The world is moving towards the arena of global digitalization. In fact, the only king who will thrive and rule our successors will be the internet.
Interview Times had a great conversation with a Samurai of the digital world, Amit Prakash, an I.T. passes out, and the C.E.O. of Crushaders Tech Solutions. He spoke about his childhood, his journey with Crushaders, and the future of the digital sphere.
This is how the interview went-
How was the childhood of Amit Prakash?
My childhood was just like any other typical middle-class Odia boy of the ’90s. I was blessed to be raised in a pleasing city of Bhadrak as my father worked there in a private firm, Facor. I studied at Saraswati Sishu Mandir.
Therefore, I was quite religious and spiritual from my early childhood days. While mornings were devoted to the schools, my evenings were booked for the cricket matches; I enjoyed myself with my friends. In school, I loved to participate in all extra-circular activities. I was a leader in Scouts, loved swimming, and was a part of all the cultural activities of my school by default.
When did the spark of the entrepreneurship blossom into your mind?
To be very honest, my passion for being an entrepreneur was triggered by a sense of fear. In the year 2008, in my second year of engineering, the world’s economy collapsed due to recession. Many of my seniors who worked in reputed firms like T.C.S., Wipro, Tech Mahindra lost their jobs. Therefore, I thought, why not start something of my own, after having a few years of exposure in the I.T. sector.
Also, at that point in time, Odisha was devoid of any significant I.T. sector. So, even if I had a chance to start my organization in Mumbai or Pune, I decided to return to my homeland. I wanted the I.T. sector to bloom in Odisha as well. Also, I desired to give employment to the local people of Odisha to boost our state economy.
How difficult was it to leave a full-time job and venture into a start-up?
Initially, it was tough. I was posted at Nepal Kathmandu and was having a salary package of nearly seven lakhs per annum. Also, I received excellent incentives, as well. However, by 2013 I had made up my mind to leave my job and start my own company. I am fortunate enough, as my parents were fully supportive.
At that time, my family lived in a 2bhk flat at Bhubaneshwar. As it was the initial days, I turned one of my rooms into an office. I got a partner as well, Bidhan, who, till date, is like a supportive pillar to me. By the end of 2013- my partner and I at my house started Crushaders Tech Solutions with two laptops, and by January 22, 2014, we got officially registered.
How has been the journey with Crushaders Tech Solutions so far?
Oh!!! it has been a fabulous journey. Since two partners, now I am proud enough to give employment to 40 young and dynamic Odia’s. Now we have our office at Patia, Bhubaneshwar, and manage numerous clients. Today, Crushaders Tech Solutions has over 60 clients, with a majority of them in the U.K., U.S.A., and Cannada.
Every company goes through highs and lows; it is expected that Crushaders Tech Solutions has also been through them. Can you describe one of the incidents where your company went through extreme lows and how you managed to cope with it?
Yes, I want to tell you one particular incident. It was 2016 when suddenly, 4 of our main clients decided to part ways within a few days. It was shocking and disturbing, as well. From each client, we used to get a revenue of $500 to $600 per year.
We had to struggle a lot for the next two months. My partner Bidhan and I slept for only three to four hours a day, even at weekends, during that period. Also, my entire team worked for 11 to 12 hours a day. However, after two months, the situation was normalized as we got some excellent new clients.
How much impact has CO-VID has on your business?
As I said earlier, most of my clients are based abroad, a maximum of them being in the e-commerce sector. We handle their digital aspect entirely. Therefore, during this pandemic, we became fully aware that they are suffering from substantial financial loss. So, from moral ethics, we didn’t charge a single penny from them. Hence our revenue has gone down by 20 percent in the last few months.
However, during this Pandemic recession, the only thriving sector is the digital sphere. How do you think the digital arena will perform in the next ten years or so?
In simple layman terms- the future of the economy will thrive on digital platforms.
Through the medium of Interview Times, I would request all businessmen- whether a street vendor or a grocery shop owner to least have a Google Business Account and Google Maps. Install business WhatsApp for your customers. All these features are free and will help to thrive in your business in the future. Also, if you want to invest a bit- built up your website.
Any set-off plans for the future?
Yes, just before the pandemic stuck, I wnt to U.S. A and registered an office in Arizona. So, once the virus is in control- we have plans to expand our zone in the U.S.A.
Any piece of advice for young entrepreneurs?
My only advice is just to be prepared for any worst situation, and you will succeed in life.
Image Source- Amit Prakash Photography Wardrobe
