Based in Fairfax, Virginia, Shoughi Darakhshan is a third-generation restorer, the founder and CEO of a major remediation and disaster recovery company, and a passionate entrepreneur driven by resilience and a commitment to service. Immigrating from Iran to the United States at the age of three as a religious refugee, Shoughi’s journey has been anything but conventional. He began working in restoration at age 20, following his family’s long line of contractors, and built a business that serves as a one-stop solution for roofing, fire damage repair, mold remediation, and emergency recovery. He also launched 911 BoardUp, a victim assistance program for families suffering from home fire loss.
Outside of his business, Shoughi is deeply interested in aviation, ancient civilizations, cryptography, quantum computing, and the relationship between mind and body. He reads a book a week, believes health is the foundation of all wealth, and views each day as a fresh opportunity to improve and serve.
This Q&A goes deeper—less about surface-level success and more about the principles, patterns, and perspectives that shape his life. It’s a rare look inside the mind of someone who’s built something enduring from the rubble of life’s toughest moments.
What do people misunderstand most about your line of work?
They think it’s about fixing buildings. It’s not. It’s about restoring peace of mind. When someone calls us, they’re not just dealing with broken drywall or a leaky roof—they’re facing trauma, confusion, and often, total loss. Our job is to be their anchor in chaos. The tools we use matter less than the trust we build. What we restore is not just structure—it’s stability.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Fire Damage: More Than Just the Surface
You talk a lot about discipline. Why is it so important to you?
Because it’s the only thing you can control when everything else falls apart. Discipline is the foundation of resilience. People think motivation is what gets things done, but that’s unreliable. Discipline is waking up early even when you’re tired, making the call even when you’re nervous, and following through when no one’s watching. Without it, nothing lasts.
What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make as a business owner?
Letting go of people I cared about who weren’t aligned with the mission. That’s always tough. But loyalty to the vision has to come before comfort. When people aren’t doing the job or holding themselves accountable, it drags everything down. I had to learn that leadership isn’t about being liked—it’s about doing what’s right for the long-term health of the team and those we serve.
You often speak about your brothers being your mentors. Can you share a lesson you learned from them?
They taught me that no one is coming to save you—and that’s a good thing. That mindset pushes you to take full ownership. They also taught me to respect the grind. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. You want something? Show up earlier. Stay later. Learn faster. That’s how we were raised.
What’s one belief you’ve held onto that others tend to question or challenge?
That obstacles only exist in the mind. Most people give their problems too much power. I don’t minimize real issues, but I’ve found that our response shapes the outcome more than the challenge itself. The people who break through are the ones who focus less on why something’s hard and more on how to solve it.
Can you describe a moment that changed the way you lead?
Years ago, I got a call about a family that had lost everything in a fire. I showed up at the site, and the mother was sitting on the curb crying, holding her kids, surrounded by blackened walls and ash. I realized then that we weren’t just a service—we were a source of hope. That moment led to the creation of 911 BoardUp. It’s not about profit—it’s about being present when it counts most. Leadership is showing up, especially when there’s nothing in it for you.
What does personal growth look like to you today, compared to when you first started?
When I was younger, growth meant adding things—more business, more tools, more clients. Now, it’s about refining. Subtracting distractions, protecting my time, being more intentional. Growth used to be about building; now it’s about becoming. I don’t want to be busy—I want to be effective.
What do you think is missing in most people’s understanding of success?
That success without peace is failure in disguise. We chase status, money, or recognition, thinking they’ll fill the gap. But if your health is failing, if your relationships are falling apart, or if you dread your day—you’re not winning. I measure success by how much I grow, how many people I help, and whether I can go to bed at night proud of how I showed up.
How do you stay mentally and physically sharp in such a demanding field?
The mind follows the body. I work out consistently and make sleep and nutrition a priority. I also journal, review my goals weekly, and read one book per week related to my vision. These aren’t luxuries—they’re requirements. If I’m not at 100%, I can’t lead. Your business grows at the speed of your personal development.
What’s your favorite failure?
Trusting too easily. I partnered with people early on who didn’t share my values, and I paid for it—financially, emotionally, even legally. But it taught me two things: 1) vet character before credentials, and 2) put everything in writing. I’d rather learn a painful lesson early than repeat it later on a bigger scale.
What role does curiosity play in your life?
Curiosity is fuel. Whether I’m learning about quantum computing, ancient civilizations, or space travel—it all stretches the mind. That stretch helps me see business differently, solve problems creatively, and stay inspired. Curiosity connects seemingly unrelated dots. Some of my best ideas came from learning outside my field.
What’s something small that’s made a big impact on your life?
Routines. It’s not exciting, but having a solid morning routine and blocking time for deep work changed everything. I plan each day the night before, prioritize three big tasks, and protect my mornings. Chaos doesn’t schedule itself—but if you don’t set the agenda, it will.
What advice would you give to someone starting their first business?
Don’t wait for perfection. Build with what you have. Start messy, but stay consistent. Most people fail because they don’t stick around long enough to succeed. Also, surround yourself with people who challenge you to level up. Comfort zones are where dreams go to die.
What keeps you going on tough days?
The reminder that people are counting on me. My family, my team, and the families we serve. When I feel off-track, I zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Legacy isn’t built in one day—it’s built by showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it.
You talk a lot about impact. What kind of legacy do you want to leave?
I want to be remembered as someone who turned pain into purpose. Someone who helped people rebuild—not just their homes, but their hope. I want my work to matter long after I’m gone, not just because of what I built, but because of who I helped build up.
Final Thoughts from Shoughi Darakhshan
Every lesson I’ve learned has come through experience—sometimes painful, often humbling. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. What I do have is a commitment to growth, service, and doing the hard things even when no one is watching. I believe in resilience, structure, and showing up with integrity. I believe in people more than systems, and I believe that how you lead in a crisis says more about you than how you lead in comfort.
This is my path. Not because it was easy—but because it was worth it. And I’m just getting started.