Thirty-eight years ago, Harry Singh came from India to New York with nothing more than a dream for a better life and now he runs a billion-dollar gas station business in Garden City.

Singh, of Old Westbury, is the founder and CEO of Bolla Oil Corporation.

"I'm a worker. I love what I do. I have a passion for it," says Singh.

Singh's passion is rooted in the cultural values of his native home near Punjab, India. In 1983, the 21-year-old traded his small village for Big Apple ambition.

MORE: 4 ways to learn more about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

"On August 3, 1983, I landed at JFK not knowing where I was going other than just knowing this is a dream and there's a better way to make life better," says Singh.

Singh drove a taxi at one point to make more money and then he became an auto mechanic. He opened one shop in Manhattan and then another in Brooklyn.

Singh's ambition eventually led to his billion-dollar empire.

Bolla Oil employs 1,800 people at more than 250 sites, including gas stations, convenience stores and a fuel distribution center.

"Work hard, you'll get rewarded for it," says Singh.