India Abroad-1997 TOP 10 Indian American Companies.
10 TOP-RANKING COMPANIES
# 1 - The Vinmar Group
Mr. Vijay Goradia
Sales: $ 400 million
Age: 45
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Education:
Bachelors Degree in Commerce of Bombay University; Management course at Harvard University
Philosophy:
Fairness and integrity in operating; staying lean and agile and maintaining the same ethics and work culture; to find hidden opportunities, looking beyond the obvious and while at it, keeping an eye out for the risks and the dangers to out a way to mitigate them.
Company Profile:
Mission Statement:
Vinmar's mission is to become a premier international marketing and distribution company in the area of chemicals and plastics. Vinmar's business must be distinguished by providing value added, end to end, reliable service to our customers and suppliers at the lowest cost. Vinmar's aim is to achieve the highest customer satisfaction, one of the best reputations in the market place and to demonstrate fairness.
Product line and operations:
Global marketing of chemical products, plastic, rubber and fiber products and films. Remain focused on the selected product line and operate globally.
Corporate General Office in Houston and has 21 offices and agents world over in South America - Mexico and Brazil; Europe - Netherlands, Russia and Turkey; West Africa - Nigeria; Middle East - Dubai, UAE; South Asia - India and Pakistan; Asia Pacific and Far East - China, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.
Awards:
1989 - President's "E" Export award of the US Commerce Department for substantial contribution to the US chemicals and plastics exports
1996 - Top rank in the "India Abroad- VII 100"
Success factors:
Have marketing agreements with producers and maintain close contacts with end-users and match their requirements; take away all the risks and uncertainties, both perceived and real, by serving the customer just as they were buying from a domestic producer.
In some cases since suppliers will not deal with customers in developing countries, take title to the product until it reaches the buyer; take all related political and economic risks and also handle all paperwork and procedures.
Human interest:
While in India was active in five plastics manufacturing plants. After successfully selling these interests, immigrated to USA in 1977; had little money and no job. He called a family friend for whom he had worked in India and asked if he could do anything for him. The friend was buying some plastic resins and was too busy, he, therefore, asked Vijay to go and check them out. He did the inspection and received $ 9,000 for the services. This led to founding of Vinmar International Ltd. in his New York apartment. In 1985, he moved to Houston to take advantage of its being the center of plastics and petrochemicals.
His international deals defy the standard practices of contracts. Most of his deals are sealed with a handshake or verbally over the telephone. In 20 years he hardly had any bad debt situations; for the buyers in the developing countries it is a matter of honor, they will sell the house and all their belongings to pay off the debt.
He speaks English, French, Spanish and several Indian languages. He considers it important to understand how people think and do business and invests time to learn their culture and values. He spends considerable time traveling overseas to all the markets meeting potential customers and seeking business opportunities.
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# 2 - BJS Electronics, Inc.
Mr. Jessie Singh
Sales: $ 185 million
Age: 39
Hometown: Village Majra, Gurdaspur, Punjab
Education: Bachelor of Technology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Philosophy:
Treat people honestly and fairly; be a student for life - seek the truth, learn from other people, learn from one's own mistakes -they strengthen ability to deal with life especially during tough times; selfless giving and kindness is a inner spiritual part of Jessie Singh's life; Treat employees and friends like they are a family - feels obligated to see that they are happy and successful.
Company Profile:
Mission Statement:
We have the ability to deliver the component that everyone is looking for, but very few have. We are an integral part in keeping the high tech industry healthy because we make the parts available at the right time when the market needs it".
Product line and operations:
Specializes in computer memory products and Central Processing Units and is one of the largest independent distributor and one of the five largest memory chip distributors in America. BJS is one of the fastest growing memory chip distributors in America, with 1996 sales increasing by 160%. Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, BJS sells 60% nationally, 25% in California and remaining 15% worldwide. BJS Electronics is designed to meet customer's component needs with immediate response and hence it's sales floor resembles a stock market buying and selling arena with an electronic board showing the availability and prices up to the minute.
The company is often used as a resource for reference on high technology issues. Jessie is regularly invited to speak to high tech professionals, business organizations, civic groups, university students and cultural organizations.
Awards:
Company has been featured several times in mainstream newspapers in North America for the business success in high tech industry and for its philanthropic activities.
Success Factors:
The growth is attributable to the success in anticipating the customer needs and the commitment to deliver on the promises. The company goes the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction, low prices and outstanding quality.
Human interest:
A graduate of agricultural engineering, Jessie moved to the US in 1986, did all odd jobs for survival including pizza delivery and pumping gas. In December 1986, he helped a friend in India to source an electronic component from USA that gave him the first order of $ 100. This led to his developing the business of sourcing products for companies in India and importing electronic components from Indian companies for distribution in the US. He reached many US companies requiring electronic components through the trade publication Electronic Buyers Guide and developed the distribution business.
