6. C K Ranganathan: "I do not want any stake in the property or business"

The MD of CavinKare has shown the world that it is possible to beat the MNCs even in the most difficult market of fast moving consumer goods. He started his business with only 15,000 which is now worth Rs 500 crore. He learnt his first entrepreneurial lessons from his father, Chinni Krishnan, who started a small-scale pharmaceutical packaging unit.

Most Decisive Moment: After his father’s death, his brothers took charge of the family business. He joined them after studies but left in nine months because his ideas clashed with theirs. Confident of establishing a great business alone, he left his brothers saying, “I do not want any stake in the property or business.” At that point he only had 15,000 savings and knew only two things – making shampoo and nurturing pets. It was difficult for him to ride bicycle after getting used to cars but he was determined. He rented a home for 250 a month which also served as his office. He also took another place for factory at 300 per month and bought a shampoo packing machine for 3000. This marked the birth of CavinKare.