Manny Khoshbin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Manny, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
From 5:30–6:30 a.m., I have coffee, scroll through my texts and emails for any urgent issues, then prioritize my day and meetings if I need to shuffle things around. After that, I watch CNBC for market updates on bonds and economic news.
From 6:30 to 7 a.m., I exercise in the gym in my garage. It’s usually a 15-minute intense workout, followed by a sauna session and then a cold shower.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
After fleeing the war in Iran in 1984, I came to the United States at the age of 14. What I lacked in English skills, I made up for with persistence and drive. By 16, I was working at Kmart, stocking shelves, sweeping floors, and collecting shopping carts.
At 18, I launched my first entrepreneurial venture—selling nuts door to door. Then, at 21, I entered the mortgage and real estate sector. Only two years later, I opened a supermarket.
Today, my core business is commercial real estate, but I also have a passion for exotic cars. I am currently working with a designer to build my own, as well as a really exciting real estate project that brings together both of my passions—cars and real estate.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In late 2024, my son began experiencing seizures and had severe reactions to the medications prescribed at the time. December was one of the toughest months we’ve ever faced. Since then, he has continued to have episodes, and our focus has been entirely on his health. These past months have profoundly shifted my priorities and opened my eyes to what truly matters.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In the late ’90s, when I had my supermarket and was in a negative net worth situation, I struggled to pay my bills. A few times, I thought about filing for bankruptcy. But I reconsidered and realized it wasn’t an option.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
They underestimate how many good-quality years they actually have left. They keep chasing bigger and bigger goals, and with that comes stress and makes your life go faster.
I always count my summers—or how many birthdays I might have left. At age 54, I figure I’ve got maybe 15 good birthdays or summers where I can get up early in the morning, do 30 pull-ups, and live full of energy without medications.
Sure, I may live into my 90s, but that’s different. If I’m being conservative, anything extra is a bonus. The point is, if you’re mindful of how short life really is, you’ll make better choices about how you spend your days and make every day count.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I have a very good sense of the emotions and energy of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://manny-khoshbin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannykhoshbin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MannyKhoshbinyt
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mannykhoshbin1?lang=en
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