Iranian-Americans: Mehrdad Hakimian and an Elite Minority

Author: mehrdad12 | Posted: 13.12.2011

It is no secret that Iranian-Americans occupy an elite circle among American minorities. In a country that is truly a melting pot of practically every known nation in the world, names from the likes of Reza Aslan and Vartan Gregorian to Mehrdad Hakimian among many others, belong to the well-represented country of Iran, giving it a reputation of success and excellence in a variety of fields that include literature, medicine, engineering and business. Considered one of the most successful and highly-educated groups in the United States since they first began living here, Iranian-Americans such as Christiane Amanpour, Andre Agassi and Mehrdad Hakimian among many others have made names for themselves in different fields.Be it in media, sports or business, their pedigree of education and history of excellence has made Iran’s citizens in America an elite group of successful people.

It is within this prestigious circle that movers and shakers in different industries find themselves at home – among other Persians who have long since left the motherland for the Western world, but who still find part of Iran dwelling in their blood. These Iranian-Americans form part of a two million strong society that had its roots in the 1930’s when the first handful of immigrants from what used to be known as Persia and is now modern-day Iran made their homes in America. By the 1970’s after the revolution that allowed Persia to transition into what is now Iran, the number or Iranians dwelling in America had peaked, and the skill and talent they brought with them were ripe for a storybook ending. Their success in the years to come cannot be denied, producing plenty of literary stars like Mahnaz Badihian, Azar Nafisi and Dalia Sofer; brilliant scientists and academicians such as Abass Alavi, Mehran Kardar, Mohsen Mostafavi and Firouz Naderi; lauded artists like Shoreh Aghdashloo, Emud Mokhberi and Behnaz Sarafpour; and self-made businessmen like Arash Ferdowsi, Manny Mashouf, Farzad Nazem and Mehrdad Hakimian.

No matter the field of expertise, Iranian-Americans have proven themselves worthy of the public’s attention and respect and an even bigger second generation of Iranian-Americans are looking to aim for higher spots and even loftier goals and dreams – none of which are out of reach in a land of such great promise. Some of prestige of the Iranian community in America may come from lofty positions held by its members: roles as CEO’s and presidents, deans and directors, but many more are quiet, ordinary Americans making names for themselves in their own communities and in whatever corner of the country they have decided to inhabit. Glass Pro owner Mehrdad Hakimian may not be one of those powerhouse names but his success in the glass replacement industry cannot be denied, owning and operating over 60 stores all across America and headquarted in sunny California. Mehrdad Hakimian, together with plenty of other Iranian-Americans in the U.S. today form part of a successful minority who provide America with a pool of well-educated, self-made professionals and it is likely that with their continued achievements, many others who share the same nationality and the same dual alliance will be inspired to form a new breed and a new generation who will carry on the successes of their predecessors.


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