An Interview With The American-Kuwaiti Entrepreneur AJ Hermanson

PRESS RELEASE
Published September 21, 2024

How would you describe yourself and what you currently do?

I guess you could call me an entrepreneur, although that word gets tossed around so much nowadays. I’m currently enrolled at Oregon State University, studying accountancy, which I believe will provide a strong foundation for my future business ventures. My plan is to focus on learning the ins and outs of real estate before fully diving into the market. I’ve already mapped out how I’ll get my foot in the door, with a clear strategy that includes using house hacking and FHA loans as key entry points. While real estate is my long-term focus, I’m also exploring other entrepreneurial opportunities along the way.

What do you think will be the biggest factor behind your success in real estate and entrepreneurship?

I believe the key to future success is having a clear strategy and sticking to it. Although I’m still planning to get into real estate, I’ve already mapped out my approach. I plan to start by utilizing FHA loans and house hacking—living in one unit of a duplex or fourplex while renting out the others—to get my foot in the door. It’s not just about finding a good deal; it’s about understanding the long-term benefits, like building credit and managing properties wisely. I think the same mindset applies to entrepreneurship in general—learn the rules, find your niche, and stay consistent.

Can you tell us about your early life and what influenced you to get into the world of business?

I was born and raised in Kuwait, but I’ve always had strong ties to both my American and Kuwaiti roots. Growing up in Kuwait shaped a lot of who I am today, especially in terms of my work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset. Being bilingual in English and Arabic has also opened up a lot of opportunities for me. From a young age, I was always looking for ways to improve and expand my horizons, which naturally led me into business and entrepreneurship.

If your real estate plans don’t work out as expected, what would be your next move?

Honestly, that’s exactly why I’m working on getting my degree in accountancy. it's my backup plan in case everything goes south. I’m fully committed to making real estate work, but I recognize the importance of having a solid Plan B. Having that backup ensures that I’ll still have a solid foundation if things don’t go as planned. I’m confident in my strategy, but it’s always smart to have a safety net.

What was your biggest challenge in starting your business journey?

For me, one of the biggest challenges was understanding the financial side of things, especially when it came to credit. Learning how to properly manage credit scores, debt, and bank relationships was crucial. I always recommend young people take the time to build their credit because it’s the foundation for bigger opportunities, especially in real estate. I personally avoid debit cards and focus on using credit cards to build that relationship with banks, which has been a game changer.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in business?

Learn a skill that provides value. When I started my journey as a music video editor, I thought getting to work with my favorite artists would be impossible. But once I realized the key to networking is offering value, things changed. It’s important to not just focus on making connections but also to work on your craft. In business, whether it's real estate or any other industry, being persistent and providing real value is what will get you in the door.

Does money buy happiness?

I think money provides freedom, which can lead to happiness, but it’s not everything. Money takes away the stress of daily expenses and bills, but happiness comes from relationships and personal fulfillment. For me, financial freedom is about having the ability to choose how I spend my time and who I spend it with. That’s where real happiness comes in.

What are your future plans?

My main focus right now is studying and learning the real estate game so that when I finally step into it, everything will feel more seamless. I want to be fully prepared to grow my real estate portfolio and eventually move into more sustainable, long-term investments. At the same time, I’m working on building my personal brand and exploring other entrepreneurial ventures. In the future, after reaching my own goals, I want to pass down the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my journey to young entrepreneurs. It’s important to not only achieve personal success but also guide the next generation along the way.

Where can people find you?

You can find me by simply googling my name, AJ Hermanson. I’m everywhere.

Vehement Media