From the tranquil village of Assagao in northern Goa, Mr. Rajkumar Kamat’s family journeyed to the bustling capital, seeking brighter opportunities. Despite this relocation, their ancestral home remains a beloved gathering place for festive celebrations, such as Ganesh Chaturthi. A member of the esteemed Kamat Budkule lineage, Mr. Kamat has overcome numerous challenges to become a renowned businessman, a prominent community figure, and a compelling speaker who captivates audiences.
Today, he serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of EP Kamat Group, a cornerstone of Goa’s business landscape. His leadership extends to key roles within BNI Goa, further showcasing his influence. His trajectory—from humble beginnings to a position of prominence—embodies perseverance and success.
Back in the 90s, Mr. Kamat managed a successful powder coating plant in Bicholim. Even then, his humility and grounded nature were apparent—traits that remain with him today despite his impressive achievements. Initially hesitant about an interview due to shyness, he graciously agreed after our conversation.
During our discussion, Mr. Kamat candidly reflected on his upbringing. “I grew up realizing our family didn’t inherit wealth,” he shared. “We had to build our prosperity from the ground up.” His father’s skill in radio repair was overshadowed by the family’s struggles, particularly related to Mr. Kamat’s health issues and the debts incurred for medical care. Yet, his father shielded the children from these hardships, prioritizing their education and well-being.
Mr. Kamat’s memories highlight a deep appreciation for perseverance and familial sacrifice, shaping him into the compassionate leader he is today. “My mother is incredibly enterprising,” he noted. “At 87, she still brings people together—a trait I’ve inherited. My father instilled a strong work ethic in me. My success is a testament to their sacrifices.” He also credited his wife, Leena, as a steadfast partner throughout his journey.
Raised in Panaji, where he has spent most of his life, Mr. Kamat’s education began at Mushtifund School, followed by stints at Don Bosco High School and Dhempe College. He fondly recalls, “In those days, school choice often hinged on proximity.” His path in engineering and subsequent entrepreneurial aspirations were shaped by mentors and life experiences.
During college, Mr. Kamat was an active participant in sports, representing his institution in cricket, chess, and table tennis. “Cricket often took precedence, even during exams,” he reminisced with a smile. A pivotal moment during a campus interview forced him to contemplate his life goals, igniting his entrepreneurial spirit. Realizing he needed practical experience, he decided to join a small or medium-sized enterprise.
Choosing ACGL, a Tata Enterprise, proved instrumental in his career. “It offered hands-on experience and invaluable mentorship,” he explained, marking ACGL as the foundation of his professional journey.
After two years, he began planning his venture in aluminum structures, seizing market opportunities for anodizing alongside fabrication. In 1986, with guidance from his cousin Suresh Kamat, they launched Alpro Industries in Verem, followed by an anodizing unit in Bicholim in 1989.
By 1988, Mr. Kamat was representing ACGL in negotiations with Japan’s Fuji Heavy Industries, gaining significant exposure at a young age. However, as challenges arose in their aluminum fabrication business, he stepped in to support his brother Dinesh. “Seeing him stressed, I resigned from ACGL and we pivoted towards establishing a powder coating unit,” he recalled.
In 1991, EP Industries was born, steering a fresh course with a vision for innovation and quality. The company quickly adapted to Goa’s real estate boom, introducing sustainable metal railings and expanding into fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) doors by 2003, reflecting Mr. Kamat’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions.
In 1999, he and his brother parted ways strategically, allowing Mr. Kamat to grow the powder coating unit independently, achieving significant revenue milestones. His active participation in Rotary and other organizations began to expand during this time, as he adopted a hands-off management approach to focus on social commitments.
BNI Goa: A New Chapter
Mr. Kamat’s active role in community and government organizations solidified his reputation as a dynamic leader, paving the way for BNI Goa. “During a business trip to Pune in 2009, I realized BNI was precisely what Goa needed,” he shared. After discussions with the national director, he successfully launched BNI’s first Goa chapter in April 2010.
With support from his brothers, Dinesh Dhulapkar, and Manoj Patil, BNI Goa flourished, now boasting fifteen chapters and nearly 900 members, with a sixteenth chapter soon to launch in Navelim.
Mr. Kamat’s efforts have garnered significant recognition, including hosting BNI’s founder in Goa for pivotal events. His ability to attract such esteemed figures speaks volumes about his influence in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Strategic Innovations and Sustainability
In 2016, Mr. Kamat shifted his focus from powder coating to producing sustainable products, particularly FRP doors, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat vision. Inspired by a keynote on IPOs, he founded EP Bio Composites Limited (EPBL) in 2020, focusing on Bio-Digesters and FRP doors.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Kamat remained committed to innovation. Collaborating with MSMEX and its founder Amit Kumar, he refined his business model, leading to EPBL’s IPO plans.
Mr. Kamat emphasizes the significance of personal sustainability goals. “Global issues like climate change can feel overwhelming, but individual actions collectively make a difference,” he asserts. He encourages entrepreneurs to assess their daily habits and make conscious, eco-friendly choices, emphasizing that meaningful change starts with small, actionable steps.
By fostering a culture of personal sustainability, Mr. Kamat inspires a healthier, more sustainable future, demonstrating that impactful change begins with individual commitment.
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