Ramin Pourteymour has always had his eyes on the horizon. From his early days as a commercial airline pilot to his current work in real estate development, his career is a story of persistence, adaptability, and a desire to make a positive impact.
With about 18,000 flight hours, a thriving real estate business, and a deep commitment to philanthropy, Ramin’s journey reflects a belief in lifelong learning and giving back.
A Global Childhood and Early Lessons
Born in Tehran, Iran, Ramin spent his childhood moving across countries like France, Germany, and Hong Kong. These experiences exposed him to different cultures, ideas, and architectural styles. “Living in so many places gave me a broader perspective on how people live and interact with their surroundings,” Ramin says. “It made me appreciate the importance of community and sustainability.”
His family’s move to the United States wasn’t easy. They left behind a comfortable life in Iran during the revolution and started fresh in California. Ramin Pourtyemour quickly learned the value of hard work. He worked at a local gas station as a teenager to help his family, often pumping gas and cleaning bathrooms. “It taught me that no job is beneath you when you’re working toward something bigger,” he reflects.
Taking Flight: The Aviation Years
Ramin’s fascination with aviation began early. When he got hired, he was the youngest pilot for United Airlines. At that time, he was also told that he was the youngest pilot in the world. “Flying wasn’t just a job,” Ramin explains. “It was a responsibility. You’re trusted with lives, and that keeps you sharp, disciplined, and humble.”
Throughout his aviation career, Ramin took on leadership roles, including Vice Chairman of Professional Standards for the Airline Pilots Association. He helped develop training materials and led efforts to improve pilot performance and safety protocols. “As pilots, we must be exceptionally organized and disciplined, planning our route well in advance and always keeping a backup plan ready for any unexpected changes,” he says.
A New Chapter: Real Estate Development
After years in aviation, Ramin felt drawn to something new. A motorcycle accident sidelined his flying career temporarily, giving him time to reflect. “That moment made me think about what I really wanted to do next,” Ramin says. “I realized I could take the lessons from aviation—planning, adaptability, and teamwork—and apply them to something new.”
In 1993, he founded his real estate investment and development company, just four years after becoming a pilot. He also pursued more investments and developments, some in partnerships. Ramin developed his own real estate investment formulas, creating five key rules for investing in commercial real estate. His investments span both domestic properties across the United States and international markets.
His projects prioritize energy efficiency, green materials, and innovative design. “We have to think about the long-term impact of what we build,” he says. “The buildings we create today will shape the communities of tomorrow.”
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Ramin’s work extends beyond business. He’s deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly through the San Diego Police and the San Diego Police Historical Association. In 2009, he co-chaired the “Legends Behind the Badge” event, helping raise over $120,000 to support these initiatives. “Our police officers are part of the fabric of our community,” he says. “Supporting them is just one way we can give back.”
Animal welfare is another cause close to his heart. He founded Last Hope 4 Paws, a nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates homeless pets. To date, the organization has saved 1,046 animals. “I’ve always had a soft spot for animals,” Ramin says. “They don’t have a voice, so it’s up to us to step in when they need help.”
For the past two and a half decades, Ramin has been involved with over 129 organizations, donating his own money, time, and even his home for fundraisers. He has also given speeches to young adults involved in inappropriate activities or gangs, sharing life lessons to inspire change. “My life has been like Forrest Gump or, if you put it on a chart, it would look like a NASDAQ stock chart—each time I’ve gone down, I’ve come back even higher.”
Lessons from a Life of Change
Ramin’s life has been one of transitions—from Iran to the U.S., from aviation to real estate. Through it all, he’s relied on a few core principles: stay adaptable, stay humble, and stay curious.
“I think I’m doing things right by doing my work and not comparing myself to others, supporting as many humans and animals as I can in my lifetime, and doing one good thing per day. I have my goals, I follow my dreams, and I make them come true,” Ramin says.
He believes in learning from every challenge. “When things don’t go as planned, I try to ask myself: What can I learn from this? That mindset has helped me in the flight deck, in real estate, and in life.”
Looking Forward
Ramin continues to seek new opportunities to create positive change. He is exploring new ways to integrate eco-friendly technology into his developments and hopes to expand his nonprofit work. “We can’t predict the future,” he says, “but we can do our part to build a better one.”
His journey, from pumping gas as a teenager to flying international routes to developing sustainable neighborhoods, shows how adaptability, integrity, and a commitment to giving back can create a meaningful life.
“There are so many misunderstandings in this world, and people judge without checking facts,” Ramin says. “I try not to.”
