Nick Nasrollahi was a teenage refugee. Escaping religious persecution in Iran, he fled to America at age 18, attended college and got a job in the fast-food industry. Today, Nasrollahi is chief operating officer of Food in the Fast Lane. Better known as Checkers to its customers, the company recently opened its fifth fast-food restaurant location in the valley and expects to open two more by the end of the year.
What is the best business advice you’ve received, and whom did it come from?
Over the past 25 years, I have had the pleasure of working for and with many great leaders who have shared valuable insight.
Among the advice that resonates most, because of its timing and substance, is “What happens to us in life is just 10 percent; 90 percent is how we react to it.” I was a very young restaurant manager when my district manager shared this to help me succeed in my managerial position. I managed employees who were older than my parents; being new to the United States with English as my second language made the experience more fun.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your work experience that you didn’t learn in college?
I learned how to build relationships and the importance of having a sense of urgency and critical thinking. Although textbooks often address these in theory, living it is another story.
You’ve been in the fast-food industry for 25 years. What attracted you to the field?
It was totally accidental. I needed a night job so I could attend school during the day. I ended up getting promoted 11 times over a year or two, so I pursued a position in management.
Where was your first Checkers? What inspired you to open one?
Tampa, Fla. I loved the food, especially the fries.
What are you reading right now?
I have been very busy developing and opening restaurants as of late. However, I enjoy reading books related to leadership styles — inspirational leadership, for example — and the evolution of businesses in today’s world via conventions, seminars and other self-educating tools.
What do you do after work?
I work out, spend time with friends and family, keep up with major news and watch sports.
Blackberry, iPhone or Android?
Android: It’s more user-friendly for how I use my phone.
Describe your management style.
I am intrigued by the influential and motivational management styles of others. I exercise my position in power very sparingly. To me, it does not offer sustained and long-lasting success for myself or others, although it sometimes is necessary.
Where do you see yourself and your company in 10 years?
I see the company owning and operating 20 or more restaurants, and supporting the community through business ownership.
For myself, I would like to travel more and spend more time with my family and friends.
What is your dream job outside of your current field?
I wish I could have pursued my soccer career, but life changed. I was forced to leave my life and family behind when I escaped Iran.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?
I’d live in Sweden because it has great air and water quality. Living here in the United States is my paradise, though.
Whom do you admire?
Our Founding Fathers, because without them, I would not be here. I admire James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, among others.
In 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed, it wasn’t just a document; it was and is a masterpiece put to work by some very intelligent, selfless and visionary patriots.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
There are times I wish I were able to use a healthy dose of logic before reaching conclusions. I acknowledge, as human beings, we tend to allow our emotions to get the best of us every now and then.