Devendra Zade
The key to success is bringing out your true potential!
“I had found the way but It was with deAsra’s help that I could pursue my dreams. deAsra helped me procure a cash credit facility from the bank with a robust project report to solve my cash flow issues.” – Devendra Zade, Founder of ADR Corporation
Stepping outside the boundaries
Devendra, a qualified mechanical engineer from Nagpur had always nurtured the dream of setting up his own business. Despite having a comfortable job in a multinational company and a growing career as a Sales Engineer, he was always enthusiastic and ready to take up any kind of work. He started investing the evenings after work and the weekends, developing his own business. He dabbled in selling ready spices to restaurants and households for some time, installing CCTVs another time and once even tried making and selling idlis.
All of this contributed to growing his experience in sales and marketing. However, at one point he realized that running a business is something that would put his professional qualifications to optimum use and make him feel accomplished.
Devendra’s Calling
Devendra started a dealership in industrial oils and abrasives. This was an area he was completely familiar with since he had been working with companies like ITW Signode and Saint Gobain which dealt in similar products.
He took up the dealership of a company manufacturing oil abrasives. The company agreed to give him an exclusive dealership after assessing his performance for six months. For one year, Devendra juggled a full-time job with his new business.
He used one bedroom in his flat to store material and sacrificed all his evenings and weekends to work. His efforts gradually paid off and soon he had steadied himself in the new enterprise.
Now was the time to pursue his business dedicatedly. Devendra resigned from his job and plunged full time into his business. He grew his portfolio and started dealing in industrial oils and abrasives of different brands that are used to increase the performance of industrial tools.
Connecting with deAsra
The first year was a period of struggle after which the turnover figures started looking good. As business started gaining momentum, it was time to manage the financial aspect of the business carefully. A dynamic entrepreneur, Devendra knew he must keep his knowledge updated to sustain in an ever-changing market.
He would, therefore, make it a point to attend seminars and business-related events whenever he could. He once attended a deAsra seminar on a friend’s suggestion and realized the efficacy of a lot of points presented there.
His primitive area of concern had always been managing his cash flow as he had to give a 90-day credit to his buyers whereas he had to make payment to his companies in a much shorter period.
This left a gap between receivables and payables. He immediately contacted the deAsra team to help him procure a cash credit facility from the bank. The team studied his case and helped him make a project report. He duly got cash credit finance which solved his cash-flow problem.
The edge of expertise
With an array of various products, he could now recommend the right product to his client depending on the application of the tool. His engineering expertise gave him an edge as he extended his services beyond simply supplying the product and gave advice on selecting the product.
After a complete brief on the use of the machine, Devendra recommends which product would enhance its productivity and efficiency. He also undertakes conversion of the original product to suit the client’s specific need.
This way, he helps his client in leveraging the effect of the tool or machine which ultimately reflects in the bottom line! In short, it is an intelligent combination of technical as well as commercial skills that gives Devendra a clear edge over his competitors.
The future looks bright. Devendra has ambitious plans for his business and has finalized talks for a dealership with a German company. However, while he pursues his career goals he strongly values health, personal growth and family.
As they say, one successful person inspires the brigade! He encourages his staff to complete work by 5:30 every evening and to spend the rest of the time with their family; something he does himself too. As he plays cricket on weekends and enjoys his time with his son,
Devendra Zade manages a wonderful work-life balance. He acknowledges wholeheartedly that without the unconditional support of his family, he would not have been able to be where he is today.