Being born in a business family is often seen as a positive aspect, but making mark is a challenge. Managing Director, Hattrick Group of Industries, Babar Chowdhary, scion of a wealthy family, made his own mark by expanding his fathers well-established business through franchise model, a relatively new concept in Kashmir.
A racing enthusiast, Babar has never thought of following his father’s footsteps to become a businessman. But as it was in destiny, he could not say no to his father’s wish and committed himself to the revival of the family business making it a popular bakery brand in Kashmir, which employs 500 people. In an interview with GK’s Special Correspondent Mukeet Akmali, Babar speaks about his business, future plans and much more.
Tell us about early days of your business career?
I have started my business career from 2005 when I was in 12th class. But it was not a son joining father’s business but an employee having to climb up the ladder. I started from lowest level in my company, marketing products, which is quite unusual for a son of a famous businessman. I have learned hard way. I have worked in production, marketing, accounting and every branch of the industry. I have not sat in office chamber for a year till I prove myself to the management of the group.
Starting from lower level, gave me humbleness and also made me understood the business well. Otherwise had I been posted as director, I would not have gained the experience of the business process.
Give us a brief of your business?
Our ancestral trade was fruit business. But my father Showkat Chowdhary, founder of Chowdhary Group started Hattrick and Babar Enterprises. Now Chowdhary Group has multiple businesses. Babar Enterprise is one of our ventures which deals with distribution of Pepsi Co in the Kashmir valley that we introduced in 2004. Similarly, we have Hattrick Food Industry for which we are known. Initially we started Hattrick as a restaurant, and not as food outlet chain. But with public response, Hattrick has now become a brand, which everyone recognises. We have 29 outlets of Hattrick now. Few years back, we ventured into education sector and started Hattrick Public School.
Hattrick is a known brand in food industry. Tell us about its journey from a restaurant to franchise based bakery outlet?
When I joined, Hattrick was a restaurant at Rajbagh. Then idea of starting franchise model business popped up. Earlier our advisory committee was averse to the idea. However, we backed our instincts and today Hattrick is a brand in food industry having 29 outlets across Kashmir. Our model is based on the principle that we give franchises to people where they provide us space, rest material is ours, as we don’t want to compromise with our quality.
Having been in the business for over two decades now, how do you see the prospects of business in Kashmir given the situation has not been conducive?
I would say that business in Kashmir is not conducive for only factor that is situation. Political uncertainty has dealt severe blow to our economic prospects. As businessmen, we are always on tenterhooks as a small incident can led to closure of businesses for months. If you see from 2008, there have been several instances where businesses remained closed for months together. We are facing plethora of challenges which are out of control to deal. Having said so, I believe still Kashmir has a huge potential as it is a virgin territory where there is hardly any outside investment which gives open field to local businessmen.
You talked about business potential?
Yes, there is huge potential for horticulture, agriculture, handicraft and tourism. As per my experience, horticulture is the real backbone of our economy, which has given us advantage over others across globe. Besides, tourism that is though dependent on the situation. Handicraft too has a huge potential. If we could focus on these sectors, our economy will boom and provide jobs to lakhs of unemployed youth.
Do you think that private sector has a role to solve the problem of unemployment in the state?
I think that private sector can help a lot in solving the problem of unemployment. Also, the youngsters are now joining the private sector. We at Chowdhary Group have at least 500 employees who are on payrolls and more than 900 people are working with us as agents or franchisees. If private sector is fully developed in the state the problem of unemployment will be solved once and for all.
You have recently formed a business body. What was the reason and idea behind it?
Kashmir Young Entrepreneurs Federation is an apolitical organisation where our focus is to encourage startups to do well. We are informing them about various government schemes and help them to get on job training for their endeavours. We have don’t tie-ups with local companies where any prospective entrepreneur, for example wants to start a restaurant, we are helping him first to know about the trade, by providing him apprenticeship in the industry he/she wants to join.
You wish to say something to young aspirants?
There is huge pool of talent in Kashmir. My advice to them is that true entrepreneur is doer, not a dreamer. Believe in yourself and excel. Don’t get disheartened by failures, but follow your heart.