In 1988, he seized the opportunity in the shortage of memory chips and sourced them against confirmed orders. He rapidly expanded this business and participated in trade shows world over. His company specializes in supplying to smaller companies by sourcing small quantities of reliable electronic products from the world over at competitive rates; their referrals make a major contribution to their marketing efforts. The transition has come from the initial home based operation to a 45,000 sq. ft. facility. He attributes his growth to conservative financial management, plowing back all surpluses for growth of the business and hands-on approach.
Jessie and his company have featured in several TV news-station stories pertaining to high tech issues and community programs. Over 60% of his employees are Indian Americans, including many senior citizens and also several senior Americans, helping them with income and providing self-esteem.
Jessie is active in several business and civic organizations. He enjoys contributing to organizations that advocate preserving Indian Culture, human rights and opportunities to minority business. He provides leadership and hopes to steer them to contribute to the betterment of the community life. His company and family are committed to enhancing the credibility and image of the Indian American community.
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# 3 - Atco Rubber Products, Inc.
Mr. Ramesh Bhatia
Sales: $ 148 million
Age: 53
Hometown: Patna, Bihar
Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering and MBA
Philosophy:
Having long term vision of where I want to go over each 5-year period and being flexible to change those plans, if necessary, if better opportunities present themselves; look at future possibilities, not at present roadblocks; treat others with respect, compassion and consideration; try to improve other peoples' lives as much as possible so that the world is a better place tomorrow than it is today.
Company Profile:
Product line and operations:
Manufacture of flexible ducts and sheet metal fittings and air-conditioning systems. The company has eleven manufacturing plants in the United States and two overseas. It has excellent R & D facilities to ensure the highest quality. The products carry the U. L. Seal of Approval. The Customer Service Department is always available to answer any questions and solve problems.
Success factors:
With the broadest product line in the Industry, an unsurpassed R & D Department, a knowledgeable staff, eleven shipping locations in the U.S., and over 30 years experience manufacturing, Atco Rubber Products is the #1 place to shop.
Human interest:
Besides creating jobs, we have actively participated in donating our products and manpower to rebuild older homes for low income families, we are also a national sponsor of "Habitat for Humanity", headed by former President Jimmy Carter, which builds homes for poor people.
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# 4 - Kikomo Ltd.
Mr. Parshottam Kukreja
Sales: $ 95 million
Age: 61
Hometown: Karachi, British India, before partition
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Punjab University
Philosophy: Honesty and Hard work
Company Profile:
Product line and operations:
Import of men's and women's clothing and distribution to mass retailers
Human interest:
Mr. Kukreja earlier worked as managing partner of garment export house in Mumbai, India. Honesty, hard work and right planning of future trends are factors of success.
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# 5 - Nath Companies, Inc.
Mr. Mahendra Nath
Sales: $ 73 million
Age: 57
Hometown: Lahore, British India, before partition
Education: BS in Mechanical Engineering, M. S. in Industrial Engineering
Philosophy:
Believe in working hard and being focused. Utilize and planning and execution through participation and empowerment of the employees considering their dreams as part of the total plan.
Company Profile:
Mission Statement:
To improve the economic well being of the company employees, customers and businesses, and to actively participate in the betterment of the communities we serve. Key Business Strategy - "Give people the freedom to succeed, and they will use their skills as if they owned the company."
Product line and operations:
Nath companies operate 90 Burger King restaurants from Minnesota to Florida that includes Wisconsin, Florida, Illinois and North Carolina and also owns operating facilities for some restaurants. It is the 25th largest restaurant franchisee in the US and is one of the top ten franchisee of Burger King's.
The group also has expertise in real estate acquisition, development and management of residential and commercial properties. The entrepreneurial spirit of success has been the driving force throughout the three decades of professional experience of Mahendra. Sharing its virtue is a responsibility Mr. Nath is proud to honor.
Human interest:
In 1964, Mahendra came to US for studies, worked as engineer with Sperry Univac. While working full time, he started on the side, with trading in artifacts from India, operated two stores and participated in gift shows.
In 1977, he entered real estate business as a broker and wife Asha was the Realtor and the brother-in-law Ashok who ran the gifts trading business started working for Burger Kings. In 1983 he was ready to do business full time. Keeping majority ownership, he invited many of his friends as partners in the real estate business.
With the change in the ownership and management of Berger King, he bought two restaurants, invited Ashok as partner and utilizing his expertise to manage them. IN 1991 he acquired 19 Burger King franchises, bordering on bankruptcy and turned them around. The company then went on to grow to owning 90 restaurants and managing properties.
