Additional Coverage:
- I fled Iran and made it to the US when I was 18. I worked my way up from gas station cashier to the CEO of a billion-dollar company. (businessinsider.com)
From Bulletproof Glass to Billion-Dollar CEO: Shirin Behzadi’s Incredible Journey
Shirin Behzadi’s life story reads like a powerful testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Fleeing the turmoil of the Iranian Revolution at just 18, she arrived in the United States alone, eventually rising from a gas station cashier to the CEO of a billion-dollar company.
Behzadi, the former CEO of Home Franchise Concepts and author of “The Unexpected CEO: My Journey from Gas Station Cashier to Billion-Dollar CEO,” recounts a childhood upended by the Iranian Revolution. “Chaos and violence were everywhere,” she shared, recalling arrests for simply walking down the street or possessing a book. At 17, her parents urged her to leave for her safety, a decision that led her to immigrate to the US at 18, leaving her family behind.
Upon arriving in the US, navigating the post-Iranian Hostage Crisis landscape proved challenging for Iranians. Behzadi secured a visa through college acceptance, eventually transferring to a state school she could afford. To support herself, she took a job as a gas station cashier, often working long, solitary shifts behind bulletproof glass, including Christmas mornings, far from her family.
Despite the isolating circumstances, Behzadi harbored a clear vision for her future. “I knew one day I would run a big company,” she stated, a conviction so strong that she even created a business card for herself while still working at the gas station, a tangible symbol of her ambition. This drive fueled her ability to work full-time while pursuing a full-time college education.
After graduating, Behzadi began her career in accounting but remained singularly focused on her ultimate goal of leading a company. Recognizing that staying in accounting wouldn’t fulfill her ambition, she transitioned into operations to gain a deeper understanding of how large companies function. This strategic move propelled her through the ranks, eventually leading her to roles as chief financial officer and then CEO.
As CEO of Home Franchise Concepts, Behzadi spearheaded the integration of private equity, a move that significantly contributed to the company’s growth. By the time she stepped down in 2019, the company boasted approximately $1 billion in revenue and a network of 1,700 franchisees.
Behzadi emphasizes that her journey has been guided by core values, particularly a commitment to caring for people. “As a CEO and leader, I wanted to do well financially while also doing good for those in my community,” she explained. This principle extended to her role as a mother, where she strived to be an engaged and nurturing presence for her children.
Reflecting on her extraordinary path, Behzadi believes that adversity holds a “superpower.” “Whether it’s living through immigration and revolution or navigating day-to-day hiccups, you can use your challenges to grow,” she concluded, highlighting her philosophy that every challenge presents an opportunity for learning and personal development.