Growing up in a business atmosphere, he developed a knack for the profession. Joining the family business after higher studies came as a great coincidence for the meritorious commerce student. Having grown his business overcoming many obstacles, he has achieved a lot in his new ventures as well. Despite a busy work life, he is also realising his thoughts to do something for the society. In conversation with Orissa POST, successful businessman and Managing Director of SGBL Automobiles Pvt Ltd Sunil Gupta shares his thoughts…
Where and how did you spend your childhood?
I was born in Cuttack’s Nimchouri. I joined Ravenshaw College for higher education after finishing my schooling at Stewart School in Cuttack. Eventually, I successfully completed my graduation with distinction in Commerce from Ravenshaw. My childhood and schooling were spent in Cuttack where I grew up with family and friends.
How did you begin your professional life?
We had a well-established family business in Cuttack as my father Srinivas Gupta had a business in Cuttack Malgodown. With time, I developed an interest in business and subsequently after studies, I joined my father. I had many experiences and public rapport so I started my profession as a supplier of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment in Cuttack. That business is still running to date. Gradually, we expanded to real estate, Titan watches, and Honda automobiles. We also have a C&F business with the known electrical company Havells.
How did you get associated with automobile business?
My business experience of over 3 decades and a challenging opportunity propelled me to step into the two-wheelers business. Especially in 2011, when I saw an advertisement put up by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd in Cuttack for dealers, I got really interested. I had dreamt of becoming popular by doing business with a multinational company like Honda. So, I communicated with them, and after some arrangements, I got selected as a dealer of the company. Finally, a modern showroom and service centre were established in 2012 near Sati Chaura of Cuttack, which is now recognised as the best showroom in Odisha. Even the showroom SGBL Honda has bagged the star performer of the year award twice in a row.
What is the post-Covid status of your business?
The business was stagnant and in a way stopped during the Covid pandemic and lockdown. Then, we managed to open our showroom without much difficulty following all the government guidelines. We were able to provide quick services to customers even after going through so many difficulties. The hard work and perseverance of our employees made it possible. Especially, trust among the customers, support from the company, and employees’ dedication and love have propelled our business. I am hopeful that the automobile market will bounce back in no time.
How do you like to spend your leisure?
With my busy business schedule, I don’t even get a chance to realise how time flies. But in case I get some leisure, I spend it with my family. Also, I love to spend time caring for cows and travelling with friends. With family, I prefer spending time in a spiritual environment and we observe Vaishno Devi Jagran along with Bhagvat Katha during leisure time.
What are your future plans? Do you have any other new ventures in your mind?
We have to think a hundred times when we want to do anything new in a competitive market. Despite that fact, we are planning to open jewellery showrooms of a reputed company in and outside the state. Also because of the dedication towards cows, we have plans to create a cow shelter and a veterinary hospital for bovines. For the same, we are running Geeta Charitable Trust in my mother’s name.
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