In the world of business, some stories stand out not just for their success but for the incredible journeys behind them. Igor Finkelshtein’s life is one of resilience, ambition, and a relentless pursuit of the American dream. From his early years in the Soviet Union to becoming a leader in transportation and technology in the U.S., his journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Growing Up Under Soviet Rule
Born on August 10, 1971, in Moldova, which was then part of the Soviet Union, Igor grew up in an environment where personal freedom and entrepreneurship were tightly controlled. His family, once part of Moldova’s middle class, saw their businesses and wealth stripped away by the communist regime. This fueled a deep resentment toward the Soviet system and planted the seed for Igor’s lifelong desire to escape.
As a child, Igor was highly active, excelling in chess at a national level and mastering multiple languages, including Russian, Romanian, Hebrew, and even Arabic during his studies in Israel. Despite his talents, he despised the rigid, suppressive structure of Soviet life. He longed for an escape, even fantasizing about being kidnapped by Western forces to get out of the country.
Escaping the Soviet Union
In 1989, as the Soviet Union began to unravel, Igor saw his chance. Like many Jewish families in the USSR, his family applied for emigration under the guise of family reunification with relatives in Israel. Leaving was no easy feat—Soviet authorities stripped emigrants of citizenship and spread propaganda claiming life in the U.S. or Israel would be even worse. Nevertheless, Igor was determined.
His journey to freedom was anything but smooth. Traveling through Romania, he and his family got caught in the midst of the Romanian Revolution, a violent uprising against the communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. They were detained, placed in holding cells, and treated as traitors. At one point, Igor was even imprisoned overnight for pushing a Romanian officer during an argument. Through quick thinking, fluent Romanian, and sheer luck, he managed to escape and reunite with his family.
As the revolution raged, Igor made a desperate call to the Israeli embassy. Against all odds, within hours, a convoy of Israeli military jeeps arrived at the train station to rescue him and his fellow refugees. Within days, he was on a flight to Tel Aviv, beginning a new chapter of his life in Israel.
A New Life in Israel, A Dream of America
In Israel, Igor embraced his new life, studying at Tel Aviv University and preparing to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. However, while Israel provided safety, his true dream was America. In 1992, just before his military service, Igor secured a visa and made his way to New York City.
Upon arrival, he had little money and no connections. His first jobs were humble: organizing shelves in a 99-cent store and working in a fish factory. His wife, who was just 18 at the time, also worked tirelessly in harsh conditions. But Igor was undeterred. He hustled, saving every penny and looking for opportunities.
From Driving to Building an Empire
One of his earliest breakthroughs was in the car service industry. Despite lacking legal work authorization, Igor learned the business inside and out, training under experienced drivers and memorizing thousands of New York City streets. By 1996, he was one of the top-earning drivers in a company with over 500 employees.
With his savings, he purchased a transportation franchise, then flipped it for nearly triple the price in 1999. He reinvested in a gas station business in Florida, boosting its revenue before selling it for a significant profit. But transportation remained his true calling.
In the early 2000s, Igor saw an opportunity in Medicaid-funded transportation services. He secured a contract and launched what would become one of the most successful transportation businesses in the region. Over the next two decades, he expanded into multiple ventures, including student transportation, NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation), and technology.
Innovation Through Technology
Recognizing the inefficiencies in medical transportation, Igor co-founded RouteGenie, a cutting-edge software platform that revolutionized NEMT scheduling and operations. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there—he has since launched Jiris, a groundbreaking AI-powered homecare software designed to simplify caregiver scheduling and compliance.
A Legacy of Growth and Leadership
Today, Igor Finkelshtein oversees multiple successful companies with over 1,500 employees. His businesses span student transportation, medical transportation, homecare technology, and more. Yet, despite his achievements, he remains grounded, still working long hours and always looking for the next opportunity.
Reflecting on his journey, Igor often says he still feels like the 25-year-old immigrant hustling in New York. His story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the belief that success is possible for those willing to pursue it, no matter how difficult the road.
From a Soviet refugee to a self-made business leader, Igor Finkelshtein’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through resilience, vision, and relentless determination.
