Introduction

This is to introduce Mr Vishal Paul, a seasoned business professional with over 25 years of experience in various domains such as garment exports, textiles and yarn trading, brand distribution, coal mining, stock/commodity trading, and real estate development.

Vishal Paul has successfully run several businesses and facilitated deals across India, Indonesia, Canada, the USA, the EU, the Middle East, and other countries. He has a passion for exploring new opportunities and creating value in every venture that he undertakes.

Some of Vishal Paul’s notable achievements include:

• Being the sole distributor for Mumbai and Maharashtra territory for renowned brands like Levis, Dockers, Sykes, Wrangler, and pret lines of designers like Raghavendra Rathore.
• Acting as a conduit for Indonesian coal trade between India and Indonesia, facilitating coal mines business thereof.
• Being involved in real estate finance, land development, land trading, and developing real estate.
• Being an active discretionary trader in stocks, ETFs, commodities in the Indian market and trading in physical gold.

Vishal Paul is always looking to connect with like-minded professionals who share their interest in business and innovation. He is always open discuss any potential collaboration or opportunity.

Q1. Can you tell us about your journey as a business professional and how you ventured into various domains such as garment exports, textiles and yarn trading, brand distribution, coal mining, stock/commodity trading, and real estate development?

I was presented with opportunities and I took them up is the simplest answer. At times, they coincided with my previous business reaching a plateau (on account of some pre-empted decline) which I foresaw and in other times better opportunity in the new venture presented itself. But each business I did has a story of its own. 

• I started working young at age 16 years where I would go after college to a buying agency for work named “BANARAS HOUSE” there I learnt about exports of multiple products all value added. My father would supply ready printed fabric to exporters and I would accompany him to factories. 
• Thus seeds were sown for Garment Export as my first business after I completed studies in 1996-1997. Textiles and yarn trading was developed whilst doing garment exports building on strengths of my father’s knowledge, network and expertise thereon. This was a very satisfying period. I learnt a lot and travelled, exported far and wide via all channels. I was exporting to importers, brands direct, mail order companies right from US/ CANADA/ Europe to Middle East.
• I had a setback in garment exports losing my top customer and China was becoming very cheap and western countries insisted on own factory which I did not wish to set up thus I was looking out and presented with an opportunity to collaborate with Levi’s Strauss ( India ) and become their first distributor in India ( Mumbai ) . Several other brands followed and more territories were added there.
• A time came when Mall culture developed and role of branded good distributor was marginalised and buying of volumes inevitably became direct with brands and mall stores. Multi brand outlets that were catered to lost market share and so did we thus they had to stock imported cheaper goods and we realised it’s time to exit this model having milked it well for few years.
• After I exited the Textiles business I spent time studying denatured ETHANOL to blend with petrol. I was ahead of my time with an ethanol project in 2006-2007, but my network in the energy business grew. I heard about the exponential rise in Indonesian coal consumption and decided to see it for myself in Jakarta. I built a network there and became a conduit for Indonesian coal/ mines JV to India. 
• Trading In physical Gold/ silver/Diamonds became a natural progression to me as a trading model. I did it for a good 10 years till Covid 2020 via my network built over the years.
• Covid was a wakeup call for me and sitting at home idle I realised all this while I was being prepared for trading online in stocks/ ETFs / commodities with knowledge on such varied and diverse industries. I started structured learning of Fundamental and Technical analysis of stocks. I have given it a good 3 years like one would to graduate in any study.

“I am that businessman who has changed multiple businesses like a sailor who has sailed the seven seas. They are adventurous, always looking for new opportunities, and they never give up on their dreams.”

Q2. With such a diverse range of experiences, how do you manage to excel in different industries? What skills or qualities do you believe have been crucial to your success?

I believe that the key to me excelling in different industries is to have a curious and open mind. When you are willing to learn new things and explore new possibilities, you are more likely to find success. I have always been fascinated by different industries and how they work. I am also not afraid to take calculated risks and try new things. This has allowed me to explore and succeed in a variety of industries, including international trade, finance, distribution, and trading.

In addition to a curious and open mind, I also believe that it is important to be hardworking and persistent. When you face setbacks, it is important to keep going and never give up. Love your work.

