“Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. it’s all about your perspective.”
In a freewheeling chat with the Entrepreneurs Today team, Abhimanyu Jakhar talks about ways entrepreneurs can look at things with the glass-half-full perspective, even when things get tough.
An entrepreneur with a degree in Mechanical engineering, Abhimanyu has always had a knack for being a problem solver and changing the longstanding and conventional ways in the industry. Founder of Jakhar Hospitality Private Limited (JHPL), the organisation is overseeing other ventures like Interurban Hospitality with a focus on bringing and improving immersive experiences in India. In addition, he is also leading Santosh Offshore Consultants (SOC), which works towards optimisation and innovation in the shipbuilding sector.
Interviewer: What was your process of identifying gaps in the market?
Abhimanyu: “I believe that the idea of solving real-world problems has always inspired me. Hospitality intrigued me as it’s all about creating experiences that resonate emotionally. I started Interurban Hospitality in my hometown, Rohtak, in 2016 to bring premium F&B to the region. Santosh Offshore Consultants came from identifying inefficiencies in India’s shipbuilding industry and wanting to redefine the process with innovation. Both ventures stemmed from a drive to turn challenges into opportunities.”
Having an Edge
Gaining a foothold in a market that is overly saturated can be daunting. With a glint of passion in his eyes, Abhimanyu walks us through the factors that differentiate them in the market.
For Abhimanyu, the commitment to keep investing in innovation has always held the highest position. In his words,
“For JHPL, we focus on creating not just restaurants or hotels but experiences that blend luxury with storytelling. For SOC, it’s about optimising the shipbuilding process with precision and sustainability, something few in the sector have prioritised.”
The Milestones
“Success, for me, is about the impact created.”
Beyond doubt, the pandemic put several entrepreneurs at a crossroads. Abhimanyu, certainly, felt the heat in his ventures during the pandemic in terms of operations. What helped them pull through was having a clear vision for the venture and a dedicated team. Despite the initial challenges they faced, soon after they were recognised as the Times Best Mediterranean Restobar.
Initially, Santosh Offshore Consultants (SOC) also had to deal with resistance to trying to change the old ways in the industry. However, their approach and efficient results helped them gain trust and credibility in the market. He further adds,
“For JHPL, seeing customers return not just for the food but the experience is a measure of success. And as for SOC, the trust and projects awarded by notable industry clients reflect our success. Expansion plans and stakeholder satisfaction also validate our journey.”
A New Dawn
Moving forward, Abhimanyu’s plan for JHPL includes launching six new brands under it that will be known for their experiential spaces. He is also looking forward to expanding the operation of SOC in Singapore, the Middle East, and Europe. He also acknowledges that a vision such as his is difficult to attain without any sort of innovation, partnership and a core value that aligns with each stakeholder.
As he signs off, he expresses,
“I’d ask the budding entrepreneurs to take risks, embrace failures, and always focus on creating impact. If you’re not pushing boundaries, you’re just maintaining them.”
