Journey of Rohan Shah: Founder of Revo International-TRUEREVO and MD of Navin Group
Journey of Rohan Shah
Rohan Shah is a dynamic entrepreneur whose career spans
logistics, manufacturing, and sportswear. His journey reflects a blend of
education, personal inspiration, and strategic vision, leading him to establish
a notable presence in the athleisure market with his brand TRUEREVO, while also
excelling in logistics management.
Academic Achievements: A Strong Base
Rohan’s academic background is impressive and foundational
to his success. He completed an advanced course in Logistics and Supply Chain
Management at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. This program not
only equipped him with essential knowledge about industry standards and
practices but also opened his eyes to emerging trends and opportunities within
the logistics field. Following this, he participated in the Venture Capital
Executive Program at the University of California, Berkeley. This experience
deepened his understanding of investment strategies, crucial for navigating the
startup landscape.
Early Career: Building Experience
After completing his studies, Rohan joined the Navin Group,
a company renowned for its expertise in logistics and supply chain management.
Over a span of 15 years, he advanced from a director position to managing
director. In this role, Rohan played a crucial part in overseeing various
operational aspects of the group, focusing on logistics functions that included
port operations and the management of cargo terminals. His tenure at Navin
Group provided him with invaluable experience in leadership, operational management,
and strategic planning.
Leading Navin Group: Diverse Responsibilities
As Managing Director of Navin Group, Rohan’s
responsibilities are vast. He leads initiatives in several sectors, including
transportation, human resources, and apparel manufacturing. His strategic
oversight ensures that the company maintains a strong position in the market.
Under his leadership, Navin Group has successfully managed diverse operations,
from stevedoring to supply chain solutions, showcasing his ability to integrate
multiple business functions effectively.
The Birth of TRUEREVO: A Personal Inspiration
The idea for TRUEREVO emerged during a routine morning jog.
Rohan found himself frustrated when he realized he had dropped his phone and
discovered it was damaged. This incident sparked his search for sportswear that
could comfortably hold personal items while exercising. Rohan recognized a gap
in the market for affordable, functional athleisure wear that catered to
fitness enthusiasts, leading him to leverage his family’s background in
innerwear manufacturing to create his own brand.
Market Research: Identifying a Gap
Realizing the potential in the athleisure market, Rohan
conducted extensive research. He identified that many fitness enthusiasts were
seeking high-quality apparel that did not compromise on affordability.
Understanding this demand allowed him to formulate a clear vision for TRUEREVO,
aiming to produce a product line that addressed these needs while also emphasizing
style and functionality.
Designing the First Product: Innovation at Work
The inaugural product from TRUEREVO was a pair of smartphone
shorts, designed specifically for runners. Rohan collaborated with a Swiss
designer to create these innovative shorts, which featured deep pockets for
secure storage of phones and other essentials, while also preventing chafing
during intense activities. This thoughtful approach to design not only solved a
common problem but also set the tone for the brand’s commitment to
functionality.
Launching TRUEREVO: A Global Reach
Rohan's launch strategy was multifaceted, incorporating a
Kickstarter campaign to gauge interest and secure initial sales. The response
exceeded his expectations, with approximately 1,200 to 1,500 orders coming from
over 50 countries. This early success bolstered his confidence and laid the
groundwork for establishing TRUEREVO as a direct-to-consumer brand, allowing
him to reach fitness enthusiasts directly through online platforms.
Journey of Rohan Shah: Founder of Revo International-TRUEREVO and MD of Navin Group/age/net worth/investor/wife/Rohan Shah story/TRUEREVO/Navin Group
Outsourcing Production: Strategic Decisions
To scale his production capabilities, Rohan opted to
outsource manufacturing to various Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
located in key Indian cities like Ludhiana and Tirupur. This decision helped
maintain quality while managing production efficiently. Additionally, Rohan
established a small production unit in Ahmedabad, enabling him to balance in-house
manufacturing with outsourced operations, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness
to market demands.
Early Success: Strong Sales Growth
TRUEREVO's early years were marked by impressive financial
performance. In its first year, the company generated a turnover of ₹1.5 crore.
