How This Construction Executive Is Elevating Danish Design Across Canada With BoConcept

With decades of experience managing multimillion-dollar infrastructure developments across the Middle East, Hani Hamze could have pursued any number of ventures when he relocated to Canada. But it was BoConcept’s fusion of functional design, global support and entrepreneurial potential that truly inspired him. Now the owner of two BoConcept franchises serving all of Canada, Hamze is building more than showrooms — he’s creating hubs of design culture and thoughtful living in Quebec and Ontario. His mission is simple: help people live better through elevated design, precise execution and meaningful customer experiences.

1851 spoke with Hamze to learn more about his story and what drew him to the BoConcept franchise. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Hani Hamze: My journey started in large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects across the Middle East, where I managed complex, multi-million dollar developments involving logistics, procurement and international business development. Over the years, I realized my passion lies in shaping environments — not just physically through construction, but emotionally through design. That realization led me to BoConcept, where I saw an opportunity to blend my architectural background, operational leadership and entrepreneurial drive into something lasting. Today, I lead a network of BoConcept showrooms in Quebec and Ontario, driven by a simple goal: helping people live better through thoughtful design and an exceptional customer experience.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Hamze: Before franchising, I was a project executive working on mega-scale real estate and infrastructure projects across the Gulf Region. When I moved to Canada, I was looking for a venture where I could leverage my strategic and operational expertise while building something of my own. Franchising made sense because it gave me a solid foundation, a reputable brand, established systems and global support, while still allowing me the flexibility to lead, grow and innovate locally.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Hamze: I used to think franchising meant simply following a script. But that perception changed quickly. Franchising, when done with the right partner, is an entrepreneurial platform. You benefit from shared experience, brand power and support but your own leadership, judgment and resilience are what make or break the business. Today, I know that franchising is a serious business opportunity for people who want to scale with both structure and vision.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Hamze: BoConcept stood out immediately. As someone with a design background, I was drawn to the brand’s Danish aesthetic and functional philosophy. But beyond style, BoConcept represents quality, adaptability and timelessness — traits I value personally and professionally. I was also impressed by the company’s global footprint and strong franchise support. What excites me most is the potential to elevate how people live by merging exceptional design with a personalized, high-touch retail experience.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Hamze: We’ve already built a strong footprint in Quebec and are now expanding into the Ontario market with our Toronto flagship. My vision is to make BoConcept a top-of-mind brand for modern, design-conscious Canadians. Growth for me isn’t just about more stores. It’s about deeper market integration: building strong partnerships with interior designers, architects and real estate developers, creating a seamless omnichannel experience and developing a team culture that reflects the sophistication of the brand. Long-term, I want our showrooms to be design hubs that inspire, consult and deliver.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Hamze: I’ve worked across cultures, languages and industries — from managing earthmoving operations in Kuwait to hosting designer events in Quebec. What connects it all is my passion for precision, execution and creating value. I believe in bringing people together, in business and in life, and in fostering a culture where integrity, design and service are never compromised. That’s the energy I bring to this business.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Hamze: Choose a brand that genuinely aligns with your strengths and passions and do your due diligence. Franchising is not passive income; it requires vision, discipline and constant leadership. Invest in your team, understand your market deeply and don’t underestimate the power of local relationships. When you combine strong systems with strong execution, franchising becomes a powerful way to build something that’s both profitable and meaningful.

ABOUT BOCONCEPT 

Since opening its first franchise in Paris in 1993, BoConcept has become a global leader in the design of bold, stylish furniture, boasting more than 300 locations in 65 countries around the world. Founded in Denmark in 1952, BoConcept differentiates itself by offering premium quality, modern designs that elevate interior spaces to achieve their full potential. The company remains focused on creating functional furniture for the urban consumer through partnerships with the world’s leading interior designers. Backed by a proven global concept and strong franchise support system, BoConcept’s 12 North American locations include a flagship store, which opened in December 2017 on New York City’s famed Madison Avenue. For more information please visit www.boconcept.com. To inquire about franchise opportunities, please visit https://www.boconcept.com/en-us/franchise.