Harry Sidhu is a retired public servant, engineer, entrepreneur, and former Mayor of Anaheim, California, whose journey embodies the American Dream. Born in India and immigrating to the United States in 1974 with just six dollars in his pocket, Harry’s story is one of determination, hard work, and a deep commitment to community.
Harry arrived in Philadelphia as the last member of his family to reunite with his parents. He struggled with English early on but took his father’s advice to heart: to succeed, he needed to pursue education. He enrolled in community college while working nights as a janitor at a Holiday Inn. Balancing long shifts and school, he embodied perseverance from the start. His dedication paid off when he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University in 1978.
Harry began his engineering career with Amtrak and later worked at companies including Crown Cork and Seal, Kaiser Aluminum, General Dynamics, Rockwell International, and Hughes Aircraft. When asked to relocate out of California, he chose instead to plant roots and build a life in Southern California. He met his wife, Gin, in 1982, and they married in 1984. Together, they built a business and raised two children, Sohina and Rohan.
In the early 1990s, Harry transitioned into entrepreneurship, purchasing his first Burger King restaurant in Hacienda Heights. Over time, he and his wife grew their business portfolio to include 28 restaurants across Southern California, including franchises like Papa John’s and El Pollo Loco. He served on franchisee boards and built a strong reputation as a hardworking and community-focused business leader.
After relocating to Anaheim Hills in 1994 following the Northridge earthquake, Harry became deeply involved in the Anaheim community. Encouraged by a local City Council member, he joined the City Budget Commission and later ran for City Council. Though he lost his first race in 2002, he persisted and won a seat in 2004, serving two terms until 2012. He championed initiatives like free job fairs and health fairs, community development, and international collaboration.
In 2018, Harry was elected Mayor of Anaheim. During his term, he focused on addressing homelessness, creating job opportunities, and supporting underserved communities. One of his first actions as Mayor was opening an emergency homeless shelter to restore public spaces and provide critical care and resources. Under his leadership, Anaheim expanded employment programs.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Even in retirement, my day starts early. I begin with a morning walk—it’s where I clear my head. I follow that with reading the news and checking in with former colleagues or local business leaders. Staying connected keeps me sharp. I still visit one or two restaurants from my former portfolio to see how things are running and talk to the people on the ground. Productivity, to me, means staying useful. That doesn’t stop when you retire.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I listen first. The best ideas I’ve ever had didn’t come from boardrooms—they came from conversations. When I proposed Anaheim’s emergency shelter, it came from listening to residents and community workers. I sketch ideas in notebooks. Then I find the right people who can execute. Execution matters more than dreaming.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Small business growth among immigrants excites me. I’ve seen how access to even basic capital and local mentorship can launch a family into stability. It reminds me of when Gin and I bought our first Burger King. One store became 28. That kind of ripple effect builds communities.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Planning the night before. Even when I was working the night shift at Holiday Inn as a janitor while in school, I’d set goals for the next day. Now I still do that. Whether it’s appointments, reading, or making calls—it’s all written out. No surprises.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to lose. When I lost my first city council race in 2002, it stung. But it taught me what the people really needed. The loss helped me come back stronger. Sometimes the hardest moments shape the best chapters.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that public service should be treated like a startup. Test ideas, adjust quickly, and get feedback constantly. Most people see government as slow and bureaucratic. But I’ve seen what happens when you move fast—especially during crises like COVID-19.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Check in on your roots. I call my siblings often. I revisit the places where I came from—like that Holiday Inn in Philly where I cleaned floors. It reminds me that nothing is promised and everything is earned.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I swim. Water has a way of silencing the noise. No phone. No politics. Just movement. It always helps me return to problems with a clearer head.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Treat your employees like partners. At our restaurants, we’d promote from within. Our first manager was a cashier we trained. That loyalty cut turnover, boosted performance, and built a sense of ownership. Same in politics—respect your team, and they’ll go further than any policy plan.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
When we tried to expand into a new franchise concept in the late ’90s, it failed. We misread the neighbourhood. Sales were flat, and staff turnover was high. We sold it quickly. I learned that knowing your local community beats market data every time.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Start a mobile service that helps seniors book health appointments and community programs. Many older people don’t use apps, but they still need support. It’s a real gap, especially in cities like Anaheim.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Keep. It’s simple. I make quick lists, store notes, and snap photos of whiteboards. When I was mayor, I’d track community feedback there after events so I didn’t forget who said what.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Servant by James C. Hunter. It’s all about leadership as service. That principle guided me as mayor and as a business owner. I always felt that if you’re not helping people, you’re not leading.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I rewatched The Pursuit of Happyness. It reminded me of my own early struggles—scrubbing floors at night, learning English, trying to find a break. That movie captures the quiet fight so many immigrants face.
Key learnings
- Set clear goals each night to create structure and reduce stress.
- Listening to community needs often leads to the most impactful solutions.
- Loyalty and investment in employees can fuel long-term business growth.
- Personal failure can often uncover deeper insights than success.
- Staying connected to your roots keeps you grounded and focused.