Biography of Anand Nahar: Founder and CEO of Zorko- Entrepreneur
Biography of Anand Nahar:
Anand Nahar’s journey began in Surat, Gujarat, where he grew
up in a modest middle-class family. His father, Padam Nahar, ran an electrical
store in Udhna. The family's financial situation was stable, but when Anand was
around 10 years old, the family faced a major setback. During the 2008
financial crisis, his father experienced significant losses in the stock
market, which led to financial strain. This period of hardship would later
shape Anand's perspective on money and investments.
A Young Investor: School Days
Even as a young student, Anand had a knack for financial
matters. He began investing his pocket money during school, fascinated by the
potential of the stock market. This early exposure sparked his interest in
financial markets and laid the groundwork for his future career. Anand's keen
interest in investing would eventually lead him to become a prominent figure in
the financial sector.
Academic Pursuits: Engineering with a Twist
In 2016, Anand completed his Bachelor of Technology in
Automobile Engineering from Uka Tarsadia University. While his degree was in a
technical field, his passion for stock trading never waned. He balanced his
studies with his burgeoning interest in the financial markets, setting the
stage for his future endeavors. His academic achievements were complemented by
active participation in various extracurricular activities, including organizing
events and working with NGOs.
Early Career: From Zerodha to Research Analyst
After graduating, Anand joined Zerodha, a leading brokerage
firm, as a Business Development Executive. This role provided him with valuable
insights into the financial industry. Simultaneously, he pursued certification
as a SEBI Registered Research Analyst, further solidifying his expertise in
financial markets. His dual roles allowed him to develop a deep understanding
of both the practical and analytical aspects of trading and investment.
The Birth of ZORKO: A Pandemic Opportunity
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge but also
an opportunity. Amidst the lockdown, Anand and his brother Amrit discovered
their passion for cooking. They began experimenting with recipes at home and
shared their culinary creations on social media. The high cost of dining out
inspired them to create a restaurant that offered quality food at affordable
prices, leading to the birth of ZORKO Private Limited.
The First Step: Rejuvenating a Restaurant
In March 2021, Anand and Amrit took a bold step by acquiring
a struggling restaurant in Vesu for Rs 50,000. They invested an additional Rs 4
lakh over the next year to revamp the outlet. This 550 sq ft restaurant became
their first ZORKO location. They aimed to offer a diverse menu that catered to
different tastes, including items priced as low as Rs 29 for coffee and Rs 229
for more elaborate dishes.
Building the Brand: Word of Mouth and Social Media
To build their brand, Anand and Amrit relied heavily on
word-of-mouth and social media. They offered promotions such as a 20% discount
for customers who tagged them on social media. This strategy quickly paid off,
and within the first month, their restaurant generated Rs 3 lakh in revenue.
The positive response encouraged them to explore the franchise model, expanding
their reach beyond their initial location.
The Expansion: Franchising and Growth
Seeing the success of their first outlet, Anand and Amrit
decided to pursue a franchise model. Their first franchise opened in May 2022
in Udhna. The ZORKO brand began to gain traction, and soon they had 80+ outlets
across 30 cities in Gujarat, as well as locations in Chhattisgarh and Madhya
Pradesh. The franchise model allowed them to scale rapidly while maintaining
quality and consistency.
Streamlining Operations: Efficiency and Training
To ensure smooth operations, Anand and Amrit developed a
business model that minimized the need for highly trained chefs. Most dishes
were pre-cooked in their Surat facility and delivered to franchise locations.
This approach reduced costs and simplified operations for franchisees. Training
was provided both online and offline, ensuring that franchisees could deliver
the ZORKO experience effectively.
Biography of Anand Nahar: Founder & CEO of Zorko- Indian Entrepreneur/ Investor/Zorko story/Age/Net worth/Shark Tank/Anand Nahar story/Startup/Trading
Social Impact: Empowering Women
ZORKO’s success also had a social dimension. Anand and Amrit
employed around 20 underprivileged women in their Surat kitchen, providing them
with stable jobs and a brighter future. This aspect of their business was close
to Anand’s heart, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility. The
company’s growth provided these women with valuable opportunities and
contributed positively to their communities.
