Javid Javdani is a distinguished Doctor of Pharmacy and a successful entrepreneur based in San Diego, California. His journey from a young immigrant to a leading figure in the food retail industry highlights his dedication to innovation, community service, and excellence. Born in Iran, Javid moved to the United States in 1982 following the Iranian Revolution, a move that significantly shaped his life and career.
I had the opportunity to meet Javid on a sunny afternoon at Balboa Market in San Diego, where he shared his experiences of navigating the dynamic worlds of pharmacy and food retail. His enthusiasm for his work was evident as he recounted the various initiatives he led to improve community engagement and customer satisfaction. Javid’s stories highlighted his deep commitment to fostering strong relationships and his ability to balance numerous responsibilities with remarkable skill.
Early Life and Education
Javid’s early life was marked by resilience and a love for community engagement. Growing up in Iran, Javid was encouraged to explore his interests and pursue education. After moving to the United States, he worked various jobs to support himself, including at a car wash, gas station, and restaurants. Reflecting on these years, Javid says, “Coming to America as an immigrant was both exciting and daunting. It taught me invaluable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and adapting to new environments. These experiences shaped my career path and instilled in me a passion for personal and professional excellence. Each challenge was a stepping stone to the person I am today.”
“The years I spent in healthcare allowed me to hone my skills in managing complex operations and understanding the nuances of customer needs.”
After completing high school, Javid pursued higher education in chemistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and continued his studies at the University of the Pacific, where he obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1994. His academic journey provided him with the knowledge and resilience needed to excel in his future endeavors, laying the groundwork for a successful career.
Building a Career in Pharmacy
Javid began his professional career in San Diego, working as a pharmacist. His dedication and expertise quickly earned him a reputation for excellence. He soon took on the role of Director of Pharmacy at Kindred Healthcare, where he was responsible for overseeing pharmacy operations and ensuring high-quality patient care. “Pharmacy taught me the importance of precision, customer service, and adapting to ever-changing demands,” Javid explains. “The years I spent in healthcare allowed me to hone my skills in managing complex operations and understanding the nuances of customer needs. It was a fulfilling career that taught me a lot about dedication and service.”
Transition to Entrepreneurship
Despite his success in the healthcare sector, Javid’s entrepreneurial spirit remained strong. He saw an opportunity to expand his impact beyond the confines of the pharmacy by acquiring a small grocery store in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood. “The transition from pharmacy to retail was a natural extension of my skills and interests,” Javid reflects. “Becoming an entrepreneur was a chance to engage more directly with my community and to bring something unique to the market. I wanted to create a space that celebrated cultural diversity and offered authentic products from around the world. It was a big leap, but my background in pharmacy provided me with the foundation to navigate the challenges of business ownership.”
Javid recognized the potential to transform the store into a thriving international market, and through hard work and strategic planning, he succeeded in turning the store into a cultural hub that offers products from various countries. He says, “Moving from pharmacy to the food industry was challenging, but it also offered me the chance to innovate and grow in new ways. I used the discipline and customer focus I learned in pharmacy to build a business that is all about community and authenticity.”
Values, Growth, and Insights
Javid’s approach to business is grounded in his core values of passion, creativity, respect, accountability, and engagement. He believes in treating others the way he would want to be treated, a philosophy that has guided him in building positive relationships and fostering a collaborative work environment. “Success in this field requires constant innovation and the willingness to explore new approaches,” he explains. “I’ve learned that embracing change and being open to new ideas are crucial. My journey has taught me that success is not just about achieving goals but also about learning from every experience and growing as a person.”
“Life as an immigrant taught me the value of patience and perseverance. Each step, whether big or small, is part of a larger journey towards success.”
Javid is a staunch advocate for continuous learning and professional growth, regularly attending conferences and embracing risks to push his boundaries. Reflecting on his journey, Javid shares, “Learning to take things slower and fully embrace each experience has been key to my growth. Life as an immigrant taught me the value of patience and perseverance. Each step, whether big or small, is part of a larger journey towards success.”
Javid Javdani’s journey highlights his dedication, creativity, and ability to excel in multiple fields. As both a pharmacist and entrepreneur, his contributions reflect a strong commitment to excellence and professional growth. Javid’s work is characterized by resilience, innovation, and a consistent drive to achieve his goals. His journey serves as an inspiring example of how one person can bridge industries and bring communities together through dedication and vision.
Interview with Javid Javdani
What keeps you motivated and excited about what you do?
What keeps me motivated and excited is the constant opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. Having started my journey as an immigrant, I know firsthand the value of hard work and perseverance. When I first arrived in the United States, everything was new and overwhelming. I worked various jobs, from car washes to restaurants, to support myself. Those experiences taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, which continue to fuel my passion for entrepreneurship today. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in my community, and that is what excites me the most.
As a pharmacist, I was motivated by the opportunity to help people improve their health and well-being. This commitment to service has carried over into my work with Balboa Market. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the market brings people together and fosters a sense of community. When customers find a product that reminds them of home, or they try a new ingredient for the first time, it reinforces the impact of what we do. Hearing customers share how much they appreciate the diversity and authenticity of our offerings is incredibly gratifying. Knowing that I am contributing to cultural exchange and providing a space for people to explore and connect with different traditions keeps me energized and motivated to continue expanding and improving our offerings.
What’s your go-to way to relax and enjoy yourself during your downtime?
