Entrepreneurial endeavors are inundated with forays into crypto, content creation, and e-commerce. Yet Smog King founder Arian Nazari decided to sidestep the hype and carve his path. That’s precisely what led him to create his smog check business, which has expanded to multiple locations throughout California.
Nazari is about sustainable business growth, focusing on an industry that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as inundated tech markets. Given that California vehicle owners are required to pass a smog test by the state, Nazari’s work is built on compliance rather than social media likes and market trends.
While some people opt for high-risk, high-reward opportunities, Nazari believes that steady demand businesses are worth investing in. With over 28 million registered vehicles in California that routinely require periodic smog checks [CA DMV, 2024], Nazari set himself up for success. How? By banking on the stability of services needed.
You Don’t Need Technical Experience to Succeed
Despite embroiling himself in the auto industry, Nazari doesn’t have a mechanical background. Yet that didn’t stop him. He learned systems, managed people, and followed the industry rules. With that approach, Nazari built Smog King from the ground up.
Before long, his business became functional without needing constant oversight. As a result, Nazari found time to attend college and focus on company growth. Of course, that’s not counting his many awards.
Like any business, Smog King started small before becoming the behemoth it is today. As for Nazari’s keys to success? Invest in a regulated space and follow the guidelines to a T.
Nazari said it best: “Everyone’s betting on the next social media wave. I bet on state law.”
Using Real-Life Experience to Garner Success
When someone says the word ‘entrepreneur,’ people with wealthy upbringings often come to mind. Nazari proves that you don’t need a crystal-clear record or a shiny GPA to succeed. The Smog King founder migrated to the US as a young child, barely passing high school. He later faced criminal charges on the cusp of adulthood at 18. He didn’t let those hurdles hold him back.
Nazari attained honor society status at community college before receiving a congressional award and transferring to USC.
Sharing His Tried and True Formula
Nazari isn’t interested in keeping his formula for success to himself. He encourages individuals to sidestep online trends when looking for investment opportunities. According to Nazir, the best investments come from regulated markets that are often overlooked amid the flash of tech.
The Smog King founder’s philosophy regarding regulated services isn’t without merit, either. Regulated service businesses such as Smog King have a 40% higher survival rate over 5 years than unregulated businesses [US Small Business Administration, 2023].
Nazari said, “The internet will change. Platforms will change. But people will always need to get their car smogged. That’s the business I want to be in.” That sounds like a formula worth replicating.
What’s Next for the Smog King?
While Nazari has already branched out to multiple locations, he has no plans to stop. The smog king is looking to lead California’s smog testing market, and hopes to expand his model to new states and take it national.
As Nazari’s business grows, he’s passionate about reinvesting some of his profits into philanthropic work like building schools and hospitals. Sure, businesses ultimately provide income, but Nazari believes in sharing that wealth to create lasting impact.