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Imagine starting your first business with nothing but discarded window glass and the will to make ends meet. That’s precisely how Karim Hakimi began—and today, he presides over one of Canada’s largest optical chains, built from sweat, smart pricing, and unwavering grit.
The Humble Beginnings
Karim Hakimi’s journey into entrepreneurship started not in a fancy lab, but with discarded window glass. Born in Iran, he lost his father at age five and had to leave school early to support his family—learning to grind discarded glass into magnifying lenses through sheer necessity.
The Long Road to Canada
Hakimi immigrated to Canada after refining his trade in Germany and Switzerland. Arriving in Toronto, he didn’t have capital or prestige—just skill, work ethic, and a dream.
He began by grinding ophthalmic lenses and selling them door-to-door to local opticians. Nights and weekends were spent working tirelessly to build his modest savings.
Launching a Vision
In 1967, with grit and little more, Hakimi opened a tiny lens-grinding lab in a former hotel in Toronto. He offered bifocal glasses at just $12 a pair—well below his competitors. His pricing strategy ensured demand while still allowing his business to survive.
Scaling with Purpose
From that workshop, Hakim Optical grew into a national chain with over 150 stores and more than 600 employees across Eastern Canada Wikipedia.
His humble roots and community-centered values have been acknowledged widely:
- In 2005, he was knighted by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- A street in Scarborough was renamed Hakimi Avenue in his honor
- Winner of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Wikipedia
Why Karim Hakimi’s Story Inspires Entrepreneurs
| Lesson | Insight |
|---|---|
| Start with what you have | Even grinding glass by hand may be the seed of a future empire. |
| Offer real value | His low-cost bifocals met a need—and built trust and market share. |
| Scale with integrity | He expanded carefully and invested in local communities along the way. |
| Let impact guide success | His accolades reflect the goodwill earned by ethics and dedication. |
