By: HB Tamrakar
Introduction
Born in Biratnagar, Morang,Preetesh Karki is today known as a successful entrepreneur in San Francisco, USA, where he owns four departmental stores, a gas station, a banquet hall, and restaurants. But this journey was neither easy nor carefully planned. His story is a living example of struggle, courage, and the ability to recognize opportunities.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in architecture engineering in Nepal,Preetesh began his professional life as a teacher and engineer in a construction company in Kathmandu. Initially, he viewed America only as a destination for higher studies. Inspired by friends who went abroad, he also applied for an MBA. “I came here thinking I’d return after my studies, but life showed me a different path,”Preetesh often says.
That very path turned him into a source of pride for the Nepali diaspora, an inspiration for youth, and a living example of how determination can create a new life in a land of opportunities like the United States.
Life in Nepal and Early Struggles
Preetesh Karki spent his early years in Biratnagar, Morang, where he received his primary education. From a young age, he was hardworking and curious. Excelling academically, he went on to complete his bachelor’s in architecture engineering. In Kathmandu, he worked as an engineer in a construction company during the day while teaching at an engineering college in the morning. Though the income was decent, life was preparing him for bigger challenges.
At the time, many of his friends were heading abroad for higher education. Motivated by their enthusiasm,Preetesh too decided to follow. His initial goal was only academic. He applied for an MBA at Lindenwood University in St. Louis. After working for two and a half years in Kathmandu, he left for the U.S. on a scholarship.
Life as a student in the U.S. wasn’t easy. While student visas did not allow off-campus work, he managed to find part-time opportunities — working in the university computer lab and later at a nearby gas station during holidays to cover his expenses. “Even managing pocket money was a struggle at first, but that struggle taught me self-reliance,” he recalls.
Preetesh completed his two-year MBA program in just 13 months — a testament to his discipline, determination, and ability to manage time. After graduation, he moved to San Francisco, where his relatives lived. There, he met his life partner and married her during his graduation ceremony with both families present.
His professional beginnings in Nepal and challenging experiences in the U.S. prepared him for the future. While friends easily found jobs in reputed companies,Preetesh chose the riskier path of starting his own business with limited capital.
The First Business and Early Challenges in the U.S.
At the end of 2012,Preetesh bought his first departmental store in the United States. The decision wasn’t easy, nor was he fully aware of the risks. “Honestly, I dared to invest because I didn’t know the risks. Had I known them, I might not have had the courage,” he says.
He made a 20% down payment, while the seller financed the rest. In the U.S., banks rarely provide loans for small businesses, something he learned quickly. Without a formal business plan, he ran the store with dedication. Luck and hard work worked in his favor, and the store performed well.
By 2016, four years later, he purchased his second store — this time with more preparation and a clearer strategy. With growing experience, his business expansion became smoother, and banks began offering him loans. Within the next few years, he bought two more stores, making him the owner of four successful departmental stores.
Through this process,Preetesh learned crucial lessons in financial management, market strategy, risk assessment, and employee management. The struggles of his early days instilled in him patience, discipline, and the importance of thorough preparation.
Expansion — From Departmental Stores to Gas Stations and Banquet Halls
Preetesh’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop at departmental stores. With growing confidence and success, he expanded into new ventures.
In 2020, he purchased 1.5 acres of land and built a gas station equipped with eight pumps — a major milestone that showcased the potential of Nepali entrepreneurs in the U.S. Customer service and quality were his top priorities.
Two years later, he acquired a banquet hall with a capacity of over 200 people, serving as a hub for cultural, social, and musical events for both Nepali and international communities.
For Preetesh, success was not just about profit. He believed in creating opportunities for others. Today, over 40 employees work in his businesses — all of them Nepali.
“I’ve always prioritized giving jobs to Nepalis. As long as I can find Nepalis, I don’t hire outsiders,” he emphasizes.
He also invested in restaurants as a partner and plans to expand into real estate in the near future. According to him, with hard work, resilience, and a clear understanding of opportunities, America offers boundless possibilities for entrepreneurs.
Prioritizing Nepali Employment and Community Leadership
For Preetesh, entrepreneurship goes beyond financial gain. His vision includes uplifting the community and creating opportunities for fellow Nepalis. By employing over 40 Nepalis, he has contributed directly to strengthening the diaspora.
His leadership extends to community service as well. He serves as the president of the Nepali Association of North California, an organization that built a community center for Nepalis and actively works to preserve language and culture.
One of his notable initiatives is advocating for the inclusion of the Nepali language in the U.S. driver’s license test, which currently offers multiple languages but not Nepali.
Additionally,Preetesh is involved in local governance, serving as a member of the Housing and Community Development Advisory Board in his county, giving him a voice in policy-making and representation for the Nepali community.
Business Philosophy — Balancing Risk and Opportunity
Preetesh’s success is not just a result of luck but of conscious decision-making, risk awareness, and opportunity recognition.
His business philosophy rests on four pillars:
- The courage to take calculated risks
- Learning continuously from experience
- Valuing employees and community
- A mindset of consistent growth and improvement
Future Plans — Real Estate and Beyond
Preetesh’s entrepreneurial vision looks beyond his current ventures. His next goal is to invest in real estate, creating stable income streams and long-term growth.
But his aim is not just personal gain. He envisions these investments generating jobs, contributing to community development, and strengthening the identity of Nepali entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Political and Social Engagement
Preetesh is not only an entrepreneur but also a social and political leader. As a county advisory board member, he contributes to local policymaking. As the president of the Nepali Association, he works for the cultural, linguistic, and social rights of the Nepali community.
His leadership and activism have inspired trust within the diaspora and provided opportunities for young Nepalis to dream bigger and take initiative.
Lessons for Youth
Through his journey,Preetesh highlights the importance of education, perseverance, and recognizing opportunities. His message to the younger generation is clear:“Dream big, seek opportunities, take risks, work hard, and never give up.”
His story reminds us that success is not just about personal achievements but also about uplifting the community, creating opportunities, and inspiring future generations.
Conclusion
From Biratnagar, Morang, to San Francisco, America, the life of Preetesh Karki is a story of dreams, struggles, opportunities, and success. Despite early challenges, limited investments, and uncertain beginnings, he built a thriving business empire and became a symbol of resilience, leadership, and inspiration for the Nepali diaspora.
