Hariraj Khanal, a promising businessman in Appleton, WI, among the young entrepreneurs in the Nepali American community, embarked upon his odyssey toward entrepreneurship upon setting foot on American soil in 2006. This visionary, guided by the whisperings of ambition, sought to carve his path.
Hari’s journey to the United States, from Cypress to Fox Valley Technical College, unfolded like the first chapter of a tale brimming with determination. Here, he pursued an associate degree in three formidable domains: Business Management, Accounting, and Finance.
Born and raised in a middle-class business family in Pokhara, Nepal, Hari’s earliest memories were steeped in the world of commerce. His family presided over the Gandaki Mart, a supermarket that bore witness to the ebb and flow of business life. This upbringing imprinted upon him the indelible allure of entrepreneurship.
The allure of prosperity beckoned him to the United States. “I experienced my life in Europe and the US, but for me, the U.S. symbolizes prosperity. To attain a prosperous lifestyle, one must tread the path of entrepreneurship,“ Hari said.
While pursuing his associate degree, Hari took a detour into the realm of hands-on experience, working at a gas station, deviating from his academic disciplines. “I joined the gas station job to garner the experience necessary to embark on my entrepreneurial journey,“ he reminisces.
In 2012, the seeds of his ambition bore fruit as he launched his first gas station business in Appleton, WI. Those initial months bore the weight of challenges, but his rich tapestry of experiences unfurled a path to success. ““For me, the triumph of the first business was pivotal, marking the commencement of a long-anticipated entrepreneurial voyage,”” Hari reflects.
The rhythm of success did not end there. In 2015, Hari joined forces with a friend to venture into another gas station enterprise. A year later, in 2016, they took another stride forward. Yet, since 2020, Hari has chosen the path of sole ownership, a testament to his resolve.
August 2021 heralded the addition of another station, followed by further expansion in 2022 and 2023. By 2024 Hari presides over a fleet of six gas stations, a testament to his unwavering commitment and strategic vision. As a social activist, Hari was the Founder and President of the Nepalese Appleton youth association Appleton called Naya.
The secret to his success, according to Hari, lies in meticulous planning and diligent execution. Challenges may manifest, but with a steadfast vision, victory becomes attainable. In addition to his gas station ventures, Hari has cast his gaze upon real estate.
Reflecting upon his early immigrant days in the United States, Hari paints a picture of relentless struggle—juggling academics and laboring for sustenance. It was a time of sleepless nights, where resilience was forged.
Hari’s involvement in student politics in his homeland spoke of his commitment to societal progress. Today, he harbors plans to launch a nonprofit aimed at uplifting marginalized children, particularly in the realm of education.
Hari’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: patience, a well-crafted plan, and unwavering diligence are the pillars of success. Instead of toiling under another’s banner, endeavor to unfurl the flag of your own enterprise. Beyond his business pursuits, Hari shares a harmonious family life with his spouse, Poonam, a dedicated healthcare worker, and their two sons, Ayush and Aaryan.