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# 6 - ANSTEC, Inc.
Mr. Satyendra Shrivastava
Sales: $ 66 million
Age: 58
Hometown: Darbhanga, Bihar
Education:
BS in Electrical Engineering, India; MS in Computer Science, University of North Carolina and MBA Marymount University, Virginia
Philosophy:
Hire the best and work for the success of your customer. Your success will automatically follow you.
Company Profile
Mission Statement:
Dedicated to quality, responsiveness, innovation and customer satisfaction.
Product line and operations:
ANSTEC was founded in 1983 by Satyendra Shrivastava to address the burgeoning demand by the Federal Government for information and data processing, engineering and technical professional services. The company headquartered in McLean, Virginia has five branch offices and 15 field offices throughout the nation.
The company currently provides full spectrum of information technology, systems integration, and communication and network services to over 30 Government and commercial clients. Approximately, 25% of company's business is in support of the four major military services. For more than 20 civilian agencies, it provides a variety of IT services.
Awards:
1991 to 1995 - INC. 500 - fastest growing private companies - ranked for five years
June 1996 - Inducted into Hall of Fame by INC. Magazine and AT&T
1996 Fast Track Award - sponsors Arthur Anderson, Riggs Bank and The Washington Business Journal
1992 to 1995 - Washington Technology - 50 fastest growing companies
1995 - Washington Metropolitan Project with Industry - Employer of the Year Award for employment of skilled people with disabilities
1994 - Department of Transportation, Research and Special Program Administration - Outstanding Minority Business Enterprise Award
1990 - Department of Defense agency - Excellence Award - Outstanding achievement in Technical and Software support
Human interest:
In 1983, Satyendra was drafting a business plan to start an information technology company. Today, after a ten-year career with the 8(a) program, he is fine-tuning a plan to move beyond government sales into the commercial sector. Within five years, he plans to increase the commercial sales from 20 percent to 50 percent, reducing the share of government contracts from current 80 percent.
Satyendra who came to the United States from India in 1970, worked for GTE Telenet in Reston, VA and earned an MBA. In 1984, he started the business with personal savings, a second home mortgage and credit cards. His first employee was his wife, who served as the secretary, accountant, typist and proposal writer. The company initially offered training in C-language and UNIX operating systems that led to the first government contract with the Marine Corps Advanced Technology.
The company is privately held and offers information and data processing engineering services and contract technical professional services to the federal government and the commercial sector. It is also exploring acquisitions of smaller IT companies to broaden the business base. He expects the company to reach $300 million in revenues by 2000.
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# 7 - SIGNAL Corporation
Mr. Roger Mody
Sales: $ 55 million
Age: 33
Hometown:
Washington, D. C.
Education: MS in Government contracting
Philosophy: Strive for excellence and never accept mediocrity
Company Profile
Mission Statement:
Leaders by Performance
Product line and operations:
SIGNAL Corporation, founded in 1987, is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with 12 corporate offices and more than 38 field offices located throughout the US. SIGNAL is a leader in providing Information Technology, Engineering and Management Services, and Multimedia Services in support of industry and government.
Information Technology Disciplines - Software Systems Development and Maintenance,
Electronic Commerce/ EDI, Data and Process Modeling, Document Management and Image Processing, Local and Wide Area Network Engineering, Operations and Maintenance and Year 2000 Value-Added Solution Provider.
Engineering & Management Disciplines - Systems Engineering, Simulation and Modeling, Logistics Planning and Engineering, Systems Acquisition, Hardware/Software Engineering and Interactive Training and Courseware Development
Multimedia Disciplines - Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals and Courseware (IETM/ICW), Audio/Video Production, High resolution Scanning and Imagesetting, CAD/CAM Services, Engineering Drawings Conversion and Reconstruction and Proposal and Presentation Production
Awards:
Company
1996 - Inc. 500 list of fastest growing privately -held companies in the U.S.
1996 - 3A1 rating from Dun and Bradstreet. The D&B performance customer survey yielded a 1.44: "Exceeds Customer Expectations".
1995 - U.S. SBA National Minority Service Firm of the Year - selected from a field of more than 8,000 Minority Service Firms.
1997 - Washington Technology Fast 50 List for the fourth time. This list recognizes the fastest-growing firms in the Washington metropolitan area.
1997 - Arthur Andersen FastTrack Award all four years since institution.
1997 - Virginia Business Fantastic 50 Award, ranked # 2, which showcases the fastest-growing privately-held companies in Virginia.
1997 - Virginia Vanguard Award - fastest-growing privately-held company in Virginia with a focus on technology.