By the end of fiscal year 2021, this figure had climbed to ₹4.5 crore, with
monthly orders reaching around 4,000. This growth trajectory highlighted
TRUEREVO's ability to attract and retain customers in a competitive market.
Pandemic Impact: A Surge in Demand
The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a pivotal moment for
TRUEREVO. As lockdowns prompted many people to adopt healthier lifestyles, the
demand for athleisure wear surged. Rohan observed an increased interest in home
workouts and fitness activities, which translated into a significant rise in
sales for TRUEREVO’s products, solidifying the brand's presence in the market.
A Competitive Landscape: Navigating Challenges
Entering a market dominated by established players like Decathlon
and Nike was no small feat. Rohan faced the challenge of differentiating
TRUEREVO in a crowded space. By focusing on quality, affordability, and
effective marketing, he was able to carve out a niche for his brand. Building
brand awareness required persistence, but Rohan's strategic approach eventually
paid off.
Building a Brand: Strategic Marketing
Rohan implemented strategic marketing initiatives to enhance
TRUEREVO's visibility. By leveraging social media, influencer partnerships, and
e-commerce platforms, he effectively connected with potential customers. His
emphasis on brand positioning and customer engagement helped establish TRUEREVO
as a credible and trusted name among fitness enthusiasts.
Future Goals: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Rohan is focused on further expansion and
innovation within TRUEREVO. He aims to introduce new product lines, enhance
manufacturing processes with cutting-edge technology, and increase the brand's
reach in both domestic and international markets. Rohan’s vision includes
continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of fitness-conscious
consumers.
A Leader in Logistics: Continued Contributions
In addition to his work with TRUEREVO, Rohan remains
committed to his role at Navin Group. His expertise in logistics management
continues to play a crucial role in driving operational efficiencies and
exploring new business opportunities. His dual focus on logistics and
athleisure reflects a well-rounded approach to entrepreneurship.
Passion for Community: Social Responsibility
Rohan’s commitment to community extends beyond business
endeavors. As chairperson of the Jain International Trade Organisation's youth
wing, he actively promotes entrepreneurship and skill development among young
professionals. His efforts to connect aspiring entrepreneurs and foster
collaboration within the community demonstrate his dedication to social
responsibility.
A Visionary Future: Rohan Shah’s Impact
As Rohan Shah progresses in his entrepreneurial journey, his
story serves as an inspiring example of innovation, resilience, and a
commitment to quality. With TRUEREVO thriving and his leadership role at Navin
Group, Rohan's influence on the logistics and athleisure industries is likely
to expand, paving the way for future generations of entrepreneurs. His ability
to adapt and respond to market needs underscores the importance of creativity
and strategic thinking in today’s business landscape.
Timeline of Rohan Shah’s Journey
2002-2004 - Completes advanced course in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at IIM Ahmedabad.
2004-2005 - Participates in the Venture Capital Executive
Program at UC Berkeley.
2005-2020 - Joins Navin Group, progressing from director to
managing director, overseeing logistics and operations.
2016 - Conceives TRUEREVO during a jog after a frustrating
experience with his phone.
2017 - Conducts market research identifying gaps in affordable,
functional athleisure wear.
2018 - Designs first product, smartphone shorts, in
collaboration with a Swiss designer.
2019 - Launches TRUEREVO via Kickstarter, garnering
1,200-1,500 orders from over 50 countries.
2020 - Outsources production to OEMs in India and
establishes a small production unit in Ahmedabad.
2020 - TRUEREVO generates ₹1.5 crore in its first year;
grows to ₹4.5 crore by the end of FY 2021.
2020-2021 - COVID-19 pandemic boosts demand for athleisure
wear, leading to significant sales growth.
2021 - Navigates competitive landscape against brands like
Decathlon and Nike by emphasizing quality and affordability.
2022 - Implements strategic marketing through social media
and influencer partnerships to build brand awareness.
2023 - Focuses on expanding product lines and enhancing
manufacturing processes with new technology.
2024 - Continues to contribute to Navin Group while
promoting entrepreneurship through community initiatives.
