Mohamed Hussein, a first-generation Somali American, grew up in a bustling household in Northern Virginia, where he developed his skills as an interpreter and entrepreneur from an early age. Responding to his parents’ Somali in English and always finding ways to earn pocket money, Mohamed’s hustle continued into his early 20s when he taught English and facilitated livestock deals in Saudi Arabia. In 2013, he founded PGLS (Piedmont Global Language Solutions) in Arlington, Virginia.

The company, boasting 57 employees, offers translation, interpretation, and related services in over 200 languages across 18 countries, making it a significant player in the $60.5 billion industry. Despite his success, it’s fascinating to think that Mohamed once considered becoming a doctor.