Akram Alhamidi did not follow the traditional business path. He moved forward rapidly. He trusted his conscience. And he created something real.
From a small town in Mississippi to owning and operating gas stations, Akram's story is about early responsibility, steady focus, and learning by doing. His career reflects a growing group of young operators who enter the business not from textbooks, but directly from life experience.
This spotlight looks at how Akram built a gas station and how he moves toward practical industry leadership.
Grew up in Petal, Mississippi
Akram Alhamidi grew up in Petal, Mississippi.
It's a close-knit city where people know each other and routines matter.
Football played a big role in his life in high school. Sports taught structure and discipline. It also taught him the importance of teamwork and continuity.
“Football taught me how to perform even when you don't feel like it,” Akram says. “That sticks with you.”
He graduated high school in 2020. For many students, that year was full of uncertainty. For Akram, it was a decision point.
Instead of waiting, he moved ahead.
Choosing a business instead of the traditional route
After graduation, Akram never took leave.
He did not ease into the workforce.
He started his own business.
“I knew I wanted to make something for myself,” he says. “I didn't want to wait years to get started.”
That mentality led to the creation of a gas station business that focuses on everyday service and reliability. Gas stations are not glamorous. They are on. They require attention every day.
He liked this thing.
“This is a business that depends on people,” explains Akram. “You can't cut corners. You have to be present.”
start gas station
The gas station's launch came with pressure.
Akram was young. He was self-employed. And he had to learn quickly.
There was no long ramp-up period. They dealt with real customers, real schedules, and real problems from day one.
“You learn faster when your name is on the door,” he says. “If something goes wrong, you're the one fixing it.”
He took over the operations directly. He learned to manage time, stay organized and make things run smoothly. Over time, the company grew into a chain of gas stations.
Growth did not come by shortcuts. It comes from repetition.
“Doing small tasks right every day adds up,” says Akram.
practical industry leadership
Gas stations are often overlooked as businesses.
But they are complex.
These include logistics, staffing, maintenance and customer service. Akram approaches leadership with a simple rule: Be involved.
“I like to know what's going on,” he says. “You can't lead from a distance in this kind of business.”
He sees leadership as a responsibility, not a right. He focuses on being reliable and consistent.
“When people know what to expect from you, things go better,” explains Akram.
That mindset helps him manage both people and operations. This also helps in keeping the business grounded as it grows.
Daily Habits and Balance
Apart from work, Akram keeps things simple.
He likes watching movies and spending time with friends.
That balance matters to him.
“Business can take over if you let it,” he says. “You still need time to reset.”
Moments away from work help keep him focused when he is at work. He does not completely separate life and business. He sees them as connected.
“When you're mentally clear, you make better decisions,” says Akram.
learning by doing
Akram's career was built not on theory but on experience.
He didn't wait until he felt ready.
“You don't learn everything before you start,” he says. “You learn by starting.”
That perspective defines how it views development. He believes that progress comes from action and adjustment.
Mistakes are part of the process. So there is accountability.
“If something doesn't work, you fix it and move on,” explains Akram.
looking at the big picture
As the company continues to operate and expand, Akram remains focused on execution. He is not chasing attention. He is building stability.
“I care about the sustainability of the business,” he says. “That's the goal.”
His story reflects broader changes in entrepreneurship. Young owners are entering essential industries and leading with presence rather than polish.
Akram Alhamidi represents that change.
He started early.
He remained involved.
And he created something real in a day or so.