Amol Shirodkar: Creating A Customer First Brand, Banking On Passion
Propelled by the grave danger of extreme weather events hovering upon the world, the government of India has formulated an ambitious renewable energy target to achieve 450 gigawatt (GW) by 2030. Even though we are far from anywhere near the target, the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s recent announcement of the installation of 100 GW of renewable energy capacity is a great step forward. This commendable milestone is also a reminder of the success of visionary leaders in the renewable energy industry who have been significantly contributing to nation building in their own ways over the past decades. Shining among hardly a handful of such leaders in the domain is Amol Shirodkar, the founder of Amrova Power Pvt Ltd a house hold name in the solar products segment.Amrova's story originally dates back to 2013, when Amol, with a burning passion to make a difference, set out to build a brand in the Indian power segment. With a capital of Rs. 100,000 borrowed from his father, an employee to assist him and a heart full of make do belief, Amol set sail on his dream by starting a small manufacturing unit for solar water heater. His passion & hard work combined with the growing demand for solar solutions, Amrova grew rapidly to become a name synonymous with Solar Water Heating, Solar Power Systems & Industrial batteries. To explore more about his story CEO Insights recently interviewed Amol.
What inspired you to start this venture in this populous segment of the Solar Energy industry and what drives you today?
After working for five years in the power sector, I was quite acquainted with the need for green energy and my inclination towards having a startup sort of harmonized with it and that's how AMROVA was born. The potential of the solar industry had been identified by us way back in 2014, and in fact, we had already started our activities then. Gradually, the business picked up from 2016 and it has been growing at a superfast pace ever since then.
How would you define Amrova Solar
as an organization and its position in the market? What is the unique proposition that your organization offers to the clients?
Amrova is creating its nicheand constantly increasing its market share to be a leader in the field. Our reputation is built on the sheer passion of our highly profes sional team and their continuous quest to understand our consumers better. We are a solution oriented company that understands customer's requirements and acts in the hour of need.
How has been your response to the challenges posted by the covid affected market and the need for new strategies, especially pertaining to emphasis on timely logistics of products as well as installation?
Like in any other industry, COVID was a tough time for us as well. Our inline projects were delayed, but having orders in hand kept the ball rolling. The strategy we adopted was around completing the orders in hand with the same quality & commitment that we promised. But yes, there was the difficult part of main taining fluency in the logistic supply chain and to overcome that, we ensured to keep our clients well informed about each step and obstacles in the process. And I hold in high regard that our clients cooperated with us in those difficult times and I will always be grateful for that.
And to answer your question about tackling COVID challenges, as I said earlier, we were just going with the flow since that's the best option we had considering the type of products & services we offer. And also adopting more technology saved us time, ensuring our efficiency at an all time high.
If I ask about the milestones that provided you with a sense of satisfaction over the years, which are the ones that come to mind both as an individual and as an entrepreneur?
I always try to see that my target for a particular time period is achieved with the best results no matter how small that is, because that's how the smallest of things can become a turning point or be marked as milestones.
Going forward, what are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate and what are the opportunities that you foresee?
Amrova is creating its nicheand constantly increasing its market share to be a leader in the field. Our reputation is built on the sheer passion of our highly profes sional team and their continuous quest to understand our consumers better. We are a solution oriented company that understands customer's requirements and acts in the hour of need.
Amrova is creating its niche and constantly increasing its market share to be a leader in the field
How has been your response to the challenges posted by the covid affected market and the need for new strategies, especially pertaining to emphasis on timely logistics of products as well as installation?
Like in any other industry, COVID was a tough time for us as well. Our inline projects were delayed, but having orders in hand kept the ball rolling. The strategy we adopted was around completing the orders in hand with the same quality & commitment that we promised. But yes, there was the difficult part of main taining fluency in the logistic supply chain and to overcome that, we ensured to keep our clients well informed about each step and obstacles in the process. And I hold in high regard that our clients cooperated with us in those difficult times and I will always be grateful for that.
