Be humble and show gratitude. I have never lost sight of where I came from and I try to use that frame of mind in dealing with the people I encounter everyday, from employees to colleagues. I may be the CEO, but I also sweep floors when the situation calls for it. I have some employees who started with me in 2005 from humble beginnings and are now holding executive level positions. Our Vice President, Christina Tsang, came to us from a temp agency and now she’s my right hand.

Is the American Dream still alive? If you speak to many of the immigrants we spoke to, who came to this country with nothing but grit, resilience, and a dream, they will tell you that it certainly is still alive.

As a part of our series about immigrant success stories, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Mustafa.

Sam Mustafa is a Charleston-based business owner and entrepreneur. He has invested himself in the area, and every effort he makes is geared towards improving the community. Over the course of just a few years, he has bought several empty buildings in the area. He quickly turns these vacant buildings into award-winning restaurants. It is hard to travel the streets of downtown Charleston and not see one of his restaurants. Today, Sam Mustafa is the CEO of Charleston Hospitality Group. He has constructed a business that is good for employers, employees, residents, and visitors of Charleston. His efforts increase the area’s value day by day.

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