Chamber Spotlight - Khurshed Sharifov, Past Chair

Name: Khurshed Sharifov
Company Name: Charles Schwab & Co.
Title: Independent Branch Leader/Financial Consultant
Years at Company: 8 months (16 years in the financial services industry)

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I love to help people. I have worked for non-profits in the past and it has had a tremendous impact on me. Helping my clients reach their goals whatever that might be is why I show up for work every day. 

What was your first job?
For my first job, I was an interpreter working for a British Gold Mining company in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Part of my duties was to watch over how the mine workers wash the gold and collect it. I would spend three weeks on the mine and have a week off. It was truly a very interesting time in my life. 

How do you spend your free time?
I like to read and travel.

What are three words that best describe you?
Kind, ambitious and open minded

What did you want to become as kid?
I wanted to become a pilot. One of my uncles is a commercial pilot and I always wanted to become one when I was a kid.

Would you prefer to travel back in time or into the future?
I would probably travel back. 

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?
I have been a Tri-Citizen since 2000. I enjoy living here. 

Where is your hometown?
My home town is Kulob, located in Tajikistan. Tajikistan used to be part of the former Soviet Union located in Central Asia. Tajikistan is a small mountainous country that borders China, Afghanistan, Usbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.  

Do you have any special talents?
I guess I speak 3.5 languages, not sure if that qualifies as a talent. 

One piece of advice you’d give a young person that wants to get into your field?
Be ready to work hard and hear a lot of NO’s. 

What was the first concert you attended?
Bruno Mars which was just last year. It was a blast. 

What excites you the most about the direction of the Tri-City Regional Chamber? 
Being a past Chair and also involved in the Chamber for over 10 years, I am really excited about the MyTri initiative that the Chamber has undertaken. I believe it will impact our community in ways that we can’t even imagine today.