From working with Bajaj Finserv Ltd as Collection Manager to helping his father in the family business and then starting his own venture, Parakh Ajmera has come a long way at a very young age. He rides high on his passion, patience and determination. Corporate Citizen caught up with Parakh to know more about his stint in the corporate and business world
When others believe in running away from problems and obstacles, Parakh feels that problems are opportunities. Facing hindrances head-on instead of evading them has brought about a major change in his life. He believes in living in the present rather than dwelling in the past or worrying about the future. Parakh wasn’t pre-blessed with these attributes, but he has toiled hard to earn them. Now when he is nearing the pinnacle of success, a modest Parakh says, “Picture abhi baki hai mere dost.” A background check on Parakh reveals much more than what meets our eye…
Parakh with his parents Sharad and Smita Ajmera during his convocation ceremonyWhat essentially shaped Parakh into a better individual was his family. Living in a joint family has been a boon for him. He was born and raised in Gondia, a district on the north eastern side of Maharashtra. Born to a humble couple Sharad and Smita, Parakh says, “The secret behind a happy and successful person is his home filled with family members who exude nothing but love and support. We are a big family and we live happily under one roof. Although many are my cousins, we are all related by blood. They are the ones who taught and showed me the various aspects of life. And I respect my family from the bottom of my heart.”
Parakh’s father has built a saree empire which he has been running successfully for 38 years. Pankaj Sarees, which is located near Gandhi Pratima, has given the residents of Gondia a chance to rejoice and enjoy fashionable sarees at large. Smita, a homemaker, updates them from time to time with the latest trends in the fashion world. No doubt Parakh inherited his entrepreneurial values from his family
He finished his schooling from Vivek Mandir High School, Gondia. There he picked up his fondness for football. Parakh fared well in the sport, so much so that he was appointed captain of the school’s football team. The centre forward also got a chance to represent his school at the district level.
“I can proudly say that my college has played a major role towards my success in becoming an entrepreneur at such a young age. The 3-D’s – discipline, dedication and determination played an important role in my overall success”
If networking is an art, then Parakh is surely an artist. All through his college life, one of the important things that he learnt was networking. Over the years, he met several people from all across the country who added to his experience. “I made sure to connect with everyone from the college. They were from different parts of the country. Talking to them gave me an idea of their culture and that has helped me create several opportunities. I have made some good friends, who are still in touch with me,” he explains.
Parakh shifted to Pune after his tenth standard. He pursued his graduation in International Business from MIT, Pune and completed his MBA in International Business from a renowned Business school. “I can proudly say that my college has played a major role towards my success in becoming an entrepreneur at such a young age. The 3-D’s – discipline, dedication and determination played an important role in my overall success”, he adds.
“After working with Bajaj Finserv, I realised my potential and gained more confidence in myself. I again started giving a thought to following my dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Since then I have been chasing my ambition, it is a never-ending process. You conquer your dreams and the very next moment, plot a plan to chase your bigger dreams”
Parakh entering the college campus in style for his convocation ceremony
Parakh enjoying with his close friends at a partyDuring his placement interview with Bajaj Finserv Ltd in October 2017, Parakh did what none could ever think of. Before getting placed with Bajaj Finserv Ltd, he had interviewed for four other companies. While others were eager to get placed, Parakh wanted to learn from every experience.
He aced the psychometric test and the group discussion. During the personal interview, the officials gave him a hypothetical situation where he had to play the role of a collection officer. The officials who enacted as loan borrowers gave him the taste of the real world by acting insolent and refusing to pay the instalment on time. Parakh was up for the game! On the first meeting, he politely asked them to repay the money, when they refused, he returned without saying anything. This happened again, but he kept his calm. On the third meeting, when the borrowers refused to budge, he encashed on his presence of mind. He nonchalantly picked up their phones and wallets and left the room. Parakh was so engrossed in the role that he refused to return until the officials came chasing him.
When he got back, he was welcomed by a huge round of applause. “The interviewers couldn’t control their laughter. They appreciated my poise, composure and the way I handled the situation. They hired me that very moment. My act spread like wild fire and I became famous in college as wasuli (money collector),” he reminisces.
Parakh joined Bajaj Finserv Ltd’s Mumbai branch in May 2018. The city was new. He wanted to paint the town red and gather as much experience as possible. Being the Collection Manager in the Personal Loan section, he grew leaps and bounds within months.
Parakh loved his job. He had dreams to conquer the world. “There were days when nothing worked in my favour. But I did not give up. I was patient. I knew things would fall in place. Soon, my hard work and patience were rewarded. I acquired 99% collection in a day, the highest ever that day across India,” he informs.
After the fourth month of his joining, Parakh had to return to Gondia to look after the family business. His father wasn’t keeping well. “I took care of the saree business till my father recovered. Handling various types of customers gave me a sense of the market world,” he says.
Within no time, Parakh became the owner of Ajmera Ply and Hardware. This venture deals with different interior solutions like plywood, veneers, laminates, designer hardware and art decor. They operate from Gondia and the firm has an office in Nagpur which is handled by Parakh and Pranay, his elder brother.
He has come quite far in life. He has tasted success and he loves it. A sincere Parakh dedicates his achievements to not only his parents,friends and family but also to his professors who groomed him.
“After working with Bajaj Finserv, I realised my potential and gained more confidence in myself. I again started giving a thought to following my dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Since then I have been chasing my ambition, it is a never-ending process. You conquer your dreams and the very next moment, plot a plan to chase your bigger dreams,” he signs off.
Hardwork: Your dreams won’t get realised unless you put in your blood, sweat and tears. Consistency: It’s one of the biggest factors that leads one to success. Being consistent with your efforts will change your life for the better. Patience: Never give up! Things will fall in place. You will reach your goal, just hang in there.
By Ekta Katti
