Smita Mishra 
In realm of entrepreneurship, there exist individuals who redefine the fabric of business. Gyanendra Kumar Behera, the visionary franchise owner of Sreeleathers Ashok Nagar, is one such luminary. His odyssey, marked by perseverance and innovation, serves as a testament to the power of passion and dedication.
Born and brought up in Jamshedpur, Gyanendra’s early life was a crucible that forged his entrepreneurial spirit. His tryst with music, as a proficient Tablist, not only honed his creative instincts but also instilled in him the discipline required to excel in any field. The rhythmic beats of the Tabla, which once accompanied Kathak dance performances in prestigious venues, now harmonize with the hum of his business ventures.
Gyanendra’s foray into the world of business was sparked by a singular vision: to provide high-quality footwear at affordable prices to the people of Odisha. This dream, born out of empathy and a desire to serve, led him to establish the brands presence in 1996 at Bhubaneswar. The initial days were replete with challenges, as the market was dominated by established competitive brands. Undeterred, Gyanendra embarked on a journey to create awareness about his brand, camping in various locations to showcase the quality and affordability of his products.
“We started from sales only, going places and selling our items,” Gyanendra reminisces, his eyes sparkling with the memories of his humble beginnings. His ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and provide solutions has been the cornerstone of his success.
As the business grew, so did Gyanendra’s understanding of the customer’s needs. He realized that the key to success lay in being customer-centric. To achieve this, he introduced innovative practices, such as allowing customers to exchange or return products at any time, without any restrictions. This bold move not only earned the trust of his customers but also set his business apart from the competition.
“I tried to make every effort customer-centric,” Gyanendra explains, his voice filled with conviction. “Initially, we had a fixed time a day for item exchange. And it was written on the bill only. After that time was over, no exchange would be done for the day. But soon I realized it was a void. A customer is spending money to come here, and what if he didn’t reach in time due to traffic? Eventually, we removed that. Come any time in a day, we will accept the return and exchange.”
Gyanendra’s ability to read the market and adapt to changing customer preferences has been the hallmark of his success. He expanded his product line to cater to the growing demand for fancy footwear and handbags, particularly during festivals and marriage parties. This strategic move not only increased his market share but also established Sreeleathers as a household name in Odisha.
“We kept the shoe price just 149,” Gyanendra recalls, a hint of pride in his voice. “Not just for people, children going to school also need shoes for their uniform.” His commitment to providing affordable, high-quality products has been unwavering, earning him the loyalty of his customers.
Today, Sreeleathers occupies a staggering 55% of the market share in affordable category, with a turnover running into crores. Gyanendra’s business acumen, coupled with his commitment to customer satisfaction, has created a loyal customer base that has been instrumental in driving his success.
As we conversed with Gyanendra, it became evident that he is a walking embodiment of MBA principles. His insights into sales and business are a treasure trove of knowledge, gleaned from years of experience and experimentation. His ability to observe customer behavior, anticipate market trends, and adapt to changing circumstances is a testament to his entrepreneurial prowess.
“We often notice the eye movement of customers,” Gyanendra shares, a sly smile spreading across his face. “Which product you’re looking more at. That gave us the impression of what you will eventually choose. It’s not anything so hard like rocket science. It’s just a skill.”
Gyanendra’s office, a hub of activity, is a reflection of his commitment to empowering women. The majority of his employees are women, who are encouraged to work independently and take ownership of their responsibilities. The uniform code, which assigns specific roles to employees based on their attire, is a clever innovation that streamlines customer service and ensures a seamless experience.
“Every girl is Odia, and around here, so they can earn on their own,” Gyanendra explains, his voice filled with empathy. His dedication to creating opportunities for women is a shining example of his commitment to social responsibility.
As we concluded our conversation with Gyanendra, it became clear that his success is not solely due to his business acumen, but also his spiritual grounding.