I believe that the skills and qualities that have been crucial to my success are:

• Curiosity and open-mindedness: I am always willing to learn new things and explore new possibilities.
• Hard work and persistence: I am not afraid to work hard and never give up on my goals.
• Adaptability: I am able to adapt to new situations and challenges.
• Problem-solving skills: I am able to identify and solve problems effectively.
• Communication skills: I am able to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing.

Q3. You’ve been the sole distributor for well-known brands like Levis, Dockers, Sykes, Wrangler, and designers like Raghavendra Rathore. How did you secure these partnerships, and what strategies did you use to build and expand their presence in the Mumbai and Maharashtra territories?

• I was already a successful garment exporter in 2002, with a well-established network of suppliers and buyers. I had also built a reputation for working with high-end brands.
• One day, I was approached by a yarn merchant who told me that Levi’s was struggling to penetrate the Indian market. I saw this as an opportunity to partner with a major brand and expand my business.
• I met with the then- Professional head of Lee Cooper Jeans and pitched my idea for a distribution partnership with Levi’s. I offered him a stake in my company for this venture, and he agreed.
• We quickly entered into all the major stores in Mumbai, and within two months, Levi’s was a household name. We held fashion shows and events with Levi’s India team to promote the brand with retail community, and our success was meteoric.
• We were soon approached by other major brands, such as Wrangler and Raghavendra Rathore. We selected carefully, only partnering with brands that would not compete with Levi’s.
• This period was incredibly rewarding. I learned a great deal about distribution, brand positioning, and retail. I also built relationships with some of the most influential people in the fashion industry.
• It was a time of great growth and excitement, and I am proud of what we accomplished.

Q4. Facilitating coal trade between India and Indonesia is quite a unique accomplishment. Could you share some insights into how you became involved in this business and the challenges you faced in establishing and managing coal mines business?

The Coal Trade

I had always been interested in new business models, and in 2006 I decided to take a break from my regular work to study the ethanol industry. I travelled far and wide to understand about it and learn the business side of it, meet the right set of people like traders, sugar mills, consultants, finance companies, Oil Marketing companies, policy makers etc. But I was ahead of my times and this project could not take off. 

In 2010, I heard from the contacts I had made in one of our interactions that the consumption of Indonesian coal was rising exponentially. I knew this was a trend worth following, so I packed my bags and headed to Jakarta to see for myself. I quickly made a network of contacts in the industry, and I soon decided to act as a conduit for Indonesian coal to India and JV with coal miners in Indonesia.

I met with traders, mine JV partners, locals, and visited mines in Indonesia. I also studied coal as a commodity. At the peak of my business, I was facilitating imports of almost 4 panamax vessels of coal per month from Indonesia to India. I was also in close touch with mine developers and license holders, and I had mandates from several Indonesia Miners to approach corporates like Torrent Power, Tata Power, NTPC, Gammon, HDIL and more on their behalf. I travelled extensively to meet with these companies and discuss potential partnerships.

However, a policy change in Indonesia later deterred all of these companies from owning mines in Indonesia. This was a setback for my business, but I was able to pivot and focus on trading coal instead of mining it for some time till I could add value. 

The Challenges I learnt

Establishing and managing a coal mines business is not easy. There are many challenges, including:

• Legal and regulatory hurdles: There are a lot of laws and regulations governing the coal industry, both in India and Indonesia. It can be difficult to keep up with all of the changes, and it can be even more difficult to comply with them all.
• Financial risks: The coal industry is a cyclical industry, and prices can fluctuate wildly. This can make it difficult to make a profit, and it can also make it difficult to secure financing.
• Political risks: The coal industry is also subject to political risks. Changes in government policy can have a major impact on the industry, and it can be difficult to predict these changes.

Despite these challenges, I am proud of what I have accomplished in the coal trade. I have helped to facilitate the import of millions of tonnes of coal from Indonesia to India, and I have helped to create jobs and economic opportunities for people in both countries indirectly. 

Q5. Trading in stocks, ETFs, commodities, and physical gold requires a deep understanding of the market. How do you approach your trading strategies, and what advice do you have for individuals looking to get into stock and commodity trading?

Types of businesses in the precious metals industry:

• Physical businesses require a lot of infrastructure and security, as they handle valuable commodities. If you’re thinking about starting a physical precious metals business, make sure you have a strong network in place before you get started.
• Online businesses are a more accessible way to get involved in the precious metals industry. There are many online platforms that allow you to buy and sell precious metals, and you don’t need to have a lot of experience or infrastructure to get started.

