Dhundi Raj Ghimire, known to many as Raj Ghimire, his journey from humble beginnings in Bhojpur Lekharaka VDC, Kavre Village, Nepal, to becoming a celebrated businessman and real estate broker in Cary, North Carolina, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of success.
Born into a family of eight siblings, Raj was the youngest, nurtured by the toil of a politician-farmer father and a dedicated housewife mother. His roots lay in the soil of lower-middle-class existence, a foundation that would later fortify his determination.
Education became his compass. Raj boarded on a journey that would see him earn a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, evidence of his scholarly pursuits spanning from 1990 to 1996. His quest for knowledge knew no bounds, leading him across the oceans to the United States. Here, he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, conferred upon him by Southern Polytechnic State University (now Kennesaw State University) from 1996 to 2000.
The chronicles of his career unfolded in a series of chapters, each marked by resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. His odyssey began as an assistant at Rastriya Banijya Bank, where he honed his financial acumen from 1988 to 1996. The American dream beckoned, and he crossed the threshold into the land of opportunity in 1996, working as a part-time cashier at a local gas station in Georgia.
The call for independence resonated within him, leading to the ownership of a local liquor shop in 2000. But Raj’s ambitions soared higher, and he spread his entrepreneurial wings wider. The years from 2004 to 2009 witnessed his ownership of three gas stations (two in Alabama and one in South Carolina), a franchise chain store (Dairy Queen in Georgia), two different liquor stores (Georgia and South Carolina), and a restaurant (Georgia).
Not one to rest on past laurels, Raj’s journey extended further with ownership of another fast food chain in a mall, Great Wraps in North Carolina, from 2010 to 2014. His entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds, leading him to venture into the tax franchise business with Liberty Tax in 2014, a journey that continues to this day.
In 2015, the world of real estate and insurance beckoned, and Raj embraced it wholeheartedly. His professional horizons expanded, and he embraced the role of a Real Estate Broker and Insurance Agent. His portfolio further burgeoned in 2021 with the ownership of an Asian grocery store.
Yet, beneath the veneer of success lies a profound story of determination. The catalyst for his business career was the desire to break free from the constraints of employment under others. Raj yearned for the freedom to be his boss, to dictate the rhythm of his life, and to provide for his family on his own terms.
His wisdom extends to the realms of mentorship. Raj believes that success in America’s business and social life hinges on qualities such as hard work, honesty, helpfulness, adaptability, time management, and social acumen. Integration into American society, he insists, requires embracing these virtues.
Beyond business, Raj is driven by a deep commitment to philanthropy. He is the founder of the Data Ram Gangadevi Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing less fortunate individuals in Nepal with access to education. His altruism extended to aiding less fortunate students in Lamjung and Jhapa Districts, ensuring that education became a beacon of hope.
His business journey weaves a tale of evolution, from Everest Investment Group (2002 – 2004) to Business Investment Group (2004 – 2010), United Financial Alliance (2010 – now), and Triangle Investment Group (2014 – now).
In the grand scheme of his social and political involvement, Raj stands as a towering figure. He served as the Vice President of NASeA (Nepalese Association in Southeast America) from 2007 to 2009 and became a Life Member in 2000. His contributions extended to NCNC (Nepal Center of North Carolina), where he assumed the role of a Life Member and Board of Trustee from 2022 onwards. He also holds the esteemed title of Life Member with NRNA (Non-Resident Nepali Association) since 2018.
On June 5, 1996, Raj embarked on his American journey, landing in Atlanta, Georgia. The transition was marked by culture shock, language barriers, and a new way of life. However, his determination and resilience allowed him to integrate into American society gradually, rising above the challenges.
To the new generation, Raj imparts a timeless message success is an amalgamation of hard work, honesty, respect for one’s roots, and learning from mistakes.” His legacy is one of honesty, helpfulness, and positivity, an enduring testament to the power of goodwill.
In the intimate sphere of family, Raj is a devoted husband to Rashmi Ghimire and a proud father to daughters Samikshya and Sejal. Their support and love provide the backdrop against which his remarkable journey continues to spread.