Meet Alexander Shahin
- ashahin33
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Our CEO, Alexander Shahin, was recently profiled by ShoutoutLA. Below is a copy of his conversation.
Hi Alexander, what do you attribute your success to?
At the core of everything I do is my family. My biggest motivation has always been the desire to provide for and protect them—not just today, but for generations to come. As a Palestinian immigrant and the child of refugee parents, I grew up witnessing what it meant to start from nothing. My parents made incredible sacrifices to give us a better life, and that deeply shaped my perspective.
Their resilience and commitment to rebuilding became the foundation of my own drive. I’ve always known that I wanted to build something that could support my family and leave a legacy behind. That’s why I’ve worked so hard to create a family-owned business—something that reflects our values, our grit, and our determination.
Finance was a natural path for me. I was always fascinated by money—not just in terms of earning it, but in understanding how to use it strategically to build long-term wealth. My journey began in the mortgage industry, where I saw firsthand how financial tools could transform lives. That evolved into a broader financial services business, driven by a deep belief that smart investing and creative financial strategy can open doors for people.
Along the way, my curiosity and appetite for risk pushed me to explore new ventures—eventually moving into private equity and venture capital. But no matter how wide the scope of my business becomes, the heartbeat behind it is still the same: to honor my roots, to inspire my community, and to build a legacy that my children and grandchildren can be proud of.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Peregrine Financial is based in Santa Clarita, and we operate across several business lines, primarily focused on alternative assets like gold and silver, real estate lending, and capital investments in companies developing game-changing technologies—especially in underserved communities. At our core, we’re a private investment firm that uses our money and expertise to grow high-impact companies that create both profit and purpose.
What sets us apart is our willingness to take calculated risks. I’ve always had a high-risk tolerance, and I’m not afraid to look at resources and opportunities through a different lens. I’ve learned how to stretch resources, make them work harder, and strategically deploy capital to create big outcomes. That’s been a defining part of my journey—seeing possibilities where others see limits.
Getting here wasn’t easy. Entrepreneurship is full of highs and lows. Anyone who tells you it’s easy probably hasn’t lived it. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of alignment—especially in partnerships. And not just between partners themselves, but even with the people in their lives. For example, knowing who your partner goes home to every night—their spouse, their family—matters. Because those are the people who shape their thinking and decisions, often behind the scenes. If everyone’s not aligned, things break down fast.
Another major lesson that’s elevated my career is learning how to use debt strategically. Many people are afraid of debt, but I see it as a powerful tool when used responsibly. If I can borrow at 5–10% and confidently earn a 20–30% return, that’s not debt—that’s leverage. Like any powerful tool, whether it’s a baseball bat or financial capital, it’s about how you use it. If you understand it, you can make it work for you.
As for habits that drive success—commitment is key. You have to be all in. Business takes years of sacrifice, and you have to stay focused on the long-term vision, even when you have to pivot. Be flexible with your methods, but immovable in your mission.
What I’m most proud of is that we don’t just use our resources for profit—we use them for good. And by resources, I mean not just money, but also our time and knowledge. We believe in leaving our community better than we found it. Whether it’s through mentorship, investments in overlooked areas, or giving back through service, our legacy is about impact.
Ultimately, I want the world to know that our story is rooted in resilience, risk, and responsibility—and that success means nothing if it doesn’t lift others with you.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monday – Go on the Paddle Boats of Echo Park. Head to Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of the city + the Hollywood Sign. Definitely walk up. Go to the best tacos at Tacos Arizas or Leo’s Taco Truck – some street tacos done right.
Tuesday – Explore the Arts District – murals, galleries, coffee shops (go to Hauser & Wirth).Grab brunch at Bavel, show off my Middle Eastern cuisine in a nice upscale environment. Walk a section of the LA River trail near Frogtown or Atwater Village – not touristy, but beautiful and very “in-the-know LA.”Sunset drinks at Perch rooftop. Catch a Dodgers or Lakers game (if in season); if football is in season might rearrange for a Chargers game.
Wednesday – Head to Marina del Rey or Redondo Beach for a harbor boat ride or jet ski. Lunch at The Albright on Santa Monica Pier or Great White in Venice. Drive up to El Matador Beach in Malibu for a dramatic sunset and ocean cliffs. Dinner at Malibu Farm Café (casual, with a view).
Thursday – Explore The Getty Center amazing gardens + architecture. Chill at Grand Central Market—have a little food crawl: pupusas, egg sandwiches, and Filipino rice bowls. Catch an early show at the Laugh Factory in the evening, then go to Dan Sung Sa in KoreaTown right after it’s dim, graffiti-covered, and always buzzing – like a late-night Tokyo izakaya in the middle of LA. A true post-show hangout spot.
Friday – Go to Joshua Tree. Stop at Hadley’s Fruit Orchards on the way for date shakes. Explore the Joshua Tree National Park’s lookout points (minimal hiking required) Drive back to LA with a dinner stop at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown.
Saturday – Morning Golf at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank then spend the day at Universal Studios.
Sunday – Since it’s my best friend, we love to surf, so save the best for last and do some surfing before sending them off.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I would not be close to the man I am today without my family. Mom, Dad, wife, son, sisters, brother. You all have inspired me to do better in business and in life.
