Prisita Das 
Jitendra Patra, the proprietor of JBC Industry, embodies the spirit of an entrepreneur forged through decades of relentless dedication. At 76, his vision is sharper than ever, and his daily routine which includes three hours of yoga, asana, and pranayama — fuels his ambition to remain actively involved in his business for another two decades. Patra’s company, JBC Industry, has been a pillar in Odisha’s manufacturing sector since its inception in 1995, specializing in essential wire and wire products, particularly fencing materials like high-quality barbed wire, mesh, and Concertina wire. Their product ranges are Binding wires, Wire mesh, Welded mesh, Nails, Bolts, Screws, Hinges (MS and stainless steel), Fencing wire, Chain link net, HB wires, Galvanized wires, Panel pins, Nut fasteners, etc.
But Patra’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin in 1995; it started in his village, Bhusanandpur, when he was just a boy.
The Hustle of a Schoolboy
Patra’s story is one of astonishing youthful industriousness. As the eldest son, he started managing his father’s local clothes business from the fifth grade. His schedule was a formidable balancing act: “I used to sit in the shop from 6 AM to 10 AM, go to school from 10 AM to 4 PM, and then sit in the shop again from 4 PM until midnight.” Despite this demanding routine, he successfully completed his Matriculation, passing in the Second Division.
His experience in the clothes trade required him to travel extensively for sourcing, giving him valuable exposure across “Saran Bharatbarsha” (all of India). This foundational knowledge of supply chains and trade proved critical when he came to Bhubaneswar. In 1995, he took a calculated risk and acquired a factory that was up for auction, pivoting his career to manufacturing and founding JBC Industry, which currently employs 17 individuals.
The Power of Quality and Trust
For Patra, business longevity hinges not on short-term gains, but on unwavering ethical practice. When asked about his competitive edge, he emphasizes one thing: quality.
“There are many competitors, but we maintain quality and provide guaranteed products,” he asserts. He believes in giving customers fencing materials whether it’s mesh or barbed wire with superior lasting quality so they don’t have to replace them frequently. This strategy has built a strong reputation and customer trust. “Short-term success comes from making a lot of profit quickly, but long-term success comes from being trusted by people and offering the right price. That is what lasts.”
He holds a particularly fond view of the local business environment. “The Odisha market is the best,” he notes, describing it as a peaceful province with strong potential for business growth.
A Vision for the Future
At 76, Patra shows no sign of slowing down. He understands that while his traditional values have sustained the business, future growth relies on modern methods. He is currently focused on expansion, with plans to open a new factory in Gujarat to manufacture sanitary products, strategically utilizing the region’s easy access to metal raw materials.
Patra’s message to the young generation is clear and forward-looking: “Use new technology to grow.” He confirms that even JBC Industry is in talks to acquire new machines to modernize its operations.
A true veteran of the industrial landscape, Jitendra Patra is a powerful example of how entrepreneurial spirit, combined with rigorous health and an ethical focus on quality, can create a legacy designed for the long haul.
