Hootan Troy Farahmand, also known as H. Troy Farahmand, is a California-based entrepreneur whose work spans pharmaceuticals, real estate, and business strategy. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Alexso, Inc., a nationwide pharmaceutical distributor recognized for delivering safe, high-quality medications, medical devices, and nutraceuticals across all 50 states. Under Farahmand’s leadership, Alexso has grown from a small operation into a trusted partner for healthcare providers, expanding its licensing footprint to more than 20 states and gaining DEA authorization for controlled substance distribution. He has been instrumental in forging partnerships with international pharmaceutical innovators, strengthening Alexso’s ability to provide effective alternatives to opioids and advancing the conversation around modern, patient-focused healthcare solutions. Farahmand’s entrepreneurial experience extends beyond pharmaceuticals. He is a licensed attorney and real estate broker in California, with a career history that includes practicing intellectual property law, managing a portfolio of investment properties, and overseeing ventures in retail and hospitality. His ownership of a distinctive Chevron station in Redlands reflects his approach to business: combining functionality with innovation to reimagine everyday industries. With academic credentials in both Business and Law, Farahmand brings an analytical and strategic mindset to every endeavor. His areas of interest range from pharmaceutical distribution and nutraceutical development to the integration of artificial intelligence in modern business operations. Guided by values of integrity, innovation, and long-term vision, he continues to shape businesses that balance growth with meaningful impact.

What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?

My days usually start early with quiet reflection and planning. I review my goals for the day and identify what truly needs my focus. I divide my time between strategic meetings, team discussions, and reviewing ongoing projects at Alexso, Inc. I also dedicate time to research and industry reading to stay ahead of trends in healthcare and business innovation. Productivity for me is not about doing more tasks, but about making each hour count. I plan my day around impact—what will move the business forward and create the most value for our partners and patients.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Ideas become real when they are paired with discipline and execution. I like to start by discussing concepts openly with my team. We brainstorm, test assumptions, and then break ideas into actionable steps. Every innovation at Alexso has gone through this process—structured creativity followed by rigorous planning. I encourage feedback from people across departments, because sometimes the best insights come from those who view the problem differently. Once the foundation is set, I move quickly to implementation, adjusting as we go. The key is not perfection at the start, but consistent progress toward a meaningful outcome.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I’m excited about the growing intersection between artificial intelligence and healthcare. We’re moving into an era where data can transform patient care, from predicting health risks to personalizing treatment options. For pharmaceutical distribution, AI can optimize inventory, improve logistics, and ensure faster, safer delivery of critical medications. Beyond operations, it can also enhance compliance and transparency. The technology has the power to reshape healthcare efficiency while improving patient outcomes. I see it as a way to blend human compassion with technological precision, creating systems that serve people more effectively and sustainably.

What is one habit that helps you be productive?

My most valuable habit is structured reflection. I take time at the beginning and end of each day to think through my priorities and evaluate what worked and what didn’t. This simple exercise helps me stay aligned with my goals and maintain clarity under pressure. I also practice delegation intentionally. Trusting capable people to take ownership of their roles not only empowers them but keeps me focused on strategy rather than getting caught in daily details. Consistency in these habits allows me to stay balanced, effective, and creative in a fast-paced business environment.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to embrace patience. Early in my career, I wanted everything to happen quickly—success, recognition, growth. Over time, I’ve learned that sustainable success takes time and consistency. I would remind myself that every setback is preparation for something bigger, and that relationships matter more than short-term wins. I’d also emphasize balance. You can build something extraordinary without burning out if you stay true to your purpose. The most important advice I’d give is this: focus less on proving yourself and more on improving yourself. Growth is a long game.

Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?

I believe that compassion is a competitive advantage in business. Many people think emotions don’t belong in boardrooms or negotiations, but I’ve found that empathy drives stronger decisions and better outcomes. When you genuinely care about the people you serve—employees, customers, and communities—you make more sustainable choices. Compassion builds trust, and trust builds long-term value. Some may see it as a soft skill, but I see it as the foundation of leadership. It’s not about being less driven; it’s about leading with a sense of responsibility and purpose that inspires everyone around you.

