Essen Hero in Sikharpur, Cuttack, is a prominent two-wheeler dealership whose commitment to excellence has positioned it as a leader in the segment. The man behind this successful venture is Pradeep Kumar Thacker, Director, a dynamic entrepreneur with footprints in multiple sectors like mining, real estate, and automobile. He believes Odisha offers a fair and supportive business environment, enabling entrepreneurs to thrive. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating competitive industries with resilience and integrity. In an exclusive interview with OrissaPOST, Thacker shares insights into his business journey, emphasising strategic growth, ethical practices, and a people-centric approach.
Can you brief us about your early life and education?
I was born in Barbil, a mining town in Keonjhar district. I completed my schooling there before moving to Bhubaneswar for higher education. I pursued my graduation at BJB College and later completed my management studies at Xavier Institute of Management (XIM), Bhubaneswar.
How did you develop an interest in business?
My father had a traditional business, and I decided to join him and took it forward along with my brothers. We were involved in mining, working as contractors for OAMC, OAMBC, and various Government of India enterprises. Around the year 2000, we identified a tremendous need for real estate development in various towns across Odisha. This led us to expand into real estate, where we successfully executed over 40 projects. As time passed, our children grew up, and with their expertise in engineering and management, they proposed entering the retail business. This included working with globally recognised brands in the automobile and earth-moving equipment sectors. Today, we are dealers for Hero in Odisha and for Komatsu Machine. Subsequently, Hero formed a joint venture with Harley-Davidson, and we successfully secured a Hero Premia motorcycle dealership. In addition to our automotive ventures, we own Khushi Realcon Pvt Ltd, which manages our real estate business, and a mining company that undertakes excavation and transportation for the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) at their Rourkela Steel Plant and iron ore mines in Keonjhar district.
The real estate and automobile sectors are highly competitive. How do you differentiate yourself?
Competition is always present, and it will continue to exist. However, our market is still in a developing stage, and there is enough opportunity for everyone. The key to standing out is service, quality, sincerity, and integrity. One must never break the trust of customers. Transparency and ethical business practices are crucial. If you remain honest and committed to your customers, you will succeed. The market is large, and there is room for everyone to grow and prosper.
Do you have any expansion plans for the near future?
Yes, we have ambitious expansion plans. We aim to establish new two-wheeler and four-wheeler dealerships in Odisha and other states. Additionally, we have a goal of doing housing projects in the headquarters of other districts. These initiatives will not only contribute to our growth but also create more employment opportunities and cater to the growing demand in these sectors.
What message do you have for upcoming entrepreneurs?
My advice is simple — develop good habits, work hard, and wake up early. Stay away from bad influences and distractions. Work is worship, and it should be your first priority. Hardships and challenges will come your way, but you must face them with determination. One significant advantage of working in Odisha is that the business environment here is fair and supportive. If you are dedicated and willing to put in the effort, you have a great chance of succeeding here.
