Today we’d like to introduce you to Yogi Patel.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I came to the USA as a student to finish my master’s in computer science and graduated in 2001, but because of 9/11 couldn’t find a job. I worked in a gas station during college and enjoyed talking to people, so I decided to jump into that business. Bought first gas station in 2003, and that’s how I started my business career. I always wanted to do more, so I kept buying more stores, which affected my personal and family life. I decided to change my business into a liquor and wine shop because hours are far fewer. I then sold my wine shops because I was drinking too much and had to work on my recovery. I took 5 years of break from business and became a full-time peer support specialist and started helping out people in addition. Still, I am a businessman and love creating new businesses, so I recently started opening ice cream shops, which are my franchise, and a few restaurants.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Life is never a smooth road; there are always ups and downs. As a businessman and a family man, I struggled a lot and used alcohol to cope, but it made it worse. I became an alcoholic, but then I checked myself into rehab and fully recovered from addiction. I think it was my biggest struggle on how not to drink, but I am also grateful for my addiction because that made me who I am today, and i simply love myself.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love talking to people, so all my businesses are retail and customer service related. I love bringing new missing things into our area, and people love to have them. I believe in a great product, so I find that and execute that at a top-notch level with the best customer service. Any projects I get involved in are unique, and my places and clean and well-organized. I am very hands-on with my projects and bring a personal and owner’s touch to them. People love me because I love everyone, like my family, which keeps me going.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My wife is my biggest supporter. She is my biggest inspiration and strength. She helped me get out of addiction and back on the right path and the business world. Without her, I would not have made it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.bohemianbull.com/
