Mr. Ejtemai joined this community in 1973 when he, accompanied by his wife Guitty, arrived from Iran to attend graduate school. Shortly after their departure, a revolution broke out in Iran making it particularly difficult for adherents of the Baha’i faith, to which he belongs, to practice their religion safely in their homeland. In the face of this rejection the Ejtemais embraced this D.C. region and built a home, family, and community around their lived experience and faith.
Mr. Ejtemai also worked to build one of the largest and more successful wholesale and retail petroleum businesses on the East Coast, Petroleum Marketing Group (PMG). As he grew PMG it became the primary catalyst for enabling many of his successful efforts in community building and successfully provided the resources necessary to make significant changes in the lives of those less fortunate. PMG employs more than 440 people who are all encouraged to participate in “giving back” efforts and events through PMG as well as their own personal efforts, fostering a community of givers that expands far beyond the reach of just this region.
Mr. Ejtemai has a soft spot for anyone in need, he is respected by all, and he is loved by the people who work with him. He has been known to help friends, relatives, and even strangers with medical bills, educational bills, home buying, and even getting married and starting a family thus affecting the lives of many people, organizations, and communities that surround his business.
Several years ago, with the support of his wife and daughter, Mr. Ejtemai established The Abdolhossein and Guitty Ejtemai Foundation, whose mission is to provide assistance to organizations furthering the promotion of arts, education, and human rights. Through the years, this foundation has conducted substantial fund raising efforts, contributed over $400,000 to various charitable causes and local organizations, including NCCF.
It is the core belief of Mr. Ejtemai and PMG that helping people and community is paramount. One significant example of direct community involvement includes the founding and support of the Clinton Farm. In September of 2011, Mr. Ejtemai donated the use of a 25-acre personal estate to serve as a foster care home for at-risk children in the National Capital Area. In partnership with NCCF, the foster care facility has successfully housed three foster families, safely served as a temporary home for more than 40 children, and currently houses 7 children, all of whom are teen mothers recovering from traumatic events and situations.
He continues to focus on making a positive difference for the people and the communities that PMG serves. Family and community are the personal touchstones and driving force for Mr. Ejtemai’s essential nature. As we have come to know him as an NCCF friend, and partner it has become clear that his life’s work and character are an excellent fit with NCCF’s mission. We deeply appreciate his contributions.
