Manjeev Aggarwal: The story of an entrepreneur from “Zero to Hero”

While many inspiring tales feature entrepreneurs rising from humble beginnings, Mr. Manjeev’s journey is exceptional. He didn’t start from zero; he began in the red.

In 1983, at just 19, Mr. Manjeev was thrust into the role of family patriarch when his ailing father could no longer manage their business, Naveen Scientific Industries. This Ambala Cantt-based manufacturer of dairy laboratory equipment was deeply in debt, with creditors shunning the company.

Despite the daunting challenges, Mr. Manjeev credits his father for guiding him through the crisis. Not only did his father impart invaluable business wisdom, but his unwavering spirit also buoyed Mr. Manjeev during those tumultuous times.

How did he come out of his debts?

At the time, they had about 40-50 products that they manufactured. So, his very first endeavour was to streamline and concentrate only on the top performing items. Instead of being all over the place, he decided to focus on those ten profit making products and turned this heavily indebted venture into a profitable one within the first five years of his business journey.

In 1986, during this struggle, he became a father of twins. His wife’s unwavering support in managing their family allowed him to fully concentrate on revitalizing the company.

The Struggle to Make the Impossible Happen:

Mr. Manjeev was determined to maximize profits, often traveling 60 kilometers himself to deliver goods and save Rs.100. He vividly recalls a trip from Ambala to Jagadhari, covering 60 kilometers for a Rs.7000 product, spending Rs.100 on petrol, and selling it for Rs.7200. This relentless pursuit of savings aligned with his belief in the adage, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”

Not only that, to achieve his targeted sales, he embarked on relentless travel, spending nights on trains and days on the road for several months.

Nothing happens by ‘Chance’: The birth of Lactowin

After five arduous years, their dairy equipment manufacturing business finally reached profitability.

A 1992 order for deep freezers from a Dehradun dairy presented an unexpected opportunity. With empty truck space, they sought additional products to fill the void and were suggested to supply milk powder.

This seemingly small decision led to a substantial saving of Rs.1,00,000 on that single consignment. Recognizing the potential, they ventured into the milk powder business, establishing the brand Lactowin – a name symbolizing their aim to win milk from farmers.

Today, Lactowin boasts a multi-crore turnover.

Overcoming obstacles, Building empires:

Initially, Lactowin faced significant capital constraints. To overcome this, they cultivated strong relationships with customers and suppliers. By securing credit from suppliers and accelerating payments to them using funds from customers, he established a reputation for timely settlements. This approach was instrumental in building trust and credibility.

A core principle of his business was to align payments with incoming funds. He promptly settled invoices upon notification, avoiding debt accumulation. This practice has resulted in an exemplary CIBIL score, consistently above 876 out of 900—a testament to his financial integrity. Moreover, Lactowin maintains a spotless record in GST and Income Tax compliance, positioning Mr.Manjeev as a model taxpayer in Ambala.

Success brought significant changes. After transforming their business into a giant success, Mr. Manjeev’s influence grew tenfold. The aspiration of relatives and friends to see their children emulate his journey was a defining moment, marking a personal milestone where he felt he has finally “arrived in life”

The cornerstone of his success:

A simple principle: “Whatever I sell, I should be able to serve my own children.” This unwavering commitment to quality and perfection is evident in every aspect of his business.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is equally compelling. “Never keep anyone waiting,” he emphasizes. “I’ve always strived to be ahead of schedule.” He critiques the Indian tendency to accept mediocrity with the phrase “itna toh chalta hai” (it’s good enough). By eradicating this mindset and embracing precision, he believes individuals can transform not only their own lives but also the nation’s trajectory. His final message is clear: “Whatever you do, do it with excellence.”

Dreams Ahead:

“Our unwavering commitment is to deliver 100% pure products, including ghee, white butter, and milk powder,” Mr. Manjeev asserts. “This core focus will fuel future growth”.

On a more spiritual level, he adds: “There are approximately 140crore people in India. If you ask them how content they are, most will not be able to confirm. But I can happily confirm that I am a very content human being.

Having witnessed the company’s evolution from inception to success, Mr. Manjeev is now poised to hand over the reins to his sons. As he transitions to a focus on philanthropy and personal well-being, he draws inspiration from the philanthropic legacy of Sir Ratan Tata.

Giving Back to Society: A Life Dedicated to Service and Well-being

Mr. Manjeev is a firm believer in the interconnectedness of spirituality and success. He has dedicated his life to serving others, embodying the principles of empathy and compassion. His journey includes:

• Social Impact: Inspiring over 200 individuals to quit harmful habits like smoking, drinking, and tobacco use through mentorship and financial incentives.
• Environmental Consciousness: Adopting eco-friendly practices, such as driving a hybrid car and minimizing waste.
• Humanitarian Acts: Saving a life during a train emergency by swiftly organizing medical assistance.
• Holistic Health: Promoting physiotherapy as a free, non-invasive treatment for various ailments, emphasizing its role in overall well-being.
• Business Philosophy: Prioritizing customer satisfaction and ethical practices, inspired by Gandhian principles.

Mr. Manjeev’s life is a testament to the power of human kindness and the potential for positive change. Through his actions, he demonstrates that success can be measured not just by material gains, but by the impact made on the lives of others.

Manjeev’s unwavering dedication to service extends beyond his immediate circle. He aspires to one day share his knowledge of Moist Heat Therapy with his idol, Sir Ratan Tata. This innovative, non-invasive treatment embodies Manjeev’s core values of helping others and creating a positive impact.

To learn more about Manjeev’s life-changing therapy and connect with him, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_5_Pt3FDhs

Shunya Se Shikar Tak – Ayush Poddar