How Igor Finkelshtein Turned Adversity into Opportunity: My Immigrant Journey to Entrepreneurial Success

Growing up under a communist regime taught me early on that true freedom and opportunity are not guaranteed—they must be fought for. My name is Igor Finkelshtein, and this is the story of how I escaped the Soviet Union, survived political turmoil, and built a business empire in the United States.

From Moldova to the Edge of Revolution

I, Igor Finkelshtein, was born in 1971 in Moldova, a small republic under Soviet control. My family had deep roots in Eastern Europe, but under communism, our family's businesses and properties were confiscated. While my parents managed to navigate life within the system, my grandparents' disdain for communism deeply influenced me.

By the time I was a teenager, my desire to leave the Soviet Union was so strong that I used to dream of being "rescued" by the West. In 1989, as the Soviet Union started to fall apart, my chance finally came. Through a family invitation to another country, my family applied to leave. But the journey was far from smooth.

Crossing into Romania, Igor Finkelshtein and his family found themselves caught in the violent Romanian Revolution. Trapped at a train station, facing detention, threats, and even imprisonment, I realized that survival would require not just courage, but quick thinking. We were lucky to find our way out and move towards our dream.

Starting from Scratch in America

Life in America wasn't easy. I worked in a 99-cent store, then a fish factory, taking whatever jobs I could find to support my young family. In 1995, I, Igor Finkelshtein, entered the transportation industry, training tirelessly to become one of the top drivers in one of New York's largest car service companies. Within a few years, I was earning six figures.

Building Businesses, Creating Opportunity

I invested every dollar wisely, first purchasing a transportation franchise, then a gas station in Florida. Each move was strategic, fueled by hard work and a refusal to settle. By the early 2000s, I transitioned fully into the transportation sector, securing Medicaid contracts and expanding into student transportation and software development.

Today, my companies employ over 1,500 people, operate hundreds of vehicles, and generate over $100 million in annual revenue. We've launched technology platforms for medical transportation and for homecare management, staying ahead by continuously innovating.

Lessons Learned

Resilience is everything. No matter how many times life knocked me down—whether in Soviet Moldova, Romania, or New York City—I, Igor Finkelshtein, got back up.

Work ethic wins. I worked 16-hour days when necessary. Success comes to those willing to outwork everyone else.

Stay adaptable. Whether it was adjusting to life in three different countries or pivoting business models, adaptability was key.

Final Thoughts

My journey from a Soviet refugee to a successful American entrepreneur has been long, challenging, and deeply rewarding. I, Igor Finkelshtein, share my story not to boast, but to inspire others facing their own obstacles.

If there's one thing my life has taught me, it's that opportunity often hides behind adversity. You just have to be willing to fight for it, work for it, and never give up.

No matter where you start, you have the power to define where you end up.