LBC Boston joyfully reveals that Andrian M. Shapiro M.J., the Managing Partner, has been recognized as one of the Top 100 USA Entrepreneurs with Ukrainian Origins by TOP USA Awards. This acknowledgment serves to emphasize Shapiro’s remarkable accomplishments and significant contributions to the American business arena.
The Top USA Award ceremony, held on July 22 at the renowned Cipriani 25 Broadway venue, celebrated the remarkable achievements, perseverance, and commitment of Ukrainian professionals around the globe.
July 22, 2023
Andrian Shapiro Success Story – From a House Painter to a Prominent Real Estate Developer
In 1994, Andrian Shapiro immigrated to the United States and started his first job as a house painter in a three-family house on Linden Street in Boston, Massachusetts. As a new immigrant with less than a $1,000 in his pocket, Andrian was overjoyed when his employer treated him to a free burger and Coca-Cola during lunchtime. Little did he know that six years later, he would become the owner of one of the largest buildings on the very same street, the building that served as a launching pad for his numerous successful businesses. Today, Mr. Shapiro is a preeminent real estate developer in Boston and Quincy, who owns over 550,000 square feet of commercial real estate and more than 1,000 residential units.
Born in the small town of Pervomaisk in the Mykolaiv Oblast, Andrian pursued his studies at the local engineering college. It was there that he recognized the untapped potential for growth and success in Ukraine’s emerging market economy. Embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Andrian first opened an auto parts store. Concurrently, he founded a firm engaged in bartering: exchanging sugar from a factory in Mykolaiv for tractors from Kharkiv, then shipping the tractors to Estonia, and in return importing foreign cars. Despite his limited resources and lack of formal training, Andrian skillfully set up and operated his own business, achieving remarkable success.
By the age of 20, Andrian had already purchased his own apartment in Pervomaisk, and he took immense pride in his possession of a VAZ-2106 Zhiguli, an iconic Soviet-era car that was widely popular in Ukraine during the 1990s. For Andrian, this modest vehicle symbolized his accomplishments and served as tangible proof that he was forging his path to success.
Even though Andrian was a successful entrepreneur in Ukraine, the escalating conflict between Russia and Moldova prompted him to make a life-changing decision. Concerned about the potential spillover of conflict into Ukraine, he made the choice to immigrate to the United States, despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. The first two years were particularly arduous, and Andrian often recollects that his main challenge was to simply survive. Everything was expensive, and every dollar counted. So, Andrian took on various jobs, including cleaning offices and distributing newspapers. It was his job as a house painter in the three-family house on Linden Street in Boston that marked a significant turning point. Through this employment, he absorbed valuable knowledge and skills from his employer, learning the intricacies of acquiring loans and investing in real estate. In 1996, Andrian met his lifelong friend and business partner, Alex Matov, and together, within the span of six years, they became the owners of a large building on the very same street and launched numerous successful businesses. When Andrian looked out of the window of his office, he could still see the house where he started, reflecting on his journey and feeling gratitude for the opportunities he had been presented with.
Nonetheless, the purchase of the building on Linden Street was just the beginning of Andrian’s accomplishments. Andrian was focused on establishing his first business in America, while also helping his family with employment. He decided to secure a loan and open an Eastern European grocery store. Though the range of goods was initially limited, Andrian managed to launch the production of the store’s own sausages, which allowed for expansion. Subsequently, the store launched its own smokehouse. Alongside the grocery store, Andrian established a chain of rehabilitation centers and pharmacies across Massachusetts, which were eventually acquired by CVS Pharmacy. Andrian’s further accomplishments in the healthcare sector include founding an ambulance company that secured 911 contracts and served the Eastern European community in the Greater Boston Area. He also established a chain of community-based healthcare programs, serving the elderly and disabled in the state of Massachusetts.
All of Andrian’s accomplishments not only benefitted the community but also contributed to his personal and career growth. In 2003, drawing upon everything he had learned, he embarked on his most significant venture yet: in partnership with Alex Matov, he founded LBC Boston, a real estate development and management company. Despite the challenging economic climate caused by the 2008 financial crisis, LBC weathered the storm, continuing to grow and give back. LBC’s first major project involved the construction of 80 apartments in Brighton, which entailed a substantial overhaul of the existing structure. The company continued building its real estate portfolio and acquired multiple properties in downtown Quincy. Under the leadership of Andrian Shapiro and Alex Matov, LBC Boston grew into a leading development company in the city of Quincy.
Throughout his career, Mr. Shapiro remained committed to philanthropy and giving back to his community. LBC Boston made generous donations for tens of thousands of dollars to the non-profit organization “Sunflower of Peace,” which provides life-saving medical and humanitarian aid to Ukrainians affected by the Russian military invasion. Furthermore, the company invested $3 million in the restoration of Temple B’Nai Moshe, a synagogue serving the Jewish community in the greater Boston area.
On a personal level, Andrian has a deep passion for speed and adrenaline, which is why he is passionate about fast sports cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. He continually hones his driving skills and pushes his limits, firmly believing that the thrill and excitement he experiences while racing are unparalleled.
Andrian’s remarkable journey from a house painter to a prominent real estate developer stands as a shining example of how determination, persistence, and perseverance can lead to success. Andrian M. Shapiro’s story serves as a testament to the American Dream — a reminder that anyone can achieve their goals through diligent effort and hard work.
I am deeply honored and humbled to be acknowledged as one of the top achievers. I do believe that through entrepreneurship and innovation, we can create opportunities, drive positive change and build a brighter future for Ukraine.
Andrin M. Shapiro