There are more young entrepreneurs in India today than ever before for a variety of reasons. For one, Entrepreneurship is being encouraged by all stake holders the government, the financial institutions, the universities and even employee unions each for their own reasons. But this urge to venture into the unknown almost always stems from within and generally boils over, over a cup of coffee with a friend or family. Long before the government recognized the need to promote entrepreneurship, three individuals Ajith, Ram and Sandeep, childhood buddies that have stuck together for 35 years through thick and thin, which in itself is unusual given the strains life puts on the relationships, transformed their friendship into a successful professional partnership that has helped them build a fortress called, aptly, ‘Citadel’ in the real estate industry in Coastal Karnataka.
Ajith Kumar, Ramkumar Bekal and Sandeep Konchady’s ties go way back to the time they were studying in St Aloysius in Mangalore. Their bonds began to firm up when Sandeep and Ram went on to study at SDM Engineering College in Dharwad, while Ajith continued his studies at the same institute. Holidays meant playing catch up first on their old stomping grounds, before going home.
Construction is a business with many pitfalls, and it is best one knows the ropes well, before getting into it. All the three did due diligence working in construction organizations, Ajith and Ram in the same one, in differentdepartments while Sandeep apprenticed at a construction company elsewhere.
Sandeep Konchady says, “The idea to start something was always present. We just had to wait for the right moment for the idea to manifest itself.” To which Ram responds pointing to a smiling Ajith, “He was always pushing us to start something together long before anything materialised.”
But it was not just them, friends too backed them to the hilt.
The Evolution
The real estate boom of 1995 was the missile that launched their entrepreneurship satellite. But by the time they started, the market had crashed testing their abilities and resolve all the way. Prices fell and market crashed; the people around them lacked confidence Ajith recalls, “The competition was massive and there was understandably a lack of faith in new players in the market. “The only way to overcome these hurdles was to put all their effort to creating something that would stand the test of time and be a symbol of quality and excellence.
The next 20 years saw the trio go through triumphs and hurdles in equal measure. It was time of growth, albeit slow, but they see their slow growth as a testament to honest work, great quality, attention to detail and implore all entrepreneurs starting out in any field to chase their dreams and not money.
Along the way, they assembled and developed a hardworking, talented and most importantly loyal team. The reasons for this loyalty Ram indicates, are, “Transparency, clarity and making sure nothing is left unresolved by the end of the day.
These qualities that encourage loyalty and quality work from employees are also very important between the three partners.” Ajith comments, “Even if there are arguments between us, by the end of the day when we sit down for a drink, it’s all sorted. The only real arguments anymore are who has more hair on their head!”
Indeed, the trio advocate friendship as a great starting point for a business relationship as there is no is no better sounding board than a friend.
Exponential growth
Over 20 years, Citadel Developers the brain child of the trio Ajith Kumar, Ramkumar Bekal and Sandeep Konchady has evolved into a giant in the real estate industry in coastal Karnataka. It now has a workforce of over 500 and is managed effectively by the three partners – the work whole parcelled out according to each one’s strengths. Sandeep is the executioner! – He takes on the role of executing all plans effectively while Ram balances out the remaining duo’s assertive energy with his quiet and warm nature. They are the three musketeers to friends and family alike. They take a personal interest in their organization’s running, their properties and most importantly each and every potential customer that walks into their offices.
They say it’s very hard sometimes to let go, because each property for Citadel was almost like their own baby. Going back and working on their projects long after the apartments were all sold, maintaining books for the residents eight years on, revisiting old properties to fix any damages the years may have caused, or perfecting parts of it they did not feel hundred percent satisfied with are key elements not just of a market strategy but of passion and love for their products and customers.
It’s when these families realise there are never any hidden costs and every aspect of their new homes are a product of the best possible choice in the market, they are quick to recommend Citadel Builders to their friends and family. Their customers, whom they treat has family always, become their Marketing executives. There is none better.
Projects
The Citadel trio, Ajith, Ram and Sandeep revealed to Karnataka Today that they always have been very keen on building homes rather than mere pigeon holes for people to reside in. According to Ram, the success of their buildings lie in the acceptance of their residences as the best ones people can find in the city. The bonding that the trio shares with their clients has gone a long way in ensuring Citadel’s success.
As Ram made his point, Ajith added, “We saw the trend of people moving from individual homes to apartments. We then focused on amalgamating independent houses and apartments by creating a hybrid between the two which in fact, received great feedback for ingenuity and design. A home is something that an average person buys once or twice in their lifetime. So we were keen on making a home that the person feels safe, at ease and at home.”
Citadel is also proud of having a strong screening process for all their choices – property, people, and material which eliminates the need for regret later. Their biggest ongoing project – Magnum Sky Villas – is perhaps clear evidence of this. This project is their Magnum Opus, and they aim to make this a property everybody loves to live in; each level being individually built as one home with balconies surrounding the entire house, showcasing the best materials and designs for every floor.
The next big project they look forward to see to completion is a 14-storied commercial and residential complex, housing within itself five floors of commercial property, and 87 apartments. The project yet to be christened will be located in Padavinangady.
The Future
The trio point out that listening – to customers, to market experts, and feedback – is the most important part of their entrepreneurial journey. This they have done with diligence, patience and humility. They have recognised and corrected their mistakes and this has gone a long way in their quest for perfection and customer loyalty. Investors too look forward to working with them, knowing their adherence to quality, timely delivery and honest work.
The builders look forward to the next phase of their growth with enthusiasm, ready to incorporate changes in their practices where necessary. Indeed, keeping climate change in mind, they have already begun incorporating green practices with the implementation of a massive rain water harvesting project in their property at Bondel, ‘Woodville’.
As a team, and as business owners, they are very conscious of their duty towards the community and the city. They believe that small contributions by each member of the community can go a long way in bringing about the change all of us desire. Doing nothing and blaming the government is certainly not the way forward they believe.
Ajith took this line of thinking further when he said that the Citadel team conducts many social responsibility activities in their apartments. “It is best to introduce the value of cleanliness to youngsters, especially children. In order to do so, we have cleanliness drives in our apartments where solid waste management is observed on priority. We are associated with “Daily Dump” (Bangalorean solid waste management Consultation Company) with whom we conduct drives on cleanliness in various apartments all over town.”
Sandeep and Ajith let Ram do the talking when it came to questions about Mangaluru. “There are a lot of positive aspects in the city of Mangaluru. We believe that the city is not being used to its full potential yet”, Ram said. But Ajith and Sandeep love the city just as much and could not be restrained from expounding their synchronised view. “The city is most ideal for being a strong economic hub since there is connectivity with all modes of transport. Cleanliness is maintained all over the city by people themselves and ignorance level is low due to the high number of educated citizens inside and outside the city. But where the city lags behind is in infrastructure and the tourism remains untapped”, said Sandeep while Ajith and Ram agreed on the point.
What’s the secret of their success?
What’s the secret of your success Karnataka Today asked the trio. “We three share a friendship which is 35 years old and of course there were ups and downs but we ensured clarity and transparency in our business. There was nothing to be hidden from each other when it came to business and even if we did have a feud, we would talk it over and settle down with the opinion of the person who made absolute sense”, they said looking at each other when asked about the secret to their long business partnership. “Every dispute can be sorted out when friendship and business go hand in hand”, they added.
On finally being asked what words best describe what Citadel Developers stands for, they laugh and respond that’s for everyone else to conclude. As we see it, the three creator builders stand strong and tall for quality, transparency, accessibility, conscious living, humility and sincerity.
