Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Beth Rohani. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Beth, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear a story from back when you were an intern or apprentice. What’s a memorable story you can share with us?
Back when I was an intern at FOX 4 News KDFW, I had an unforgettable experience that played a significant role in shaping my leadership style. Internships are fascinating because they offer a diverse range of experiences, and often, those experiences become the foundation for our future endeavors.
As an ambitious and determined individual, I sought out opportunities to make the most of my internship. I realized that positioning myself strategically could open doors to greater possibilities. So, I decided to start at the smaller bureau in Ft. Worth, fully aware that it could serve as a stepping stone to the main station in Dallas, where the anchors and reporters were primarily based.
Every day after school, I would eagerly arrive at the station, ready to grasp any opportunity that came my way. I waited for a chance to accompany reporters or videographers on their assignments, hoping to go with them to the Dallas station where their news reports were edited and aired. This technique proved successful, and I found myself frequently at the Dallas station, rubbing shoulders with Producers, Executives, and even the Newsroom Director.
Even as an intern, I was a force to be reckoned with in the newsroom. I possessed a “Do It & Prove It” mindset, constantly pushing myself to learn and figure things out. My goal was to be proactive and resourceful, strategically building trust with those who witnessed my true character, skills, and abilities.
In the year 2000, while I was interning, my mother decided to embark on an entrepreneurial journey. A registered pediatric nurse for many years, she sought a change in career and founded Ameritex Movers in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. This was a pivotal moment that would later shape my own entrepreneurial path.
That same year, I moved to Houston to continue my college studies in communication journalism. In those days, Google didn’t exist, and newspapers were the go-to source for job listings. I stumbled upon two intriguing positions—one as an Assistant Producer at the NBC affiliate and the other as an Assignment Editor at the FOX affiliate in Houston.
Ever the one to dive headfirst into new experiences, I embraced a “fake it till you make it” approach. Uncertain about which position to pursue, I reached out to the newsroom Director at the FOX station in Dallas since I figured I had proven my eagerness and displayed my potential. He provided invaluable guidance, telling me to call the Houston FOX station and mention his referral to the Assignments Desk Manager. I vividly recall the day I made that call—a Tuesday that would crave the future of my life.
With a mix of fear and excitement, I introduced myself to the deep stern voice on the other end of the line. “Hello, my name is Beth, and I was referred to you by so and so at FOX in Dallas.” In an instant, the sternness transformed into a friendly tone, displaying openness to an immediate interview. We scheduled the interview for two days later, on Thursday, and I was offered the position of the newsroom’s new Assignment Editor, starting the following Monday.
Over the next two years, I immersed myself in the role and excelled in the newsroom. I became an essential artery, relied upon for my logistical abilities and resourcefulness. Day after day, I embodied the “Do It & Prove It” mindset, contributing to the success of the newsroom and tackling significant news stories. Two of the most memorable stories I worked on were the Andrea Yates case, involving the tragic murders of her children, and the “Hanging Chad” controversy during the 2000 presidential election.I spent three continuous days at the newsroom to cover that story.
My dedication and abilities did not go unnoticed. In 2002, I received a call from the News Director at CBS affiliate, offering me a promotion at their station. Ready to take on new challenges, I accepted the opportunity and transitioned to CBS, where I continued to thrive until 2004.
During this period, something remarkable was happening parallel to my news career. In 2001, alongside my former partner and husband, I took a leap of faith and started Ameritex Movers in Houston, inspired by my mother’s entrepreneurial spirit. My moving company quickly gained recognition and became one of Houston’s Top 3 Best Moving Companies. Where now I am proud to be a fully woman-owned business, bringing stress-free service to our customers and making a mark in the industry.
As I reflect on my journey, spanning over two decades as an entrepreneur, I’ve come to realize the immense power of networking. Early on, I understood the importance of character and reputation—how defining oneself based on skills, abilities, and integrity builds trust with others. Through that trust, one can leverage oneself, offering value to those around them.
Life has taught me that success isn’t solely defined by degrees, money, or experience. It lies in how you carry yourself and the efforts you put forth to support and uplift others. Hard work, determination, and a willingness to go the extra mile are the ingredients that pave the path to achievement.
With great conviction, I made the decision to conclude my career in the news industry and dedicate my focus to my entrepreneurial role, nurturing and growing Ameritex Movers. The experiences I gained in journalism continue to inform my leadership style, as I apply the same persistence, resourcefulness, and dedication to my business endeavors.
Now, with a deep understanding of the power of networking and a strong foundation of entrepreneurial experience, I stand firm in the belief that character and reputation are everything. By consistently demonstrating integrity, delivering on my promises, and adding value to others, I have witnessed firsthand how these qualities forge lasting connections and pave the way for long-term success.
