Shoughi Darakhshan is not your typical entrepreneur. He is a problem solver, a lifelong learner, and a man who believes in turning obstacles into opportunities.
From a young refugee to a leader in disaster restoration, his journey is one of resilience, hard work, and a passion for helping others.
“I define success by the number of people you can help during your lifetime,” Shoughi says.
Born in Iran, Shoughi immigrated to the United States at the age of three with his family. They came as religious refugees, searching for a better future. He grew up watching his family work in the construction industry. That experience shaped his career path.
“I come from a family of contractors. I’m a third-generation restorer,” he explains. “I started at 20 and never looked back.”
A One-Stop Shop for Restoration
Shoughi is now the founder and CEO of a major remediation and restoration company. His business handles everything from fire and mold remediation to roofing and emergency disaster recovery.
“When someone’s home is destroyed, they need more than just a quick fix. They need someone to guide them through the chaos,” he says.
His company has become exactly that—a one-stop shop for disaster restoration. But for Shoughi, the business is about more than just fixing buildings. It’s about restoring people’s lives.
“Every single mistake is a learning opportunity,” he says. “Over the years, we’ve learned that performing our due diligence and having the proper contracts in place with customers prevents 99.9% of mistakes from ever happening.”
Helping Fire Victims Rebuild
Shoughi’s work goes beyond business. He founded 911 BoardUp, a program that helps fire victims immediately after they experience a loss. Many families are left with nothing after a fire, unsure of what to do next. His team provides guidance, assistance, and resources to help them start over.
“I enjoy visualizing the end result and reverse-engineering my habits to reach that goal,” he says. “That applies to both business and helping people.”
A Mind for Growth and Innovation
Shoughi’s interests go far beyond construction and restoration. He has a deep passion for aviation, space travel, quantum computing, and cryptography. He is constantly looking for ways to expand his knowledge and push himself to new limits.
“I read one book a week in a subject that relates to my goals,” he says. “Knowledge, compassion, endurance, and patience—that’s what drives me.”
His curiosity fuels his success. He studies different fields, learns from history, and applies new ideas to his business.
“Creating daily, weekly, and monthly goals is key,” he says. “Getting just a few important tasks done each day adds up over time.”
The Role of Health in Success
For Shoughi, success isn’t just about money or career achievements. He believes in a balanced life.
“All the money means nothing if health is not number one,” he says. “Health, wealth, love, and happiness—in that order.”
He prioritizes physical well-being and believes that taking care of the body strengthens the mind. This philosophy helps him stay sharp, focused, and ready to tackle challenges.
Turning Challenges into Motivation
Like any entrepreneur, Shoughi has faced obstacles. But instead of letting them hold him back, he uses them as motivation.
“My biggest influences have been my four older brothers. I’ve been blessed and extremely lucky to have them as my main mentors,” he says. “Next would be every single competitor and naysayer. They motivate me beyond belief.”
Rather than fearing competition, he embraces it. Every challenge is a chance to improve, and every setback is a lesson.
“Obstacles only exist in our imagination,” he says. “Converting every aspect into a positive has been the path to my success.”
A Legacy of Impact
Shoughi Darakhshan’s story is one of determination, learning, and service. He built a business from the ground up, helped countless families recover from disasters, and continues to expand his knowledge and impact.
“Success is being 1% better than yesterday and helping as many people around you as you can—without sacrificing your own needs and the needs of your family,” he says.
It’s a philosophy that has guided him through life, and it’s clear he isn’t stopping anytime soon.
