Amjed Shehadeh

Name: Amjed Shehadeh.

Age: 23.

Family: Parents, one brother and two sisters.

Residence: Marysville.

Occupation: Owner of AJ's in Marysville. It opened two months ago.

Why did you start the business? I always wanted to open a sandwich shop. My cousin opened one in San Francisco five years ago — now he has 20 shops in the Bay Area. His success pushed me. I thought, if he could do it, I could do it.

Hobbies, interests: Playing and watching sports.

Where do you get your news? Internet and the newspaper.

What brought you to the Yuba-Sutter area? Business and family. I'm from Burlingame, near San Mateo, and went to San Diego State. My parents have been here five years. I've been here two years.

What do you miss about your former hometown? The nightlife. And, of course, the people I know there.

Where is your dream vacation? I've always wanted to go to Australia. I've been all over Europe, Middle East and Central America — I have a big family, all spread out— but I haven't been to that side of the world.

Tell us about a memorable event: When I first left home, driving to San Diego — how weird it was, leaving the family.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? When I was little, I used to love ninjas. I was one every Halloween.

How would you spend a day off? If I had one, probably resting, or going to the Bay Area to meet up with friends.

What has been the most difficult/best part about starting a new business? The most difficult has been stressing about day-to-day sales. The best is when someone says it's the best sandwich they've ever had.

What would you like to see different in the community? More places to meet people. I like the festivals around here.

What are you best known for? (Being) honest, funny.

What do you like about yourself? I never quit. I keep trying until I succeed.

What would you do with a million dollars? Take a vacation. Then, after I hadn't spent it all, invest it into business.

Who has had a strong influence in your life? My father.