Sam Kazran is an entrepreneur, automotive executive, and philanthropist with more than 25 years of leadership experience. Born and raised in the Bay Area of San Francisco, he learned early the value of hard work and vision. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he entered the automotive industry and quickly set himself apart.
By the age of 25, Sam had built his first million-dollar business. At 27, he became the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of Asbury Automotive Group. By his mid-30s, he owned and managed six new car franchises with nine rooftops, employing more than 540 people and generating over $500 million in annual sales.
Today, Sam is the executive manager and operating partner of Rapids Nissan in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. His dealership employs more than 80 people and produces more than $50 million in sales each year. He is known for his ability to build trust, scale operations, and perform under pressure.
Sam’s work extends beyond business. He was the majority donor for His Hands Extended, a nonprofit that built schools in Africa. He now serves as vice president and chair of Orphans Worldwide, supporting children in Haiti and Costa Rica. He is also an active member of South Point Community Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys fishing, camping, and exploring the wild nature of Alaska. He has been married to his wife, Miryam, for 28 years, and together they have four children. His focus remains clear: grow as a leader, give back, and live with passion.
A Conversation on Success with Sam Kazran
You earned your first million before turning 25. What did success look like to you then?
At that age, success meant survival and proving myself. I didn’t have the luxury of long-term vision yet. I just wanted to build something real. I remember closing a deal late one night and realizing it tipped me into seven figures. It wasn’t about the money itself—it was the sense that I could create something bigger than myself. That moment gave me the confidence to keep going.
You became the youngest Executive Vice President at Asbury Automotive Group at 27. What did you learn about success at such a high level so young?
Respect isn’t handed out. When you’re leading people twice your age, you can’t fake it. I had to show up every day, take responsibility, and make decisions that mattered. I learned that titles don’t make you a leader. Trust and consistency do. Success at that stage was about gaining credibility in a room where no one thought you belonged yet.
You later built an organization with six franchises, nine rooftops, and over 540 employees. How do you define success in a company of that scale?
For me, it was about people. I remember walking through one of the rooftops and realizing how many families depended on those paychecks. At that scale, success isn’t the revenue—it’s whether your team feels secure, respected, and motivated. When I saw managers growing into leaders themselves, that’s when I knew we were winning.
You’ve faced challenges and scrutiny in your career. How did those moments shape your definition of success?
They stripped success down to its core. When you’re under investigation or facing a dispute, you find out quickly what matters. In my case, the DMV inquiry ended with no penalties or wrongdoing, but the process itself tested me. Success became about how I handled it—with transparency, accountability, and dignity. If you can walk through tough times and still have your integrity intact, that’s real success.
You’ve also invested heavily in philanthropy. How does giving back connect to success for you?
Abundance only means something if you use it to help others. I was the majority donor for His Hands Extended, which built schools in Africa. I’ve traveled to places like Haiti and Costa Rica with Orphans Worldwide and seen kids who finally had food and a safe place to learn. Success isn’t the number in your account—it’s seeing lives change because you chose to give.
Outside of work, you love fishing, camping, and Alaska. What do those interests teach you about success?
Alaska is raw. It humbles you. When you’re out fishing or camping, nothing cares about your title or your balance sheet. Success in those moments is being present, respecting nature, and remembering you’re small in the grand scheme. It keeps me grounded. That balance helps me lead better when I’m back in the office.
You’ve been married for nearly three decades and have four children. How does family factor into your idea of success?
Family is the anchor. My wife Miryam and I have been together 28 years, and our kids have grown up watching the highs and lows of this journey. Success for me is being able to sit at the dinner table and know that despite the pressures, I never lost them along the way. If business thrives but your family suffers, that’s failure.
If you had to give one piece of advice to young entrepreneurs chasing success today, what would it be?
Be bold, but stay ethical. Don’t chase shortcuts. Early on, I tried to outwork everyone, and that helped, but the real key was building trust. Your reputation will outlast any single deal. Success is not a sprint—it’s the ability to keep going, to adapt, and to lead with integrity even when no one is watching.