacrificing quality or reliability. In the end, taking those risks in the early stages paid off not just in terms of business growth, but in building a team that’s both capable and committed.

So, for me, risk wasn’t just about jumping into unknown markets or big investments—it was about taking calculated risks with people, trusting that by investing in them, we could build something even stronger together. This has been key to our success and remains a cornerstone of how we operate at EastGrove today

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
EastGrove Development operates across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, with a core focus on quality, communication, and building trust. Whether we’re developing residential neighborhoods, constructing commercial spaces, or managing industrial projects, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results that stand the test of time.

Our team’s experience is a key driver of our success. Some of my partners and I have a track record of building large-scale compounds in Egypt, where we learned the importance of visionary planning and flawless execution. Another partner brings a wealth of knowledge in interior design, ensuring that every project is not only structurally sound but also aesthetically functional. We also have a partner with deep experience in land development, who has spent years preparing lots and developing entire neighborhoods. Additionally, one of our partners is an expert in managing projects from start to finish—overseeing every step from initial planning to final execution, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on schedule.

This diverse expertise, from international large-scale development to hands-on project management, allows us to approach each job with a well-rounded perspective. Clear communication, collaboration, and attention to detail are at the heart of what we do, and that’s why we’ve earned the trust of our clients.

Looking ahead, what excites me most is the future growth of EastGrove. With our experienced team, we’re ready to take on even more complex and innovative projects, continuing to push the boundaries of what we can achieve together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Morning:
Breakfast at Biscuit Love (try the Princess Biscuit Sandwich).
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Lunch:
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (for classic Nashville hot chicken).
Afternoon:
Stroll Centennial Park and see the Parthenon.
Visit the Frist Art Museum.
Evening:
Dinner at The Catbird Seat (chef’s tasting menu).
Walk Broadway to enjoy live music and the atmosphere

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my partners, my dad, and my uncle. My partners and I took risks and learned a lot before coming together to form the company, and combining those lessons was key to building EastGrove. My dad and uncle, on the other hand, trusted me from a young age, encouraging me to take risks—even when I didn’t have all the answers. Without their support and belief in me, this wouldn’t have been possible

Website: https://www.eastgrove-development.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pishoy.zaki/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pishoy-zaki-297b29218