Interview Times 
FEATURE:
Preeti Patnaik’s journey is a compelling testament to resilience, vision, and the power of determination. As the Managing Director of Tushi Motors and a pioneer across multiple industries, Preeti has demonstrated that success is not merely about building businesses but about creating legacies that inspire others to dream big and achieve even bigger. Her story is one of transformation, where every challenge became an opportunity, and every success, a milestone.
From her formative years, Preeti exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit that set her apart. Armed with a business management degree from a prestigious Bangalore institute, she embarked on a successful career with the Taj Group of Hotels. During this time, she managed an impressive portfolio of over 200 companies, including corporate giants like Bosch, Viacom, and Mindtree. Her ability to identify opportunities saw her bringing upscale brands like OSAA clothing and Farah Khan’s jewelry line to prominence. These early accomplishments hinted at the drive and determination that would later shape her remarkable journey.
Born into one of Odisha’s leading industrial families, Preeti could have easily chosen a conventional path, but she was determined to carve her own identity. With encouragement from her husband Anshuman, she took the helm at Tushi Motors, a Maruti Suzuki dealership in Cuttack. Her leadership style was hands-on and strategic, focusing on marketing, operations, and sales. Even amidst the global pandemic, when businesses around the world faced unprecedented challenges, Tushi Motors not only survived but thrived. Under her guidance, the dealership earned accolades from Maruti Suzuki for its outstanding performance, cementing its reputation as a top-tier franchise.
Building on this success, Preeti is now expanding her business with a NEXA showroom in Bhubaneswar, a move that reflects her relentless drive to innovate and grow. She believes Odisha’s rising per capita income and evolving lifestyle make it a fertile ground for the automobile industry’s expansion. Preeti’s vision extends beyond profits—she sees her work as a way to contribute to Odisha’s economic growth and bring global attention to the state’s potential.
But Preeti’s ambitions are not confined to the automobile industry. As the co-founder of the Kalinga Desi Agro Foundation (KDF), she has played a pivotal role in redefining Koraput coffee’s identity. For years, coffee from Odisha was transported to South India for blending, losing its distinct flavor and identity. Through KDF, Preeti and her team have worked tirelessly to create a unique brand for Koraput coffee, collaborating with renowned roasters like Blue Tokai. The result has been twofold: Koraput coffee is now gaining recognition as a premium product, and the incomes of local farmers have seen a significant boost.
Preeti’s entrepreneurial ventures also extend to the wellness sector. She founded Reform Pilates, Odisha’s first Pilates studio, bringing a modern fitness trend to the state. By introducing innovative approaches to wellness, she has made a mark in an industry often overlooked in smaller markets.
Her efforts to empower others are equally noteworthy. Preeti was instrumental in organizing the Women’s Business Mela, a groundbreaking event that showcased the collective strength of women entrepreneurs in Odisha. The event, which gained national attention, demonstrated that women could collaborate to create large-scale, impactful initiatives. Overcoming challenges like skeptical sponsors and logistical hurdles, the mela stood as a powerful example of resilience and determination.
Preeti’s vision for Odisha extends beyond her personal ventures. She believes the state is poised for a transformative era. With its growing real estate market and a surge in industries like automobiles, Odisha has the potential to become a hub of innovation and development. Preeti is committed to playing a role in this growth, ensuring that her businesses not only thrive but also contribute to the state’s progress.
Reflecting on her journey, Preeti says, “I’m not just building businesses; I’m crafting legacies that inspire the next wave of dreamers and doers.” This philosophy resonates in every aspect of her work. For Preeti, every challenge is an opportunity, every venture a story of transformation, and every success a testament to the power of believing in one’s dreams.
Looking to the future, Preeti’s plans are as ambitious as her accomplishments. She aims to expand Tushi Motors’ reach, increase the market share of Maruti NEXA, and continue promoting Koraput coffee as a household name. She envisions a time when Odisha’s coffee will be recognized on the global stage, with farmers reaping the rewards of their hard work.
Preeti Patnaik is more than an entrepreneur—she is a changemaker and a trailblazer. Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, the impact of visionary leadership, and the importance of staying true to one’s dreams. Through her multifaceted ventures, she is crafting a legacy of innovation and impact that will inspire generations to come.
