The tale of Shankar and Sudha Thayver is a testament to the sacrifices, determination, and hopes that lure countless individuals to the shores of America. Their story is emblematic of the immigrant experience that has long been a cornerstone of the American narrative.
In the ongoing national discourse about immigration, which remains a contentious yet vital subject, the stories of those who leave their homelands in search of opportunity and a brighter future are both compelling and essential. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, First Coast News is shedding light on the journeys of immigrant families, such as the Thayvers, who embarked on their new life from the distant city of Madurai, India.
As they sift through old family photographs, Shankar and Sudha recount the beginnings of their life together, which started with an arranged marriage nearly three decades ago.
“Can you imagine? I had never spoken to her or even seen her before our wedding,” Shankar recalls with a chuckle, reflecting on the unique circumstances that set the stage for their shared journey.
“Can you imagine I’ve never talked to her, seen her.. getting married,” Shankar said with a laugh.
Their union in Madurai was lavish, drawing 1,200 guests.
“This is right before the wedding,” Sudha said while looking through the album.
But the life they would build together would take them far from home. Shankar’s first stop in the United States was Delaware, where he worked for a tech company while his wife and young child remained behind in Madurai.
“It was hard leaving family, without Indian food, you know – new boss, new work environment – that is hard,” Shankar said.
Stories like the Thayver’s are part of a much larger American story.
“We are a society that has been created through migration and understanding the history of immigration is essential to understanding what it means to be American today,” said Nicholas B. Miller, Associate Professor of History at Flagler College.
Miller says families who leave behind the familiar for unknown possibilities often embody the promise that continues to draw people to the United States.
“Perhaps the American Dream lives on most brilliantly among foreigners. It’s that vision of America as this place of opportunity, that continues to inspire millions of migrants to pursue a life in the United States,” Miller said.
For Shankar, the experience deepened his appreciation for the country he hoped to build a future in.
“I always appreciate what the forefathers had to go through to build this country to what it is right, it’s amazing. American history is well documented, and it breaks your heart when you read through it.”
The challenges didn’t end once the family reunited.
“When my mom was here because I’m upper middle class from India right, so she’s like what are you doing here?!” Sudha recalled.
Sudha went from a pampered lifestyle at home to cleaning houses in the United States.
“It was a big challenge for me, but you know what– at the end, we all want to make it.”
The couple has since worked their way back into a privileged class, but not before extraordinary sacrifice. Jacksonville’s Indian community is one of the fastest-growing immigrant populations in Northeast Florida. According to Neilsberg research, the city is home to more than 13,600 residents of Indian descent, making up roughly 1.4% of the local population.
It was here in the River City that the Thayvers found opportunity to build the life they envisioned in the land of the free.
“Free of speech, free of faith- whatever you want to do. But the financial freedom is also very, very important right,” Shankar said.
The family’s path to success included setbacks.
“We started buying investment properties. I didn’t like what the agents were telling you. No one was savvy enough to do the numbers well.”
Shankar went back to school, earned his real estate license and worked tirelessly, earning the nickname “Weekend Warrior.”
“And we were struggling I’ll tell you- me and my wife,” Shankar said. “We bought this house, a couple of investment properties- everything was losing money- and we have two young children. It was challenging.”
At the time, Sudha was living in the United States on a dependent visa and, without a Green Card, felt limited in what she could do.
“I had to wait until I get my permanent residency so I can start working. That’s when I started helping more.”
Eventually, Shankar left the tech job that brought the family to Jacksonville, and together they doubled down on their vision of life in America.
“We hired our first employee an then it just kept growing and growing, Shankar said. “And in 2018 we did our first acquisition. We’ve done seven acquisitions so far.”
Today, the Jacksonville based Thayver Group also has an office in Dallas and 40 people on its team. Their children are now adults, and the company continues to grow.
As Shankar and Sudha reflect on success earned through decades of sacrifice, perseverance and hard work, you’ll hear no regrets about building a life in the United States.
“In my opinion it’s the best country on earth with all these opportunities,” Shankar said.
“If not this country I cannot say where else I would have done it. I am very grateful for this country and where I am now,” Sudha said.