My name is John Alam and I’m from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I came to the United States in June of 1997. Luckily, I had an uncle that was already living in Texas so I moved in with him. When I got there, all I did was watch tv and sit on the couch. So, I asked my uncle to help me find me a job. He took me next door to a place called Sonic Drive-In. I was happy and scared for a couple of reasons. One, this was my first job ever and two, I did not know any English other than yes, no, maybe, and thank you. The only way I knew how to communicate was to point at things. Then, they hired me as a cleaning guy. The 1st few months my job duties were taking out trash, pressure washing the parking lot, and cleaning dishes. I would come to work for a couple of hours then they would send me home. A few hours later, they would call me back in when the trash and dishes piled up. Eventually, they taught me how to work in the kitchen. They tried to train me to take orders but the customers could not understand what I was saying. Everyone would laugh at me which made me feel bad. But that also pushed me to enroll in English classes at the University of Texas in Arlington. I would also wear a Cherry Limeade Costume. Almost every day I would tell myself that I am not coming back the next day but, I still came back. My uncle would also say hard work builds character so I knew quitting was not an option.
I started at the bottom of Sonic Drive- In in Texas and worked my way up to The Market Director and Partner. Today I have 3 Ori’Zabas Mexican Grill locations and 2 Human Bean coffee shops but, one under construction.
I met my wife in 2002 at Sonic. We got married in May of 2006. We have a 10-year-old daughter that was born in May of 2012. We have family in Texas. My mom, my sister, and two of my brothers are in Bangladesh. One of my brothers is in New Zealand with his family and the other has now passed.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My plan was to buy Sonic franchises. After living in Vegas for about 5 years, I met the owners of Ori’Zabas, and early last year I started the process of buying franchises.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Don Pablos, Texas De Brazil, California Pizza Kitchen and Zaba’s Downtown Summerlin.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I came to Vegas in 2000. After leaving Bangladesh, I lived in Texas from 1997-1998, and Utah from 1999 until moving to Las Vegas area.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community?
The Sonic franchise owner. He was a simple guy that told me as a leader, “You will always walk behind your people, not in front of them.” He also taught me that taking care of the people is the most important thing. And if you do that, the business will grow.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Australia. I have always wanted to go there, and I would visit my brother in New Zealand. I would also take my wife and daughter to Bangladesh to show my daughter where I came from.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie – The American President. TV show – The West Wing was my favorite.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t be scared to work hard.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Take my daughter to Bangladesh and my family to places we’ve never been.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I don’t listen to music. I listen to Podcasts and audio books.
Q: What current (or former) local business are you a frequent visitor of in our community?
California Pizza Kitchen in Summerlin.
Q: If you could choose anyone living today (or has passed) and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
One of my Sonic mentors that taught me about hard work. I’d take him to lunch at one of my restaurants so he can see what I’ve accomplished. Because life gets in the way, I haven’t been able to do that.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The walking paths. It's also a calm place to live, and the people are nice.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years, I see myself with 3 more locations, of both Ori’Zabas and the Human Bean. In 10 years, I’d like to own a Restaurant Brand and franchise.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
People can sometimes think I’m hardheaded or one sided, but I have a vision set in my mind.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My daughter’s birthday
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Nature and the drive to Mt. Charleston.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, she pushes me. And my daughter, she is so smart.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Mexican food and steak.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Happiness, Family, Relaxation