What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?

I make time to learn something new every day. It could be reading a scientific article, studying an emerging technology, or listening to a podcast outside my usual field. Curiosity keeps your mind sharp and adaptable. I also recommend practicing gratitude. It’s easy to overlook progress when you’re chasing big goals, but acknowledging small wins and the people who help you along the way keeps you grounded. Continuous learning paired with gratitude not only builds knowledge but strengthens perspective, which is essential in both leadership and life.

When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?

When I feel overwhelmed, I disconnect briefly and step outside. Fresh air and sunlight have a grounding effect that helps me regain perspective. I also practice deep breathing and short mindfulness exercises to clear mental clutter. Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to step back from it. I make it a rule not to make major decisions when I’m fatigued or distracted. Instead, I refocus by reviewing my priorities, identifying what’s truly urgent, and simplifying my to-do list. Clarity often comes in silence, not in constant motion.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?

Collaboration has been my most powerful growth strategy. I’ve learned that you can achieve far more by aligning with the right people than by working alone. At Alexso, we’ve built partnerships with global manufacturers, healthcare providers, and technology innovators who share our values. These collaborations allow us to scale faster and make a broader impact. I also focus heavily on communication. Transparent dialogue builds trust within teams and across industries. By creating a culture of openness and shared purpose, we’ve been able to turn vision into measurable, lasting success.

What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?

Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of building the right team. I tried to take on too much myself, thinking it would save time and resources. That approach led to burnout and missed opportunities. The lesson I learned was that leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about empowering others to do their best work. Once I started hiring for potential and character rather than just skill, everything changed. Delegation and trust became my most valuable tools. Failure taught me that growth depends on collaboration and that resilience is built through shared effort.

What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I believe there’s a strong future in developing AI-driven platforms for personalized supplement and nutraceutical recommendations. Consumers are more health-conscious than ever but often overwhelmed by options. A system that analyzes individual health data, lifestyle, and goals to provide tailored supplement plans could transform wellness accessibility. It combines technology, healthcare, and consumer engagement in a meaningful way. The idea is not just about products but about improving people’s daily lives with precision and trust. It’s an opportunity for innovation that bridges science and simplicity.

What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

I rely on project management tools like Asana to keep teams aligned and projects moving efficiently. It allows us to track deadlines, assign tasks, and maintain transparency across departments. I also use it as a reflection tool at the end of the week to review progress and identify bottlenecks. Having a centralized system reduces unnecessary meetings and ensures accountability. It’s not just about organization—it’s about creating clarity so people can focus on execution rather than administration. Technology, when used thoughtfully, becomes a productivity multiplier rather than a distraction.

Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?

One book that has had a lasting impact on me is Principles by Ray Dalio. It emphasizes the importance of systems, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making. I appreciate how it bridges personal growth with business leadership. It taught me that self-awareness and structure can coexist, and that building a great organization starts with understanding yourself first. I also enjoy podcasts that feature entrepreneurs discussing challenges behind their success. Hearing real stories reminds me that every journey is unique and that persistence is the true measure of leadership.

What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?

I recently rewatched The Social Network, and it reminded me how innovation often begins with simple ideas and relentless execution. What stood out to me was the balance between vision and ethics—how ambition can drive both progress and conflict. It’s a reminder that leadership requires more than intelligence; it requires emotional awareness and integrity. The film’s themes of collaboration, creativity, and consequence reflect much of what entrepreneurs experience in real life. It’s an insightful portrayal of how modern businesses are built and how character shapes the outcome.

Key learnings

• Compassion and collaboration create lasting success.
• Leadership requires reflection, patience, and trust in others.
• Curiosity and continuous learning drive innovation.
• Technology and design can work together to humanize healthcare.
• True growth comes from purpose-driven leadership and ethical decision-making.