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He fled Iran after the 1979 revolution—leaving behind a family business, a familiar language, and the life he’d built.
Canada was a reset button. No contacts. No guarantees. Just the belief that starting over can still mean building big.
✨ A Spark Becomes a Business
In Vancouver, Hassan began again—quietly, methodically. He started importing and selling electronics, betting on service and selection.
That seed became Future Shop in 1982: a bold, warehouse-style retailer where Canadians could actually try gadgets before buying.
“When the past closes, build the next door.”
Through relentless execution—smart merchandising, sharp pricing, and national expansion—Future Shop grew into Canada’s largest consumer electronics chain.
❤️ Building More Than a Brand
Hassan didn’t just scale stores; he built careers. Training, meritocracy, and customer obsession turned a lean operation into a coast-to-coast network.
In 2001, Future Shop was acquired by Best Buy in a landmark deal—validation that a newcomer’s idea could reshape an entire retail category.
🌍 Beyond Retail
After the sale, Hassan focused on Persis Holdings, investing in pharmaceuticals, real estate, and energy. He and his family supported universities, hospitals, and arts organizations—quiet philanthropy with lasting impact.
His contributions were recognized with the Order of Canada.
🎯 Why His Story Inspires
Hassan Khosrowshahi’s journey shows that:
- Starting over can be a strategy, not a setback.
- Discipline and service can outcompete deep pockets.
- True success is measured by what you build after the win.
From exile to an electronics empire, Hassan proved that Canada doesn’t just offer safety—it offers a runway.
