Bassam, founder of AtlasRTX, was born in Egypt, lived in France and England as a child, and then immigrated to the United States as a teenager to attend university. He earned BS, MS, and MPhil degrees in Computer Science as well as an MBA all from the University of Utah. He started young, entering high school at age 12, programming professionally at age 15, and completing his first master’s degree at age 21.

His company, AtlasRTX, enables production homebuilders to provide their homebuyers with a state-of-the-art and modern buying experience that leverages mobile messaging, and conversational artificial intelligence to support marketing, sales, and operations staff.

At the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in February, Bassam will present the Tech Bytes session, “Disrupting the Home Buying Journey: Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Messaging & More.”

We caught up with Bassam to get a sneak peek into his sessions.

NAHB: Without giving too much away, what will people learn at your IBS Education session? 
BASSAM: Artificial Intelligence (AI) doesn’t have to be scary; to the contrary, AI “digital assistants” can help online and model home sales consultants by quickly answering frequently-asked questions, automatically following-up with buyers and ensuring an incredible customer experience on the web, over text messaging and even via Facebook Messenger.

NAHB: What is the one thing you are looking forward to the most while attending IBS? 
BASSAM: I am genuinely looking forward to seeing our clients and partners in-person at various IBS events.

NAHB: What is the most interesting industry trend for 2019?
BASSAM: Disruption of the home buying process: AI assistants, automated follow-up and mobile messaging.

NAHB: If you had to work but didn’t need the money, what would you choose to do?
BASSAM: I would do what I set out to do three years ago: coaching and helping entrepreneurs build and scale their businesses.

NAHB: What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
BASSAM: I used to be an avid martial artist, and I would love to make the time to do that again!

NAHB: If you could witness an historical event, what would you want to see?
BASSAM: As an Egyptian, I’d love to witness the completion of the Pyramid of Cheops and the ceremonial traditions that must’ve accompanied its use in its heyday. 

NAHB: Do you have a success quote to share? 
BASSAM: “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” -Mark Twain