And to answer your question about tackling COVID challenges, as I said earlier, we were just going with the flow since that's the best option we had considering the type of products & services we offer. And also adopting more technology saved us time, ensuring our efficiency at an all time high.
If I ask about the milestones that provided you with a sense of satisfaction over the years, which are the ones that come to mind both as an individual and as an entrepreneur?
I always try to see that my target for a particular time period is achieved with the best results no matter how small that is, because that's how the smallest of things can become a turning point or be marked as milestones.
Going forward, what are the changes in market behavior that you anticipate and what are the opportunities that you foresee?
With a bright future ahead, established brands are increasingly making their way into the business which indeed is challen ging.This will definitely lead to a price war and as an entrepreneur, I stand by my motto of quality and commitment towards my clients.
In the light of your strong experience in the renewable energy industry, what advice would you give to the budding entrepreneurs in the industry?
It's a great industry or a segment to work for.I feel you should be loyal towards your clients and not run after fast money. Considering the fact, providing quality services at the best price is all you need to do to survive in this business.
Amol Shirodkar, Founder & Managing Director, Amrova Power Pvt Ltd
An MBA from Goa Institute of Management, Ribandar Goa, Amol is a visionary leader with close to two decades of experience in the segment. Started from Goa, he is steadily unfurling Amrova in states like Karnataka & Maharashtra. He is accompanied by his wife Roshan A. Shirodkar. "The best partner I could have ever asked for and my wonderfully amazing daughters Vaishnavi & Neerja fulfill my life,"says Amol when asked about his family.
Hobbies: Amol finds it fascinating to read and learn about people, their life experiences and the positive impact they have on the lives around them
Favorite Cuisine: "I am a hardcore fan of ‘Sheet Kadi'(Rice & Fish Gravy) so it has to be Goan & yeah for a change yay pizza!!," he adds.
Favourite Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad
Favourite Travel Destination: "I love every destination I have travelled those experiences have helped me in some or the other way to be the better version of myself so it's unfair to name just one. But yeah in an unfair way, North India has my heart."
Awards & Recognition:
•He was awarded for successful installation & commissioning of Solar Street Lights at Sanguem Taluka by Adv.Narendra Sawaikar, Former Lok Sabha MP of South Goa.
•Solar Energy Leadership Award'by Goa State Solar Energy Leadership Awards 2018.
In the light of your strong experience in the renewable energy industry, what advice would you give to the budding entrepreneurs in the industry?
It's a great industry or a segment to work for.I feel you should be loyal towards your clients and not run after fast money. Considering the fact, providing quality services at the best price is all you need to do to survive in this business.
Amol Shirodkar, Founder & Managing Director, Amrova Power Pvt Ltd
An MBA from Goa Institute of Management, Ribandar Goa, Amol is a visionary leader with close to two decades of experience in the segment. Started from Goa, he is steadily unfurling Amrova in states like Karnataka & Maharashtra. He is accompanied by his wife Roshan A. Shirodkar. "The best partner I could have ever asked for and my wonderfully amazing daughters Vaishnavi & Neerja fulfill my life,"says Amol when asked about his family.
Hobbies: Amol finds it fascinating to read and learn about people, their life experiences and the positive impact they have on the lives around them
Favorite Cuisine: "I am a hardcore fan of ‘Sheet Kadi'(Rice & Fish Gravy) so it has to be Goan & yeah for a change yay pizza!!," he adds.
Favourite Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad
Favourite Travel Destination: "I love every destination I have travelled those experiences have helped me in some or the other way to be the better version of myself so it's unfair to name just one. But yeah in an unfair way, North India has my heart."
Awards & Recognition:
•He was awarded for successful installation & commissioning of Solar Street Lights at Sanguem Taluka by Adv.Narendra Sawaikar, Former Lok Sabha MP of South Goa.
•Solar Energy Leadership Award'by Goa State Solar Energy Leadership Awards 2018.