Great Companies: Please tell me something about the business and how did you come
up with such an idea?
Farid Uz Zaman Khan: After having 16 years of corporate experience but with nill business
background I have started my entrepreneurship in 2012 with a miniscule amount of Rs. 4 lacs into Dates processing & Retailing.
We attained a Turn over of Rs. 1 cr in first 4 months and next year incurred a loss of 75 lacs which is a turning point in my career. I had to hide the facts of Rs. 75 lacs liability from my family, who are primarily an academic background people. This pushed me towards product innovation and choosing lucrative segment of customize gifting. To earn better premiums we tend to innovate more and more products and earn great reputation in wedding gifting segment.
We always believe in Givers Gain philosophy . And then BNI came into our journey in 2016. At that junction I stopped considering me as a lone warrior. My colleagues at BNI motivates me by showing new avenues and thus journey accelerate.
Today we are into Franchise model, pan India distribution, exports. Alternate markets etc.
Great Companies: What are the various services and products provided by your
company?
Farid Uz Zaman Khan: Dates and its derivatives , value added : Nuts, seeds, dried fruits,
berries, bakery , cakes , cookies , traditional sweets, fusion sweets, Arabian Sweets, guilt free sweets, savouries , traditional savouries, bars , flavor dates , figs etc.
Great Companies: Why should one choose you over others in this field?
Farid Uz Zaman Khan: During our journey where there was negative money with us we pushed ourself towards innovation but by empowering ordinary background minds especially women . I personally dont know how to prepare a cup of tea. But with immense leadership today we have India's largest product portfolio in exotic food category.
Great Companies: What are the struggles and challenges you face?
Farid Uz Zaman Khan: Loss of money in 2nd year of operation .
No skilled background of operation.
Uncertain circumstances like demonetization, gst poor execution and many more always be a deterrent to flying high.
Great Companies: What do you think are the few main things which are most
important for a successful business?
Farid Uz Zaman Khan: Structured Networking
Systematic approach
Continuous innovation
Leadership
Individual character
Empathy
Empowering.
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