Facing Challenges: Adapting to Market Demands
Despite their rapid success, Anand and Amrit faced
challenges in adapting to market demands. They continually refined their menu
and operational processes to stay competitive. Their focus on providing
high-quality, affordable food in a welcoming environment helped them maintain a
strong customer base. They leveraged customer feedback and market trends to
drive improvements and innovations.
Strategic Planning: A Vision for the Future
Anand and Amrit set ambitious goals for the future of ZORKO.
They aimed to add one new outlet daily, with a target of reaching 1,000 outlets
in the next three years. This aggressive expansion plan required careful
planning and execution. Anand’s background in finance and Amrit’s expertise in
anthropology helped them navigate the complexities of scaling their business
while maintaining quality.
Recognition and Support: Grants and Incubation
Their innovative approach and success did not go unnoticed.
ZORKO received support from various organizations, including grants for
research and development from AIC-ISE Foundation and incubation support from
Pusa Incubator IGKV in Raipur. These endorsements provided validation for their
business model and helped them secure additional resources for growth.
Diversification: Beyond Restaurants
In addition to their restaurant business, Anand and Amrit
explored opportunities in organic products. They identified a gap in the market
for organic rice and other products, working directly with farmers to ensure
fair prices. This venture allowed them to contribute to sustainable agriculture
while expanding their business portfolio.
Balancing Roles: Family and Business
As ZORKO grew, Anand and Amrit balanced their professional
responsibilities with their personal lives. Anand’s wife Aastha and Amrit’s
wife Nirja played crucial roles in managing social media promotions and
creative aspects of the business. The support of their families was
instrumental in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Financial Achievements: Milestones and Metrics
By December of the current financial year, ZORKO achieved a
turnover of Rs 22 crore and a revenue of Rs 3.7 crore. The company’s financial
success reflected the effectiveness of their business model and strategic
planning. Anand’s skills in financial management and marketing contributed significantly
to this achievement.
Lessons Learned: Growth and Adaptation
Anand’s journey with ZORKO has been a learning experience.
From the initial challenges of reviving a struggling restaurant to the
complexities of scaling a franchise operation, he has navigated various
obstacles with resilience and adaptability. His experience underscores the
importance of innovation, strategic planning, and perseverance in achieving
business success.
The Legacy: Inspiring Others
Anand and Amrit’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring
entrepreneurs. Their ability to turn a challenging situation into an
opportunity for growth and social impact highlights the potential for success
through creativity and determination. Their journey from a small investment to
a thriving business is a testament to their vision and hard work.
Reflecting on the Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Success
Looking back on their journey, Anand reflects on the humble
beginnings and the significant milestones achieved. From investing pocket money
in school to building a successful restaurant chain, his path has been marked
by growth and learning. Anand’s story is a reminder of the power of following
one’s passion and the impact of strategic thinking in achieving success.
The Future: Continuing the Journey
As ZORKO continues to expand and evolve, Anand remains
focused on the future. His vision includes further growth in the restaurant
industry, exploration of new business opportunities, and continued social
impact. Anand’s commitment to excellence and innovation will drive the next
phases of his entrepreneurial journey.
A Legacy of Innovation: Shaping the Future
Anand Nahar’s journey is a testament to the transformative
power of innovation and perseverance. His success with ZORKO and his
contributions to the financial sector reflect a dedication to excellence and a
vision for the future. Anand’s story inspires others to pursue their dreams and
embrace opportunities with confidence and creativity.
Timeline for Zorko and Anand Nahar’s journey
2008: Anand's family faces financial strain during the stock
market crash.
School Days: Begins investing pocket money, sparking an
interest in financial markets.
2016: Completes B.Tech in Automobile Engineering from Uka
Tarsadia University.
Post-Graduation: Joins Zerodha and becomes a SEBI Registered
Research Analyst.
March 2021: Acquires a struggling restaurant for Rs 50,000
and invests Rs 4 lakh to revamp it.
May 2022: Opens first ZORKO franchise in Udhna.
2022-2023: Grows ZORKO to 80+ outlets across 30 cities and
additional states.
Current Year: ZORKO achieves a turnover of Rs 22 crore and
revenue of Rs 3.7 crore.
December Current Year: Receives grants from AIC-ISE
Foundation and incubation support from Pusa Incubator IGKV.
Future Plans: Aims to reach 1,000 outlets in the next three
years.
