Pravin Kakode, a prominent name in Goa’s business landscape, has successfully transformed a traditional grocery venture into one of the state’s largest supply chain operations. With a firm foundation in family-run businesses, Pravin’s journey exemplifies how innovation, resilience, and customer-first philosophy can lead to remarkable success. In an exclusive conversation with team Incredible Goa, he reveals the story behind his business rise, the challenges he faced, and his vision for the future.
Early Beginnings: From Grocer to Business Leader
Pravin Kakode comes from a well-established business family. What started as a humble grocery shop eventually evolved into a thriving hardware business, thanks to the keen entrepreneurial spirit within the family. “I hail from a business background,” says Pravin. “Initially, it was a grocery shop, and later we expanded into hardware. My brother and I entered the family business at a young age due to certain family requirements. Balancing work and studies while managing the shop was a fantastic experience,” he recalls.
Through this early exposure, Pravin not only developed a strong business acumen but also nurtured his passion for the industry. “My father instilled the importance of work ethic and integrity. After completing my CA and post-graduate management degree, I was equipped to expand the family business,” he adds.
The Motivation Behind His Choice
The transition from running a hardware shop to a full-fledged supply chain business wasn’t random. Pravin was driven by the potential he saw in essential industries. “Roti, Kapda, and Makaan are fundamental needs. I believed that by serving these basic human needs, we could build a sustainable and long-term business. I saw great potential in expanding our business, especially in the construction sector,” Pravin explains. His keen insights and willingness to diversify set the stage for a grander vision.
Overcoming Challenges: A Pragmatic Approach
Like any successful entrepreneur, Pravin faced several hurdles along his journey. However, he attributes much of his success to a pragmatic and solution-driven mindset. “The journey is an ongoing process of evolution,” says Pravin. “Challenges will always arise, but they can be overcome by focusing on solutions. It’s crucial to accept what you cannot change and concentrate your efforts on what you can improve,” he adds.
He credits his loyal team for their commitment to tackling challenges with the same resilience. “We use a powerful mantra: #ZaynaAsheKaiNa (Nothing is impossible), which keeps us motivated to keep pushing forward no matter the difficulties.”
Building a Strong Brand: The Power of Consistency
Pravin’s supply chain empire today operates under the brand ‘Upgrade,’ a name that has become synonymous with reliability and growth. Reflecting on the origins of the name, Pravin shares, “We were looking for a professional name that would align with our vision. During a conversation with my friend Dinesh Kumar, the phrase ‘Change is the only constant, and intentional change for the better is Upgrade’ resonated deeply with us. It clicked immediately.”
Upgrade has now become a symbol of continuous improvement and progress, and its success lies in the principles of quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
Unique Selling Points: Innovation at the Core
What sets Pravin’s company apart in a highly competitive market is its customer-centric approach and constant innovation. “We’re committed to offering products that solve our customers’ real-world problems. We deal with over 19,000 SKUs, ensuring that our offerings meet diverse needs, from construction materials to cleaning chemicals,” says Pravin.
The company serves over 2,000 dealers across Goa daily, ensuring that even the smallest orders are met with timely delivery. This extensive reach sets the company apart from its competitors, who often falter on consistency.
“We constantly innovate and have expanded into manufacturing construction and cleaning chemicals. Our products are now reaching markets across India, and we are working toward expanding to international markets,” he explains. With an eye on growth, Pravin’s company continues to add new products and services, staying ahead of market demands.
Financial Discipline: The Secret to Sustained Growth
Managing finances in a competitive environment is crucial to long-term success, and Pravin attributes much of his financial discipline to lessons instilled by his father. “The key philosophy my father passed down is to always pay our vendors, suppliers, and employees on time. Financial discipline has been a cornerstone of our success,” he explains.
Pravin also highlights the importance of avoiding overtrading, following the advice of his father, “Chadar Palavn Pay Sod” (Always stay within your limits). “Staying grounded and making prudent financial decisions has allowed us to weather economic fluctuations while growing steadily,” he adds.
Vision for the Future: Expanding Horizons
Pravin is not one to rest on his laurels. He has big plans for the future, particularly in the areas of customer-centric solutions and infrastructure development. “We’re working on exciting new initiatives that will expand our scope of operations. Goa’s tourism industry is poised to boom in the next decade, and we plan to leverage our infrastructure to meet the demands of this growth,” Pravin shares.
Innovation, customer-first thinking, and adapting to new market trends will remain central to the company’s expansion strategy.
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Pravin Kakode’s journey serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs. His advice is simple yet powerful: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve,” quoting the famous words of Napoleon Hill. He emphasizes the importance of finding one’s Ikigai, a Japanese concept that refers to finding the intersection of what you are good at, what you love, what the world needs, and what the world is willing to pay for.
“When you discover your Ikigai, everything flows effortlessly. It’s a magical state that leads to success,” says Pravin, encouraging readers to apply themselves relentlessly in the pursuit of their dreams.
The Legacy of Pravin Kakode
Pravin Kakode’s journey from a small grocery shop to building Goa’s largest supply chain business is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and adaptability. His leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to shape the business landscape of Goa, inspiring entrepreneurs across the region to dream big and aim higher. As the future unfolds, Pravin’s ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve will undoubtedly lead him to even greater achievements in the years to come.
Discover more from Incredible Goa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
