Masood Wani
Masood Wani (29) from Islamabad (Anantnag) Kashmir completed his Master’s degree in Management Studies (MBA) from the Institute of Management Studies Dehradun. Soon after finishing his studies, Masood started working in a private sector company. He worked for years before he started working for realizing his dream. He always dreamed of being self-employed and pursuing his own path wherein he can employ others to work for his company. This dream brought him back to his homeland Kashmir and he started thinking about various business ideas such as starting a juice concentration plant, setting up a mineral water plant or even a factory manufacturing corrugated boxes. He finally decided to opt for corrugated boxes because of the market-demand and the availability of raw materials locally.
Masood Wani belongs to a business class family and his father has worked in the fruit business for many years. This fact actually played a big role in getting family approval for his decision to become an entrepreneur; this decision was well taken by his family. He got absolute support and encouragement from all his family and friends after he explained the idea and its long-lasting benefits. The idea of making corrugated boxes locally was new to everyone, which earned praise for Masood at the outset.
Finance is considered to be the core of the business start-up process and to gain access to finance Masood approached J&K Bank. As expected, he faced many difficulties for getting his start-up loan sanctioned from the bank. Masood believes, “Access to finance is the biggest hurdle in Kashmir. Banks are so reluctant to give you loans that sometimes it takes months, even years, to get a loan sanctioned.” After six long months of toil in 2009, his loan of Rs. 34 lacs got approved and he started his venture on his ancestral land comprised of 3 canals at Hillar Badusgam, almost 15 kms from his hometown, Anantnag. Having access to family land proved very beneficial for Masood’s start-up journey.
Masood registered his venture under the name “Al Qudoos”. Presently, Al Qudoos is a renowned brand within the corrugated boxes industry in Kashmir. The company manufactures corrugated boxes for fruit vendors, candle manufacturers, soap manufacturers, spice manufacturers and so on. Masood states, “Initially I was not sure about such success in this business, but now, after three years of hardships and struggle, my confidence level has improved and I am planning to expand my business and start manufacturing adhesive tapes in addition to the printing of corrugated boxes.”
Al-Qudoos has 25 permanent staff members and laborers working on the company site. With more plans of expansion, Masood expects to give employment to more than 100 people. This is the best social work you can offer to your own people,” says Masood. Today he feels proud of his decisions and long-term planning ability.
Masood believes, “Life is full of challenges, which are not limited to entrepreneurship. I always dreamed of becoming my own boss and entrepreneurship provided this platform. This drives me and keeps me buckled on the rollercoaster ride.”
Masood shares his advice with aspiring entrepreneurs by stating, “Before investing in any sector, make sure that you have undertaken the proper market research and analysis. Also, try and take advantage of various schemes that the government offers for young entrepreneurs through agencies like JKEDI and etc. Don’t lose hope, never expect overnight returns, stay patient and seek help from experienced people and professionals that will help in making your entrepreneurial journey smooth”.Masood Wani (29) from Islamabad (Anantnag) Kashmir completed his Master’s degree in Management Studies (MBA) from the Institute of Management Studies Dehradun. Soon after finishing his studies, Masood started working in a private sector company. He worked for years before he started working for realizing his dream. He always dreamed of being self-employed and pursuing his own path wherein he can employ others to work for his company. This dream brought him back to his homeland Kashmir and he started thinking about various business ideas such as starting a juice concentration plant, setting up a mineral water plant or even a factory manufacturing corrugated boxes. He finally decided to opt for corrugated boxes because of the market-demand and the availability of raw materials locally.
Masood Wani belongs to a business class family and his father has worked in the fruit business for many years. This fact actually played a big role in getting family approval for his decision to become an entrepreneur; this decision was well taken by his family. He got absolute support and encouragement from all his family and friends after he explained the idea and its long-lasting benefits. The idea of making corrugated boxes locally was new to everyone, which earned praise for Masood at the outset.
Finance is considered to be the core of the business start-up process and to gain access to finance Masood approached J&K Bank. As expected, he faced many difficulties for getting his start-up loan sanctioned from the bank. Masood believes, “Access to finance is the biggest hurdle in Kashmir. Banks are so reluctant to give you loans that sometimes it takes months, even years, to get a loan sanctioned.” After six long months of toil in 2009, his loan of Rs. 34 lacs got approved and he started his venture on his ancestral land comprised of 3 canals at Hillar Badusgam, almost 15 kms from his hometown, Anantnag. Having access to family land proved very beneficial for Masood’s start-up journey.
Masood registered his venture under the name “Al Qudoos”. Presently, Al Qudoos is a renowned brand within the corrugated boxes industry in Kashmir. The company manufactures corrugated boxes for fruit vendors, candle manufacturers, soap manufacturers, spice manufacturers and so on. Masood states, “Initially I was not sure about such success in this business, but now, after three years of hardships and struggle, my confidence level has improved and I am planning to expand my business and start manufacturing adhesive tapes in addition to the printing of corrugated boxes.”
Al-Qudoos has 25 permanent staff members and laborers working on the company site. With more plans of expansion, Masood expects to give employment to more than 100 people. This is the best social work you can offer to your own people,” says Masood. Today he feels proud of his decisions and long-term planning ability.
Masood believes, “Life is full of challenges, which are not limited to entrepreneurship. I always dreamed of becoming my own boss and entrepreneurship provided this platform. This drives me and keeps me buckled on the rollercoaster ride.”
Masood shares his advice with aspiring entrepreneurs by stating, “Before investing in any sector, make sure that you have undertaken the proper market research and analysis. Also, try and take advantage of various schemes that the government offers for young entrepreneurs through agencies like JKEDI and etc. Don’t lose hope, never expect overnight returns, stay patient and seek help from experienced people and professionals that will help in making your entrepreneurial journey smooth”.
