Hack & Grow Rich Episode 122:
How To Be A Negotiation Ninja

From Chemistry to Empire: Shaahin Cheyene's Journey of Building a Billion-Dollar Supplement Business

Shaahin Cheyene's journey from a young teenager to building a billion-dollar supplement empire is nothing short of remarkable. Growing up in Iran and migrating to the United States in the late 1970s, Shaahin quickly realized that he wasn't cut out for a life of crime, despite witnessing the drug trade flourishing around him. Instead, he saw an opportunity in the market when the supply of ecstasy, a popular drug at the time, had dried up due to government pressures.


With his knowledge of chemistry, Shaahin embarked on a mission to create a natural version of ecstasy using legal ingredients. He started by producing his first batch of pills in his girlfriend's kitchen, and with unwavering determination, he approached a drug dealer at a club to sell his product. Despite initial skepticism, the dealer took a chance, and within hours, Shaahin found himself in high demand.

From that point on, Shaahin's business grew exponentially. He established multiple offices in Venice Beach and employed a vast workforce. The cash business was thriving, with the pills costing only 25 cents to make and selling for $20 each. Within a short period, Shaahin's empire reached unprecedented success, achieving over a billion dollars in revenue, even before the advent of the internet and social media.

Shaahin's inspiring journey caught the attention of negotiation expert Chris Voss, who wrote the foreword for his book, "Billion: How I Became King of the Throw Pill." Shaahin praises Chris for his unique approach to negotiation, emphasizing the importance of tactical empathy and treating people with kindness and respect.

One particularly captivating episode in Shaahin's story involves a confrontation with the Yakuza, who demanded ownership of his company. Facing this daunting challenge, Shaahin relied on his fearlessness, empathy, and cultural understanding. He stood his ground and navigated the negotiation by demonstrating both strength and an appreciation for the cultural nuances at play.

Shaahin's ability to triumph over adversity, leverage his expertise, and adapt to various negotiation scenarios showcases his exceptional skills. His story serves as a reminder that success in negotiation requires not only strategy and knowledge but also an understanding of cultural dynamics and the willingness to approach conflicts with empathy and respect.

Shaahin's inspiring journey caught the attention of negotiation expert Chris Voss, who wrote the foreword for his book, titled "Billion: How I Became King of the Throw Pill." Shaahin praises Chris for his unique approach to negotiation, emphasizing the importance of tactical empathy and treating people with kindness and respect. This aspect of his story sheds light on the significance of fostering positive relationships and employing effective negotiation strategies.

One particularly captivating episode in Shaahin's narrative involves a confrontation with the Yakuza, who sought to take ownership of his company. Faced with this daunting challenge, Shaahin relied on his fearlessness, empathy, and cultural understanding. He stood his ground and skillfully navigated the negotiation, showcasing both strength and an appreciation for the cultural nuances at play.

Shaahin's ability to triumph over adversity, leverage his expertise, and adapt to various negotiation scenarios showcases his exceptional skills. His story serves as a reminder that success in negotiation requires not only strategy and knowledge but also an understanding of cultural dynamics and the willingness to approach conflicts with empathy and respect. Shaahin Cheyene's remarkable journey highlights the power of perseverance, innovation, and effective negotiation in achieving extraordinary success.

Signup for Podcast