CEO
1997 - Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award - presented in the High Technology category.
1995- SBA Washington District Minority Small Business Person of the Year
1995 - KPMG Peat Marwick High Tech Entrepreneur of the Year Award - presented annually to the individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of technology.
Human interest:
Roger (Rajiv) Mody, a second generation Indian American, had to balance education and providing for his mother and running the household when he lost his father at young age of 13. After his masters from George Washington University he started his company in 1987 at the age of 23 with a Macintosh computer and support of his wife Lori, in his apartment. In 1993 his company obtained 8(a) certification that helped in bidding on government contracts and has rapidly grown in information technology and related services. Now only 35% of the company's business belongs to minority business program.
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# 8 - Distributors Express Computer Supply, Inc.
Mr. Kunwar Jain
Sales: $ 54 million
Age: 40
Hometown: Delhi, Delhi
Education: College
Philosophy: Hard work and honesty
Company Profile
Mission Statement:
To be able to offer our customers a wide variety of products at a very competitive price with rapid delivery of drop shipment - no easy task. To provide this level of service, we must constantly strive to fine tune our ears and listen closely to what is important to our clients. By doing so, we are able to stay ahead of the competition in offering the products and service our customer demand.
Product line and operations:
Leading distributors of computer supplies and accessories. In business since 1986, the company carries over 80 major manufacturer's lines of computer supplies and servers from three locations. The company is a wholesale distributor serving primarily computer dealers, VARs, wholesalers, niche resellers and strategic alliance accounts. It occupies 40,000-sq. ft. of industrial space and all the operations are fully automated. It has achieved sustained rapid growth of new customers through business practice of drop shipping, competitive pricing, large inventory and personal attention to customer needs every step of the way.
Success Factors:
Paying taxes at all levels of government, providing stable source of employment and working with educational institutions.
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# 9 - Camber Corporation
Mr. Raj Deshpande
Sales: $ 54 million
Age: 44
Hometown: Nagpur, Maharashtra
Education: BS in Electrical Engineering, IIT, Kharagpur ; MBA, IIM, Ahmedabad
Philosophy: Persistence and the ability to give credit to others
Company Profile
Mission Statement:
Product line and operations:
The company boasts a record of impressive achievements in six years, expanding to 20 offices worldwide specializing in products and services for entertainment, transportation, defense, environmental, space and energy markets. In 1995 the company acquired the Simulation System Division of SBS Engineering and also DSC Corporation. The company recently opened Entertainment Division in the United Kingdom.
The key services of the company include research, development, demonstration and evaluation of innovative technologies in diverse fields as Geographic Information Systems technologies, transportation control systems, modeling and simulation, simulation training systems, and data management systems.
Success Factors: New technologies and markets and job creation.
Awards
1996 - Inc. 500 fastest growing companies, # 87
Human interest
In 1992, Raj purchased majority interest in Camber that was founded in 1985 as a consulting firm. He has over 17 years experience in the Information Systems and Services Industry, holding management positions with companies of various sizes-Fortune 500 as well as start-ups. Since 1992, in six years the company has grown under Raj's leadership from 2 offices, 30 employees and sales of $ 2 million to 20 offices, 450 employees and sales of $ 54 million.
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# 10 - System Resources Corporation
Mr. Samir Desai
Sales: $ 53 million
Age: 54
Hometown: Undti, Gujarat
Education:
BS in Mechanical Engineering, M. S. University, Vadodara; MS in Industrial Engineering, IIT, Chicago
Philosophy:
To provide the best products at the lowest cost and ensuring total customer satisfaction.
Company Profile
Mission Statement:
To delight its customers by delivering systems-related services which are consistently of superior quality, on-time, and within budget.
Product line and operations:
SRC is a privately held systems engineering and integration company Headquartered in Burlington, MA. The company operates branches in six states and in the District of Columbia, serving a client base of major defense and federal agencies, state governments, and prominent organizations and companies in the private sector. SRC acts as a single source for all services related to real-time and information system solutions across a broad spectrum of applications. These services range from identifying and solving system problems to implementing systems solutions to managing and improving systems. The company offers one stop shopping for information systems & support.
The customer base includes major branches of the U.S. Government and leading companies in the private sector. Application experience ranges from Computer- Aided Acquisition and Logistics (CALS) and Automatic Identification Technology (AIT) to delivering more effective systems for health care, factory and office automation, law enforcement, air traffic control, navigation, landing, weather observation, and drug interdiction. The functional capabilities range from consulting and system engineering and integration to technical and management support services, software development, and ADP outsourcing.
Success Factors:
The company has built impressive corporate capabilities and credentials as an engineering and integration company.
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