Ab’s working at being Superman

Profile by Karen Holder and lLily Scott

It’s hard not to be charmed by Ab Gadi as he sits with a sleepy puppy in his lap.

The Somalian-born army private and entrepreneur has lived in the Docklands for two years and loves it.

At first it was quite lonely being the only tenant in the Merchant Building, but now he lives amongst some of his closest friends. A fact that is obvious from the number of people saying hello while we talk.

In his life 29-year-old Ab Gadi has experienced a lot. From civil war in Somalia as a child due to political unrest, break-dancing on the streets of Chicago, completing high school in Melbourne, moving to Sydney to pursue his love of dancing and acting and returning to Melbourne to reach his life long goal of serving his country in the army.

Having spent time in East Timor, he is now currently training recruits here. Ab also runs a successful event management company, which puts on weekly nights at some of the hottest venues in Melbourne.

He’s come a long way from idolising Superman and learning to speak English by watching cartoons in the USA as a child. His favourites happened to be He-Man, Tom and Jerry and The Smurfs. Although it seems that Superman may still have an influence on him as his ring-tone on his phone is the Superman theme song.

When it comes to influences though, it is quite clear that his family is the greatest influence. His dream of joining the army was inspired by his family members who served in the Somalian defence force.

Coming from a family of business owners also instilled in him the work ethic that has brought him success in business.

“Work smart, party hard” is his motto. It certainly seems to be working for Ab Gadi.