20 Under 40: Roshan Chandrakant Amin

Editor’s note: In keeping with our theme of social media this year, we asked each of “the 20” to submit personally curated photographs and answer questions that offer a sneak peek into their private, as well as professional, life. We also had them choose a location for their lead photo shoot that ties into who they are.

ROSHAN CHANDRAKANT AMIN

Dynamic Group president/CEO; Arch Plastics Packaging marketing executive; Rodizio Grill Downtown Chattanooga principal; commercial real estate developer; McCallie Alumni Board member; Crime Stoppers for Chattanooga Police Department board member; American Heart Association Executive Leadership Team; Gold Circle Top 10% Marriott Hotel Award; son, brother, husband and father

Age: 37

* Facebook or Instagram?

I don’t use either. I have a LinkedIn profile.

* What would your personal hashtag be?

#willmaketimeforyou

* Most-used emoji?

Hang-10. Staying persistently positive keeps me, and hopefully those I am communicating with, motivated to keep impacting our respective communities in a good way. The thumbs-up emoji is a close second.

* What would you list as your top 3 likes? And, dislikes?

Likes: Growing balance sheet, being challenged to work smarter and harder, promoting ambitious individuals who understand that it takes hard work to get a leg up in life. Dislikes: Complacency, egos, especially in business; ignorance, regarding persons that want the end result without putting in the work to get there.

* How old were you when you got your first cellphone?

I recall persuading my parents to buy me a flip phone when I was 15. With two older sisters, I thought it was wholly reasonable that I should have one when they did. What can I say? I have always been compelled to be social.

* Piece of tech you couldn’t live without (or wouldn’t want to)?

I won’t say I couldn’t live without it, but I certainly would not want to be without my smartphone. We all know the many benefits delivered by smart devices. Not only does my handheld give me access to the entire world, it tells me where to be, as well as how and when to get there, etc. There are just too many benefits to mention, but to me, the most important benefit of having a smartphone is that it empowers me to handle most of my immediate business needs promptly and conveniently, irrespective of space and time. We have come a long way from flip phones!

* Social media – love it or hate it?

That depends. Not all social media sites are created equal. Some are beneficial. For instance, LinkedIn is a great site that allows you to network and communicate with potential employers and like-mined professionals.

I think some (sites) can be harmful or wasteful.

I like to show off my kids just like anyone else, but social media can be harmful if you allow yourself to create a social bubble that reinforces your own preconceived opinions and doesn’t allow for alternate perspectives. That can lead to radicalism, which is obviously not good.

If you’re going to get your news from social media, try to expose yourself to many different sources of information, then make an informed opinion.

* What was your last post (about)?

Three new developments coming out of our Marriott hotel asset pipeline; new summer grilling items at Rodizio Grill Downtown Chattanooga; my two toddler boys, Atlas (3) and Ari (2); having a blast at our family reunion on my bride/their mother’s side of the family.

* What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

I don’t care to brag about myself. I prefer to let my efforts and results speak for themselves.

* What is the biggest challenge or hardship you have overcome?

Early in my life (1990s), it was difficult to understand why I was treated like a foreigner when I was born right here in America. America is all immigrants other than Native Americans.

I learned that ignorance is not always bliss, but creates a burden for those whose history the ignorant do not understand.

I learned that I could create my own defense against racism: Instead of fighting and debating with ignorant people, I realized I could outperform them and let the rest roll off my back. It became a motivation for me to quietly unveil my successes and remain humble at the same time.

One amazing thing about social media that I didn’t mention earlier is that it creates a platform for people to use their voices to speak out about these injustices and effect change. You cannot teach an old dog new tricks, but you can impact the outlook of our future leaders.

* What kind of influencer would you be?

One who changes the outlook and the lives of the underserved people in our community by helping to knock down some of the barriers to entry many must face for various unfortunate reasons.

* Any goals for this year?

We are currently working on several new construction projects around Southeast Tennessee and Tampa, Florida. In addition to completing 2021 goals for those projects, I would like to break my fundraising record for the American Heart Association. I would like to spend more time in the gym, but I’ve actually already started that. My boys love the day care area, and my wife has earned the opportunity to sleep in once in awhile!

* What’s one thing you would change about Chattanooga and why?

I find the mindset in Chattanooga to be a bit antiquated at times. I would love to see more progressive thinking. The future is glaring at us. We must take those opportunities, because they are never just given to us. Chattanooga is growing. There is no way to stop it, and why would we want to? It is currently one of the top places to move in this country.

Any thriving city will experience continued development and the hardships that come with growing pains. Our city is no different. As long as we continue to grow, we must have more development.

That does not mean only commercial and residential building development, it means development regarding all facets of life – like further bettering our education programs for all students. Together we can be part of the solution. Bringing people together will project a louder, more concise message of growth. The city will grow whether we guide it or not. Let’s make sure we have a plan for success.

* Why did you choose this location for your shoot?

Legacy. I am proud of what my family and my team have accomplished. I am excited about building on what my father, Charles Amin, worked so hard to accomplish, and I aim to take it to the next level(s). I plan to continue to grow our team and still maintain the family at work. This location, and many more, will look quite different in a few years. We have big plans for Dynamic Group!

* Tell me about one of your favorite memories.

I have so many impressions and memories, I cannot pick just one I am fond of today. It is the collection of impressions and memories that shaped me into who I am today.