Meet Isa Bahu

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isa Bahu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isa, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My entire life, filled with great and challenging experiences alike, was molded by the love of my parents, and in particular, the patience and grit of my father. Albert Bahu’s primary motivation was to educate, support, and build his family. I am the youngest of 6 children, and the only one in my immediate family to be born in the United States. At age 38, my father immigrated to the United States with $50 in his pocket and somehow managed, along with the help of my mother, to raise a family. Neither could speak, read, or write English, but both had an incredible work ethic and desire to do better for their children. I was born four years later, and by that time, the family was in a more secure place.
My first job was an internship as a bank teller at 16 years old. I learned the importance of organization, customer service, corporate structure, and chain of command. Given the political state overseas, neither of my parents had the opportunity to get an education, a sore point in their history. For that reason, it was a great source of pride for them when I graduated with a degree in Economics and Accounting, with a minor in Sales and Marketing, from the University of Southern California.
At the time, I felt like I was going through the motions to please my parents—I was too young to realize the impact, importance, and blessing that education had to offer. USC opened many doors for me and taught me the importance of collaboration, building support, and the power of determination.
With a degree in hand, I joined the family business, aiming to expand our reach and grow my father’s empire. Along with my father and older sister May, we opened a gas station in Corona. The gas station business is 24 hours a day, and my father wanted to find a mode of income that did not require him to be on call all the time.
Using savings from the gas station business, he roped in May and me to assist in building homes. My father included his family in all of his dreams, and his vision to develop homes resulted in over 35 units built. During this time, I learned how to review plans, make cost-cutting decisions, approach the city, pick out materials, and dream bigger.
In 2005, secure in our business acumen and with an incredible foundation from my father, May and I opened our own gas station together. Our happiness at that time was marred by the unexpected passing of our patriarch. Albert was 73 when he died, but his lessons and memories continue on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Today, I remain working side by side with May, and we have started and run different businesses together. Her strengths in accounting, finance, and management complement my marketing and operational skills. We are a product of our upbringing and carry the same love and determination to succeed that our parents instilled in us.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I co-own and operate gas stations, convenience stores, automotive repair shops, and quick-service delis. Our businesses still operate with a small-town vibe where we call our customers by their first names. Our employees are treated like family members, and it is a great joy to watch them grow and build their lives. One of the aspects I enjoy most about business is the sense of having a second family between our customers and team at work. Getting to where we are today has been, up until recently, the core focus of my life. Following my father’s passing, I was working upwards of 20 hours per day, seven days per week. I cloaked my grief with the distraction of work. I had a shower at the business and would sleep onsite regularly. I was firm in my commitment to continue my father’s legacy and felt the pressure of supporting my mother.
I went all in, and it paid off—the business flourished. On the downside, my health and relationships took a toll. I was so focused on business that everything else fell to the wayside. Ten years passed in the blink of an eye, and I found myself defending unhealthy habits, older, and having missed out on many meaningful events.
I have since drastically changed my mindset and priorities. When my father was alive, he shared that “when you go, there is no trailer behind you.” In other words, we leave this world the way we entered it—with nothing. No cars, houses, businesses, art, or jewelry.
My business success came at a great cost. In reflection, I realized that I spent so much time living to work that I missed out on a lot of living. My practice and mindset today are different. While it took more precious years than necessary, my priorities have shifted to include placing greater weight and value on my personal time, family, social life, health, and God before all else. I’ve found an amazing partner and we enjoy life and travel together.
I still love going into work, meeting with customers, and creating and exceeding goals, but now I take weekends off and work manageable hours. I honor my health by going to the gym, taking long walks with my dog, and vacationing with my loved ones. I visit with family and friends often—not just on holidays.
Since shifting my mindset, my physical, mental, and spiritual health have improved significantly, and I am much happier. For entrepreneurs who are wholly focused on work, it can be a rabbit hole leading to “success.” Life has taught me that real riches are in relationships and memories made.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love coastal living. San Clemente, while a sleepy town, boasts beautiful scenery, eclectic shops, a gorgeous pier, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s an absolute must to visit Buono Forchetta, where you can enjoy some of the best and most authentic Italian food in Southern California. Take a walk on the beach or an electric bike ride through town. Sunday strolls through downtown are always a treat with a Farmer’s Market where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade pasta, organic honey, and more. For those who love to shop, you can find great deals at the Outlets in San Clemente, which includes stores like Lululemon, Cole Haan, Vans, Tillys, and more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Apart from my family, who I take love and inspiration from daily, I am grateful for the mentorship of my dear friend Mark Hall, who is the President of Monster Energy Drinks. Mark has taught me to look at business through a different lens and to value opportunities for more than their financial worth. His knowledge and experience make for a great sounding board from a trusted friend. Most importantly, Mark has continuously shared his most precious asset with me over the years, which is his time.