On one hand, he parties hard, on the other, he is a man of business. A 27-year-old Bharat is a dual-faceted Gemini, heading the operations at Leo Motors. With his immense enthusiasm and dynamic persona, Bharat has become quite a success in what he does– selling Maruti Suzuki cars.
Hardly six months into business, Leo Motors has chalked out an impressive number by selling over 100 cars a month. “Our vision is to offer our customers the ultimate vehicle buying experience by providing the right motoring advice and support. Our focus is simple: To strive for 100% customer service. We provide information, advice and assistance customised to each individual client, whether they are purchasing their first car or upgrading to a bigger car,” he says. With a qualified team of sales and service executives, backed with state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive stocks of cars, workshops and on-site spare parts warehouses, Leo Motors offers customers an ideal car owner experience.
This success, however, comes with a lot of learning and hardships. Despite hailing from a family of businessmen, selling cars has remained an unexplored territory. “We started off with granite business, and slowly we got into car sales and it’s a whole new ballgame. We made mistakes and we are still learning,” says Bharat, who, unlike many young entrepreneurs, have celebrities as their role models. “My dad is my role model. I have seen him struggle. The troubles and traumas he had to undergo in running a business is the best lesson I have learnt. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. I had to learn things the hard way,” he admits.
Despite being a thorough businessman, the young car dealer knows how to mix work and play.“While I don’t get much time for hobbies, I ensure that, at least on Saturdays, I am out with friends. I frequent City Bar and Sky Bar at UB City and dance to my heart’s content. I am also actively involved in bike rides and bike races and go on long rides with my friends,” says Bharat.
Although not an avid reader, Bharat does keep himself abreast of the new trends in the auto industry. “My employees are well-versed with the car industry. They share their observations and ideas with me. I think our dealership is a success only because of our employees,” he says. Highlighting the most interesting trend, Bharat says that people are no longer looking for high-end models. “Customers look for simple, affordable cars that can be used for the entire family. The focus today is more on entry and mid-level cars,” he says.
Ask him about his dream car and Bharat says: “I cannot wish for a car that can fly or that can be driven under the sea. But any day, I would love to own a Ferrari. I also love the cars in the James Bond and The Dark Knight series. Batman is my all-time favourite superhero. I wish I could get to drive the Batmobile,” laughs Bharat.
source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> Money> Report / by Caroline Diana, Place: Bangalore, Agency:DNA / Wednesday, December 26th, 2012