MY STORY.
Don't Take Anything for Granted
My journey began in Tehran, Iran, where I was born during the Islamic Revolution. In 1979, when I was just five years old, I witnessed a horrifying event that would shape my perspective on life. My elementary school principal was taken hostage and shot. The streets erupted in fire and gunshots as chaos engulfed the city.
Amidst the turmoil, my mother bravely navigated through closed-off streets to rescue me from school. We hastily packed our belongings and left everything behind. Fortunately, my father, who was the principal of Tehran High School, used his connections to secure our escape. We boarded the next plane bound for California, seeking safety and a fresh start.
From Iran to California
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, I saw firsthand the challenges my parents faced as immigrants. Both of them worked two jobs each, and my father tried his hand at entrepreneurship multiple times, but unfortunately, each venture ended in failure. Despite the setbacks, their unwavering determination and work ethic served as a profound source of inspiration for me.
It was my father who planted the seeds of entrepreneurship in me, demonstrating the courage to take risks and pursue one's dreams. This upbringing instilled in me the vision of owning a business and the desire to make it a reality.
The Entrepreneurial Itch
In my twenties, I entered the telecom industry, starting as a wireless reseller. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors and the opportunity to be part of a high-performance team. Those experiences taught me invaluable lessons, some of which I later applied when establishing my own tech company. I learned the importance of adding immense value and fostering customer loyalty.
I always had an entrepreneurial itch and actively sought the right opportunity to strike out on my own. That moment arrived when I stumbled upon an article about the broadband industry and the emerging information superhighway. Recognizing its explosive growth potential, I took a leap of faith. In 1999, at the age of 26 and without any financial backing, I left my well-paying six-figure job to establish my own Internet technologies company, alongside a trusted friend. It was a bold move, driven by my desire to do things differently and seize the burgeoning broadband market.
Instead of pursuing my former employer's clients, I identified an underserved market that I believed I could serve better. We started by catering to the needs of the Printing Industry Association of SoCal. Their day-to-day operations depended on a secure, fast, and reliable network. We understood their unique requirements and provided them with the solutions they needed.
Profit With a Purpose
It was during this journey of building my own tech company that I realized the power of profit with a purpose. I witnessed firsthand the impact that strategic partnerships and a customer-centric approach can have on a business. It wasn't just about making money; it was about creating meaningful value and making a difference in the world around me.
That's when my passion for philanthropy and giving back took root. I believe that true success lies not only in financial achievements but also in the positive impact we can have on others. So, I made it a priority to reinvest our profits into projects that align with our values and have a tangible and lasting effect on society.
Through my leadership, we have initiated philanthropic projects that raise funds and gather teams to work on initiatives that address pressing social issues. I have also had the privilege of serving on the board of Zambia – Lifesong For Orphans, an organization that feeds, houses, and educates vulnerable children worldwide. Together with my team, we have built computer labs at orphanages in the United States and countries around the world, including Africa, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Witnessing the hunger for knowledge and opportunity in these orphans fills me with joy, as they realize they can change their own country from within and uplift themselves out of poverty over time.
Leading The Way
Over the past 21 years, I have expanded my business and partnered with additional industries that demand the fastest and most reliable network solutions. Today, my company Shield IT Networks is an industry leader in cybersecurity and resiliency, ranking in the top 5% of managed security services providers (MSSPs) nationwide.
Our expertise lies in designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity, voice-over IP (VoIP), network resiliency, and data solutions. We serve various financial institutions, retailers with multiple locations, and the printing and graphics industry. From start-ups to multibillion-dollar companies, our clients span the country, including renowned names like Ernst & Young, Guitar Center, VF Corp, and many more.
So, what makes our clients stay with Shield IT Networks eight times longer than the industry average? It all boils down to our dedicated and specialized team. I have carefully built a tactical group of experts who are highly knowledgeable in the specific markets we serve. With a "do whatever it takes" attitude and a commitment to problem-solving, our team members earn the trust and loyalty of our clients.