When you aim for the far reaches of success, then age or expertise does not matter. The same can be said for Ketan Kalra, who for many is just the kid next door. However, those you have met him would well understand that this person is driven by ingenuity and has a knack to foresee trends. This is why at a time when most of the people focus on their studies, he already has started a fast food chain and taking the overall industry by storm.
When young Ketan Kalra returned home after delving into some research on the donut markets abroad and opened up a small donuts outlet, Super Donuts. Little did anyone expect that he would make it a successful venture in less than a year. Ketan has huge plans for his outlets and wants to take the brand national.
What inspired you to build the above product/ service?
Doughnut business is being touted as the next big idea for potential investors. After pizzas and burgers, it is time to welcome the doughnut business in India. With the quick service industry on a rise, it was the perfect time to invest in the biz which is selling like hot cakes!
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
Though several foreign and Indian brands have forayed into this segment but challenges continue to stare in the face. One of the major challenges is to keep the interest going. People have spending capacity, they understand taste, they have travelled abroad, and they have been to international doughnut brands; so they start comparing. One can have a great product or service, but the bottom line is you have to engage the customer.
Please provide a brief overview of your product/ service.
A young ‘n’ fresh brand that offers a delectable range of donuts and All-American deli products-burgers, wraps, bagels, shakes and more!
What is your life mantra?
Keep calm and work hard!
Tell us about your company’s attrition control practices.
Employee retention and motivation of staff have become the major concern the industry. It’s about having good relations at the work place, material benefits and recognition which in turn create happiness at the workplace. With organized growth plan, we shall spawn a vast number of jobs across the spectrum.
According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?
A strong will, hard work and determination!
Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?
I recommend using all forms/apps of social media at every given point of time. Social communities are the perfect place for brands to connect with their audience as it taps into a psychological urge for people to talk and share with people who have similar passions.
Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive.
A clear communication with target audiences about the expectations from the brand helps become more productive.
Answer in less than 50 words
One tip to success:
Work hard and keep silent about it.
One mistake you believe every individual must avoid:
Do not avoid change. It’s constant.
One most important lesson that you have learnt till now:
Customer is everything!
What are your plans for next 3 years?
We have an aggressive expansion plan and intend to be household name whenever the mention comes of amazing Doughnuts. We intend to be leaders in the sale of Doughnuts in quality as well as quality, elbowing our competition in Product innovation and Customer services.
What are your top three getaway destinations?
Koh Samui
Europe
If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?
I would love to stick to the same business.
Share a quote that inspires you the most.
“Competition makes you better, always, always makes you better, even if the competitor wins!”