During my downtime, I love spending time with my family. After a long week, there’s nothing more rejuvenating than a quiet evening at home with my wife and daughter. We enjoy cooking together, trying new recipes, and sharing meals. Food has always been a big part of my life, both professionally and personally, so cooking at home is a way for me to unwind and express creativity. Whether it’s a traditional Persian dish or a new international recipe we’ve discovered, preparing a meal together is a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
I also enjoy taking long walks around my neighborhood or exploring new areas of San Diego. Being outdoors helps clear my mind and provides a fresh perspective. These walks allow me to step away from the hustle of running a business and reconnect with nature. On weekends, I love visiting other markets and food festivals to get inspired and learn about different cultures. This not only helps me unwind but also gives me new ideas for Balboa Market.
Finally, I make time for reading and meditation. These practices help center me and bring balance to my life. Reading about other entrepreneurs’ journeys or diving into a good novel can be both educational and relaxing. Meditation allows me to focus on the present moment and recharge mentally and emotionally. Together, these activities ensure that I maintain a healthy work-life balance and stay energized for the challenges ahead.
What do you think is your single most crucial trait for success?
The single most crucial trait for my success is adaptability. As an immigrant, adaptability was essential for navigating a new culture and environment. When I arrived in the United States, I faced many challenges, including learning a new language and understanding a different way of life. This experience taught me to embrace change and remain open to new possibilities.
Adaptability has also been vital in my transition from pharmacy to entrepreneurship. The world of retail is constantly evolving, with new trends and customer preferences emerging all the time. Being adaptable allows me to respond quickly to these changes and seize opportunities as they arise. For example, when I first took over Balboa Market, I realized there was a growing demand for international products beyond the Persian community. By expanding our offerings to include diverse cultural foods, we were able to reach a broader customer base and grow the business significantly.
In my role as an entrepreneur, adaptability also means being willing to learn from failures and setbacks. There have been times when things didn’t go as planned, but each challenge provided an opportunity to learn and grow. Being adaptable means staying flexible and resilient, even when faced with obstacles. It’s about maintaining a positive attitude and being willing to adjust your approach as needed. This mindset has been instrumental in helping me build a successful business and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
What’s the weirdest thing that has happened in your career?
One of the weirdest and most unexpected events in my career happened shortly after I took over Balboa Market. It was an ordinary day, and I was busy organizing inventory when I noticed an unusual number of customers congregating around the spice aisle. At first, I thought it was just a busy day, but then I realized they were all staring at a specific shelf.
As I approached, I discovered that one of our employees had mistakenly stocked an entire row with a rare type of spice known for its intense aroma and unique properties. To my surprise, a famous local chef happened to be in the store that day and immediately recognized the spice as a rare find. Word quickly spread through the community, and within hours, we had a crowd of chefs and food enthusiasts at the market eager to purchase the spice.
This bizarre incident not only turned an ordinary day into a memorable one but also highlighted the unexpected ways in which unique products can attract attention. The event brought a lot of publicity to Balboa Market, and we gained new customers who were curious about our selection. It was a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected and embracing the opportunities that come your way. The excitement surrounding that day reinforced my belief in the power of community and the potential for everyday experiences to turn into extraordinary moments.
How do you handle negative feedback when you receive it?
Handling negative feedback is an important part of growing as a business owner and individual. When I first started as a pharmacist, I encountered my fair share of criticism. Initially, it was challenging to accept, especially when I felt I had done my best. However, I learned that feedback is an opportunity for improvement, and it can provide valuable insights into areas that need attention.
In my role at Balboa Market, I have encountered negative feedback from customers about various aspects, such as product availability or customer service. I approach this feedback with an open mind and a willingness to listen. Instead of viewing it as a personal attack, I see it as an opportunity to better understand our customers’ needs and improve our offerings. This mindset has been crucial in making positive changes at the market.
For instance, there was a time when a customer expressed dissatisfaction with the freshness of some produce. Instead of dismissing their concerns, I took immediate action by reviewing our supply chain processes and implementing stricter quality controls. As a result, we improved the freshness of our produce, leading to more satisfied customers. This experience taught me the importance of using feedback as a tool for growth.
I also make it a point to thank individuals who provide constructive criticism. Acknowledging their feedback shows that I value their opinion and am committed to making improvements. It helps build trust and strengthens the relationship between our business and the community. Ultimately, embracing feedback with a positive attitude has been instrumental in our growth and success.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your life or career, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest obstacles I have overcome was transitioning from my career as a pharmacist to becoming an entrepreneur. The decision to leave a stable and successful career to pursue a new venture was daunting. Pharmacy had been a significant part of my life for nearly two decades, and I was stepping into the unknown.
The biggest challenge was the fear of failure and the uncertainty of whether I could succeed in a completely different industry. It required a significant shift in mindset and a willingness to embrace risk. I knew that I needed to rely on the skills I had developed as a pharmacist, such as attention to detail, customer service, and problem-solving, to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
To overcome this obstacle, I focused on learning as much as possible about the food retail industry. I spent countless hours researching market trends, understanding customer preferences, and building relationships with suppliers. I also sought advice from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors who could provide guidance and support. Their insights were invaluable and helped me navigate the complexities of running a business.
Additionally, I learned to trust my instincts and believe in my vision for Balboa Market. I knew there was a demand for authentic international products and a desire for a community-focused market. By staying true to this vision and being willing to adapt and learn from setbacks, I was able to overcome the challenges and build a successful business.
The transition taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience. It reinforced the belief that obstacles are opportunities for growth and that success often requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. Overcoming this challenge has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and it has given me the confidence to pursue new opportunities and continue growing as an entrepreneur.