As I embark on new challenges and opportunities, I remain grateful for the lessons learned during my intern days and subsequent career after the news industry. They have shaped not only my professional trajectory but also my personal growth, teaching me the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the commitment to excel.
Looking back, I can confidently say that the variety of experiences, both as an intern and as an entrepreneur, has helped me shape my leadership style and become the president and CEO of Ameritex Movers Houston. It is a role I embrace wholeheartedly, grateful for the chance to make a positive impact, lead with integrity, and inspire others to unlock their full potential.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is BethNaz, but most people know me as Beth. I am an entrepreneur driven by determination and resilience, with a deep passion for making a positive impact. I was born in Iran during a time of significant societal change, and my family made the brave decision to move to the United States in search of better opportunities. From an early age, I adapted to my new environment, excelling academically and building strong relationships.
Inspired by my parents’ work ethic and creativity, I developed my own entrepreneurial spirit. I started working at a young age and gained valuable experience in various industries, where my natural ability to connect with people and lead set me apart.
One of the defining moments in my life was participating in the Miss Texas USA Pageant, where I was honored with the title of Miss Congeniality USA 1998. This recognition, voted by my peers, was particularly meaningful as it showcased my genuine character and interpersonal skills.
In 2000, my mother ventured into entrepreneurship and opened Ameritex Movers in the Dallas Ft. Worth area. The following year, I launched Ameritex Movers in Houston, where my skills played a crucial role in developing partnerships, raising brand awareness, and establishing effective integrations, processes and procedures. Despite not having a business degree, my determination and ability to learn independently and from others helped shape my personal and professional growth.
Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in various organizations, including serving on the board for the Houston Apartment Association, the International Management District, and the National Speakers Association Houston Chapter, where I also hold the position of Director of Marketing. These experiences have further developed my leadership skills and provided valuable lessons for personal and professional growth.
Beyond my business ventures, I am focused on building my personal brand as a thought leader and professional speaker. I am driven to inspire others with my story of resilience, belief, and continuous growth. Life has thrown numerous challenges my way, including the high-stress industry of moving, as well as personal experiences such as death and divorce. However, I maintain a positive mindset, stay focused, and uphold my core values of accountability and integrity.
My company, Ameritex Movers, is a reputable woman-owned business based in Houston, Texas where we provide a comprehensive range of services, from packing and moving to unpacking, for both residential and commercial customers. What sets Ameritex Movers apart is our approach to stress-free moving with a high level of communication and our innovative ways of using packing materials to create unique works of art, such as cardboard couture dresses and even recreating the Houston cityscape. We are actively engaged in our community, partnering with the Alief Independent School District and hosting workshops at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
At this stage of my life, my journey as an entrepreneur and as a human has been defined by confronting adversities head-on and embracing a resilient mindset. I am deeply committed to inspiring others through my story, which reflects my unwavering belief in a “Do It & Prove It” attitude and my relentless pursuit of self-discovery, love, and awareness.
How did you build your audience on social media?
It was August 25, 2022, a day that marked a pivotal moment in my life. I found myself in my third mediation session, finalizing my divorce after two long years. However, there was more to this day than just the end of my marriage. It was also the day my best friend of 38 years was laid to rest. Sadly, I couldn’t attend her funeral due to the demands of my divorce proceedings. The weight of lost time made me realize the loss of time invested in my 26-year marriage and the time I had missed with loved ones, including myself. Sacrificing my own needs had been a constant throughout my adulthood, from my twenties to my thirties and well into my forties.
Both death and divorce, coupled with the stress of owning a moving company, were among the toughest challenges life threw at me. While these experiences were undoubtedly negative, I was determined to transform them into something positive by sharing my story and offering value to others.
It was early September 2022, and I found myself in Colorado, where I decided to shoot my first Instagram reel. I had 278 Followers and little did I know that this would be the beginning of an incredible journey of support, encouragement and opportunity for growth. At first, I made sure to do my homework, and studied the best practices for social media content creation on my own. What I discovered was:
1. The Power of Consistency: Regularly showing up for my audience became a cornerstone of my strategy.
2. Authenticity and Genuineness played a vital role in building trust with my followers.
3. Super important to have a good profile picture, a clear bio, and be actively engaged with my audience.
These efforts contributed to the growth of my Instagram following, which as of today, has now surpassed 25K Followers. Instagram is my preferred platform, and I treat it somewhat like a personal business card that conveys my story, defines my identity, and captures the very essence of who I am. As I continue my journey, I’ve also expanded my presence to other platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and even Threads on Instagram. Each of these platforms has proven instrumental in building both my business and personal brands.
