Check our exclusive interview with the one and only entrepreneur, real estate mogul and exotic car collector Manny Khoshbin.
After Arriving in the United Stated at age 14, Manny Khoshbin started selling used goods at the swap meet on the weekends while attending High School. Manny wanted more than just a salary so he started looking for other job opportunities and found a multi-level marketing firm selling bags of Nuts and candies door-to-door. Manny applied for the job and in his first 2 months he become the highest revenue salesman in the company. one day shopping at Price Club (now Costco) with his father, Manny saw that all the goods he selling were sold in bulk and quickly did the math to realize that the cost per bag would be a fraction of what his employer is charging him. He went on started his own business at age 18 while in his last year of High School. He leased a small office, purchased a full pallet of the mixed dried fruits and nuts from Price Club, purchased polyester bags, purchased a scale, purchased a sealer and for labels he used his dads computer. He was officially in business!.
Today Manny Khoshbin is guiding several companies in all aspects of the business. He is personally involved in all acquisitions, dispositions, other material transactions, and maintains a hands on management of The Khoshbin Company, which has a commercial real estate portfolio in excess of 2,200,000 Sq. ft. in 6 USA states. Although his main trade of business is real estate and he sees that as his backbone, he has ventured off into other business trades. As an entrepreneur, he loves to challenge himself and maintains a dream of having a vast enterprise expanding across many businesses.
We also chatted about his new Private Cigar Lounge in Newport Beach Cubano Room.
Hi Manny please tell us a little about you?
I am a serial entrepreneur that came to this country at the age of 14 to create my dream life, I started my own business right out of high school at the age of 18 and have had many fails attempt at success till I finally found my talent in real estate investing, I am married to my beautiful wife Leyla Milani Khoshbin and have two beautiful kids, 5 and 1.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Motivated, confident and outgoing
Name one your strengths?
Perseverance
Who is your biggest supporter?
My wife
Best advice ever given?
Invest in real estate
Who has made the biggest impact on your life so far, and why?
My wife because I have two beautiful kids and love them dearly.
When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
Businessman
What was your first business idea and what did you do with it?
Selling products (nuts and candy) door to door and made good money doing it.
What do you wish you knew before you started your first business?
That you need a health permit to repackage food for resale.
What made you choose this type of business?
Was working for one.
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
That there are much more bigger opportunities out there.
What’s your favorite quote?
Never Give Up.
To what do you attribute your current success?
Persistence
Branding and Identity are Key. How do you advertise your business?
I am a landlord for most part but I do sell my books and market few ventures I invested in via my social media platforms, Instagram & Facebook.
What is unique about your business?
I buy unique real estate and every deal is different and has different kind of value add play component.
What part of your job do you find the most challenging?
Time management
Are there busy and quiet periods during the year?
Never quite
What financial advice do you have for someone who is newly rich?
Invest your money and only spend from its returns not its original capital.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I’ve only read one book, the art of the deal by Trump.
What was the last book you read?
Art of the deal
You have $100k, where do you put it?
Wait for the next recession then buy a bank owned home!
Do you have a hero?
My father
What do you look for in an employee?
Hungry, punctual and multitasker.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Find who is doing great in a business you like and learn from them.
What is the best advice you have for your family?
Vacation more
Do you coach your wife Leyla on her successful business or give any business tips?
Sometimes although she is a sharp woman and sometimes I consult her.
You have one of the best cars collections in the world. Where did you got the love for cars and which car is your favorite currently?
Not sure the best in the world, there are many that have much more cars but i do have love for exotic cars and enjoy their beauty immensely. my favorite is my Hermes Pagani Huyara 1/1 in world with 6 piece Hermes luggage set, car is like a chocolate candy in and out.
What was your first car?
1983 Honda Accord
Now tell us about your Private Cigar Lounge “Cubano Room”?
It’s tucked in corner of my waterfront property in Newport Beach with a very Yacht style decor and feel. Has ocean views and climate controlled cedar locker room to store your cigars/wine. Concierge onsite as well as lounge furniture and Teak wood flooring.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Brunch with my family in Laguna, movies with my wife followed by late afternoon Cuban cigar at Cubano room.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Casual dressy but rarely without my Fedora hat.
What kind of music do you listen to today?
All kinds
Do you support any charities?
Many, main ones are TACA, CHOC and ICIS
What do you think of Social Media?
Fantastic tool to share your moments/life and inspire many.
Where our readers can follow you?
Travel Destination: One and Only resort, Cabo San Lucas
Sports Team: None
Restaurant: Selanees
Favorite Food: Steak
Movie: Pursuit to Happiness
Favorite designer: Tom Ford
