Tehran to Houston

My Journey to the American Dream

De: Ali Attayi

Narrado por: Stephen Floyd

From the bustling streets of post-war Tehran to the unpredictable terrain of the American Dream, Ali Attayi’s life is a gripping tale of resilience, risk, and reinvention.

Born in Iran in 1945, Ali was thrust into adulthood early — balancing schoolbooks with a job in his father’s electrical shop by the age of nine. That unshakable work ethic became the bedrock of a life defined by grit and determination. But nothing could have prepared him for the twists and trials ahead.

In the 1970s, Ali arrived in the U.S. with little more than ambition and drive. While juggling mechanical engineering classes and multiple jobs, he began building a future with his American wife, Jeanne. Just as they found their footing, a job opportunity pulled them back to Iran — only to have the Revolution rip it all apart. Fleeing political unrest and life-threatening danger, the couple barely escaped the violence, returning to the U.S. with no plan, little to their name, and their first child on the way.

That’s when the real battle began.

Starting over in Houston, Ali took a gamble on an Exxon gas station — a move that would ignite his transformation from refugee to relentless entrepreneur. Through multiple betrayals, economic collapse, bitter lawsuits, and a revolving door of unreliable partners, Ali pushed forward with fierce resolve. He built a string of businesses from the ground up, pioneering innovations in technology and cutting-edge business strategies while always guided by the traditional values that shaped him.

In this compelling memoir, Ali Attayi shares the raw truth behind his journey — the sacrifices, the breakthroughs, and the moments when failure felt inches away. It’s a story of courage and conviction, of building a life not just for oneself, but for future generations. At its heart, it’s a testament to the enduring power of integrity, family, and never backing down.

©2025 Ali Attayi (P)2025 Ali Attayi