Michael Younessi

Born in Tehran, Iran, Michael Younessi left his native country with his family in the wake of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The family settled first in Reading, Pennsylvania, and later in Huntington Beach, California, where Michael Younessi attended Isaac L. Sowers Middle School and Edison High School. He ultimately earned his GED so that he could embark on his postsecondary education at an early age, attending community college and enrolling in a four-year institution before establishing his first business. Mr. Younessi ultimately ended his schooling just short of graduating to operate this business, Cal Fabrics, on a full-time basis.

After achieving a great deal of success with Cal Fabrics, Michael Younessi joined forces with a colleague to start 3D Embroidery Mills and 3D Silk Screening & Printing, Inc., in 1995. Performing silk screening and embroidery work for multiple leading garment manufacturers, this company grew to become one of the largest of its kind in southern California, employing more than 300 employees at various times during its operations.