Shoughi Darakhshan is an Iranian-American entrepreneur and business owner. He came to the United States as a religious refugee from Iran at the age of three. Growing up in Virginia, he was surrounded by a family of contractors. That background shaped his future. By the time he turned 20, he was already working in the restoration business.
Today, Shoughi is the founder and CEO of 911 BoardUp. His company helps people recover from disasters like fires, floods, and storms. It offers emergency services including fire and mold cleanup, roofing, and full property restoration. His goal is to be a one-stop shop for disaster recovery.
Shoughi also started 911 BoardUp to support fire victims right after a loss. His company steps in during the first few hours and days after a fire, helping families stay safe and begin to rebuild.
He believes success means helping others. He lives by the idea that small steps each day lead to big results. He sets daily, weekly, and monthly goals and works hard to hit them. Reading and learning are also big parts of his routine. He reads one book each week to stay sharp and find new ideas.
Shoughi credits his four older brothers as mentors. He also uses doubt from others as motivation. His focus is clear: help people, grow the business, and always keep improving. He believes that health, knowledge, and discipline are key to a good life. For Shoughi, success is about being better than you were yesterday.
Q&A with Shoughi Darakhshan: On the Meaning and Mechanics of Success
You immigrated to the U.S. as a child. How has that shaped your view of success?
Coming to the U.S. as a refugee from Iran at age three definitely shaped everything. My parents left everything behind for safety and opportunity. That kind of beginning gives you perspective. You see freedom and stability as a gift. So for me, success isn’t just financial—it’s about creating security and opportunity for others too. It’s about making the most of what you’re given.
You started working in restoration at 20. Why that field?
My family has been in the contracting business for three generations. I grew up around job sites, tools, and tough conversations about quality and accountability. At 20, I went into restoration because I saw how vital it was. People lose everything in a fire or flood. You’re not just fixing walls—you’re helping someone put their life back together. That felt meaningful. It still does.
What led you to start your own company, 911 BoardUp?
I wanted to do more than just the cleanup. I saw a gap between when tragedy strikes and when the insurance kicks in. No one was stepping in to help families in those first few hours or days. That’s where 911 BoardUp came in. We board up homes, secure property, and offer practical support right after a disaster. It’s not glamorous work, but it matters. And it gave me the chance to build a team and a company that lives by those values.
You’ve said success is “helping as many people as possible without sacrificing your own needs or your family’s.” How do you balance that?
It’s a daily process. I set priorities each day—just a few key tasks that matter most. I try not to take on too much at once. It’s easy to burn out if you’re always chasing everything. I also reverse-engineer goals. I visualize the result I want, then work backwards to figure out what daily habits will get me there. That structure helps me stay grounded, even when things get busy.
How do you stay disciplined?
I believe the mind follows the body. I put health first—if I’m not physically in shape, I can’t think clearly or lead effectively. That means working out, eating well, and getting enough sleep. From there, I build routines. I read one book a week—always tied to something I want to improve. Could be on leadership, systems, or even quantum computing if it interests me that week. The goal is constant learning.
What’s one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in business?
Every single mistake is a learning opportunity. I’ve made my share. Early on, I didn’t always have clear contracts in place with customers. That caused confusion, tension, and avoidable losses. Now, due diligence and clear communication are non-negotiable. I’d say 99.9% of problems can be avoided just by being clear and thorough from the start.
You mentioned your older brothers as key influences. How have they shaped your approach?
My four older brothers have been my mentors from day one. They didn’t hand me success, but they modeled discipline, grit, and accountability. They also challenged me. If I had a shortcut in mind, they’d point out the flaw. They kept me honest and pushed me to do the work. I think everyone needs someone like that—people who want you to win but won’t let you take the easy road.
What role has failure played in your path?
Failure is feedback. It shows you what’s missing or what’s weak in your system. One thing I’ve gotten better at is stepping back and analyzing failure without emotion. What exactly broke down? Where did I assume instead of confirming? That mindset keeps failure from becoming personal. You fix the system and move on. If you can do that consistently, you’re going to keep growing.
What drives you to keep going?
A mix of things. First, I’m genuinely curious. I love thinking about new tech, ancient civilizations, or what space travel might look like in 100 years. That curiosity spills into my work. I’m also motivated by doubters. Every competitor or naysayer who thinks I can’t do something—that gives me fuel. But more than anything, I want to build something real, something that helps people and outlives me.
How do you define success today?
Success is being one percent better than yesterday. It’s helping as many people as you can—customers, employees, even strangers—without losing yourself or your family in the process. It’s about building habits that lead to real results and staying healthy enough to enjoy them. I don’t think it’s about the finish line. It’s about staying on the path.