In the early 1990s, when Girish Khetia took over the reins of Khetia Garments at the age of 17, little did he know that he was about to embark on a transformative entrepreneurial journey.
With his elder brother and company founder’s passing, the young Girish found himself facing millions of shillings in debt and a company with its books in disarray.
However, he embraced the challenges with determination and made his first major decision – hiring experts to improve the company’s bookkeeping.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
The road to success was not smooth
Girish, with no prior business experience, sought guidance from his father, who was a priest at the Temple and not actively involved in business.
Together, they managed to steer the company back on track. Three years later, Khetia Garments, which had initially started as a distribution business, slowly found its footing again.
Over time, Girish’s dedication and hard work paid off, and he found himself sitting in his office as the 42-year-old managing director of a successful enterprise.
Throughout the years, he has learned countless lessons on how to run a thriving business, and among them, the most valuable was knowing how to adapt to changing times.
The turning point in the company’s journey came when Girish noticed an influx of cheaper imported textiles, driving up competition and squeezing profit margins.
Realizing the need for a significant shift in the company’s direction, he decided to diversify the business.
In the year 2000, Khetia Garments transitioned into the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
Girish’s keen observation had revealed that the consumer goods sector was underserved, with unreliable distributors prevailing in the market.
Sensing an opportunity, he strategically positioned the company to fill this gap, and it turned out to be a game-changer.
With a vision to serve customers better, Khetia Garments started expanding its distribution network.
What began with only three employees 25 years ago, has now grown to employ over 150 people.
The company’s first branch in town, with a coverage radius of five to 10 kilometers, gradually expanded, and its distribution services now span over 10 counties in the North Rift and western Kenya.
Khetia Garments became one of the leading distributors of foodstuff and fast-moving consumer goods, serving a wide range of clients, including small kiosks, mini-supermarkets, and major retail chains.
A well-organized distribution schedule ensures that customers are informed in advance about the delivery of their ordered goods, contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The company’s growth and success have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, Khetia Garments was recognized by the London Stock Exchange Group as one of the most inspiring firms in Africa.
However, despite this accolade, Girish acknowledges the rising challenge from online platforms and wholesalers that are changing the dynamics of the market.
Unfazed by the competition, Girish believes that online distributors may be short-term players and that the traditional distribution business is here to stay.
In response to the changing landscape, he plans to take the company online, ensuring it remains relevant and competitive in the evolving market.
While the entrepreneurial journey has been rewarding, Girish’s success can be attributed to some fundamental principles that have guided his decisions throughout.
Building and valuing strong relationships with customers, employees, and suppliers have been integral to the company’s growth.
Girish envisions long-term partnerships, where generations of families can continue to do business together.
When it comes to hiring new employees, Khetia Garments looks beyond academic qualifications.
“I believe that experience is the best teacher. Whenever we want to hire people, the least we look at is a certificate. We look at attitude. Does one possess the right attitude because with the right attitude you can align them to what you want,” Mr Khetia advised during an Interview with Business Daily.
Transparency and ethics have also been key pillars of the company’s success. Girish attributes these values to the influence of his father, who instilled them in him and his brother.
Upholding ethical standards has not only earned the trust of stakeholders but has also contributed to the company’s positive reputation.
As Girish looks to the future, he remains focused on maintaining the company’s growth trajectory and embracing the latest technologies.
With determination and the wisdom gained from years of experience, he is prepared to face any challenges that come his way.