The world underwent a seismic shift after the advent of Covid-19, and the digital age gained unparalleled momentum. In this era, powered by AI and virtual development, these platforms have become indispensable in our daily lives and interactions. They offer a unique opportunity to showcase oneself and one’s business, driving engagement, customer support, and revenue generation.
My biggest piece of advice for building your audience on social media? Do It & Prove It. Don’t overthink it and don’t stress about having the perfect equipment or flawless content. Just be yourself and get into the habit of posting. Show up, share your story, and let your authenticity shine through. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. So, don’t hold back. Embrace imperfections, take risks, and watch your audience grow. Because in the end, it’s not about having everything perfectly polished—it’s about connecting with real people and making an impact. So, go ahead and hit that post button!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
They say death, divorce and moving are the three most stressful things people have to go through in their lifetime. It was April 2020, and as the water dripped down my face in the shower, tears mingled with the uncertainties in my life. The challenges seemed insurmountable, especially in the midst of the Covid pandemic. As an entrepreneur, the uncertainties consumed me. And to add to the stress, I was trapped in an unhappy marriage of a 26-year relationship. That day, while crying, I dropped a bar of soap, and as I went to pick it up, a single word resonated in my mind: resilience. I had never truly contemplated its meaning until that moment, but it became the foundation for the toughest battles I would have to face.
A few months later, in December 2020, my former husband and I separated. He was not only my life partner but also my business partner too. We had started our moving company in our early 20s and spent over two decades together, bound by routine and shared dreams. Throughout our marriage, I faced numerous challenges, always striving to prove myself both personally and professionally.
I vividly recall a moment in 2012 when someone asked me what my core values and passion were, struggling to articulate an answer, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. In 2018, during an exercise with my team, defining the core values of our company, it hit me: accountability. Throughout my marriage, I had been the one holding everything together, carrying the weight of responsibilities on my shoulders. The relentless pursuit of success left little room for anything else, including having children. I knew that adding the responsibility of motherhood to my already heavy load would be overwhelming and a lifetime commitment and sacrifice.
Divorce was never part of my plan. I despised the idea of failure, and as a first-generation Iranian American, I had witnessed my parents’ marriage of almost five decades, serving as my role model. Yet, on my 43rd birthday in May 2020, I confided in my mother about my unhappiness and she empowered me to make the toughest decision of my life. It was time to prioritize myself, my security, and take accountability for my own actions.
Thus began a grueling two-year divorce process, riddled with unnecessary challenges thrown at me by my former husband. However, with a continued Do It & Prove It mindset, I faced the adversities with resiliency and overcame every obstacle. The most profound challenge came when my best friend of 38 years passed away a week before my third mediation. She was my very first friend when I was seven years old and I had just come to America. Sadly, her funeral coincided with my scheduled mediation where I couldn’t go. However, I was determined to say my goodbyes and make a four-hour round trip to Dallas the day before my mediation and attended her wake. This allowed me to gain closure and not have any further regrets.
Through the adversity, I remained resilient. What initially felt like a negative experience eventually transformed into a poignant and transformative moment. I had been the last person to speak to my best friend, and at her wake, I reunited with her parents, whom I hadn’t seen since fifth grade. Sharing our final conversations brought them closure and reignited our bond, preserving a connection to her memory.
Finally, in November 2022, my divorce was finalized, marking the beginning of new chapters in my life. Unable to celebrate on my 45th birthday the year before due to the ongoing divorce, I made a promise to myself that I would never be in that position again. May 2023, I set off on a trip to Colorado with a one way ticket for my birthday. Amidst the celebratory experience, I received the devastating news of my former husband’s passing.
Throughout my journey with my partner, I faced numerous obstacles and compromised myself in the process. But now, I understand my own power and resilience. These hardships, experienced as an entrepreneur, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend, have taught me that it is my mindset that determines how I overcome challenges. The deaths of my best friend and former husband will not be the last losses I encounter.
I have allowed myself to go through these experiences naturally, whether it was the painful process of divorce or grieving after a loss. Time has become my ultimate teacher, revealing its value in healing and growth. Patience has become a vital virtue during these periods. As humans, we possess the incredible ability to adapt. It is our perspective and outlook that shape our destiny.
So, I urge you to embrace challenges, for they push you beyond your comfort zone and facilitate personal growth. Within those difficult moments lies the opportunity to manifest your true potential. And remember, resilience is not just a word but a force that can guide you through even the darkest of times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ameritexhouston.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beth_naz_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethNazOfficial/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethnaz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Beth_Naz_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethnaz
Image Credits
Chaz Wolfe, Gathering the Kings