Trading strategies in trending markets / counters:

• Going long means buying a scrip when you believe its price is going to go up. You can then sell it for a profit when the price does go up.
• Going short means selling a precious metal when you believe its price is going to go down. You can then buy it back for a profit when the price does go down.

My trading approach:

• I use a multi-timeframe analysis approach to trading any scrip/ ETF/ commodity/ RIET/ INVIT. This means I look at charts of different time periods to get a better understanding of the market. I also use technical analysis to identify potential trading opportunities. I am a discretionary trader with a pre-defined EDGE.
• I start by screening stocks using my own parameters of fundamental analysis. This helps me to identify stocks that are undervalued or overvalued with strong proven management record. I then use charts to identify potential entry and exit points.

Tips for traders:

• Trading is a skill that takes time and experience to develop. I recommend that you study several books and learn from an experienced mentor before you start trading.
• It’s also important to understand the difference between a trader and an investor. Traders are looking to make short-term profits (price focussed), while investors are looking to make long-term gains (business model focussed).
• If you’re serious about trading, I recommend that you start with the basics. Learn about the different types of instruments that you can trade, the different trading strategies, and the different types of fundamental analysis. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, you can start to develop your own trading style.
• Go slow but sure as you are trading against the best minds. It seems like an easy business as entry barrier is low but it’s one of the toughest businesses as it’s essentially risk management all the time via position sizing and stop losses.

Q6. Real estate development is a significant endeavor that demands careful planning and execution. Can you share a memorable project or experience in the real estate sector that taught you valuable lessons and shaped your approach to this business?

I never intended to enter the real estate business, but fate had other plans for me.

• I had invested some money in a commercial project in Pune (Aundh area), hoping to either take a profit when it was completed or lease it out if returns were good. The project started off well, but then it stalled mid-way and my money was stuck.
• After tough negotiations with the developer, we were able to take over the project ourselves to complete the same. We had to learn the ropes quickly, but we were able to successfully complete the project and salvage our investment.
• In the process, we met a contractor who was also experienced in real estate. We decided to team up with him and buy more land, which we then developed with him into three more projects. We also invested in land and simply developed the land, then sold it to other developers.
• We had another experience where the builder defaulted on his payments, and we had to take legal action. This taught me a lot about the law and the judiciary system. The case is still ongoing, but we are hopeful that we will eventually be served justice.

What I have learned from my experiences in the real estate business is that it is a capital-intensive business that is dependent on a variety of factors, including legal, environmental, financial, and political factors.

Secondly, it is a model where you can outsource most of the work and work with a lean organization. You have professionals who help you with each function, but the best way to succeed is to do thorough legal due diligence and on-the-ground due diligence for land.

Finally, the profits lie in acquiring the land or the joint venture at best cost price itself. The project’s fate is sealed at this stage, assuming all other things are equal.

Q7. You’ve worked across various countries like India, Indonesia, Canada, USA, EU, and the Middle East. How do you adapt your business strategies to diverse cultural and economic landscapes, and what role has networking played in expanding your business internationally?

• The foundation of any successful business is passion and curiosity. You need to be passionate about what you do and be willing to explore new possibilities. This means researching new products, territories, and customs. Once you do this adapting is a natural progression. It also means building relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals.
• Network is everything. When you have a strong network, you have access to resources and information that you wouldn’t otherwise have. This can give you a significant advantage over your competitors.
• It is the network that makes your ride smooth with limited breaks. When you have a strong network, you can get things done more quickly and easily. You can also get help when you need it, which can be invaluable when things go wrong.

Q8. With over 25 years of experience, you must have encountered some setbacks along the way. Can you share a challenging situation you faced and how you managed to overcome it? What lessons did you learn from that experience?

Setbacks are nothing but course correction blocks. I have had numerous setbacks in my 25+ years of business journey, more than the successes in fact. However, one principle which I follow in trading has always been the guiding force to manage setbacks: “Ensure your losses are smaller than your wins. Setbacks are inevitable. Take only risks that you can afford.”

In 2002, I was on a business trip to the UK and Spain when a major US client of mine (whose volume of business accounted for almost 75%) filed for bankruptcy. I was a garment exporter back then, and overnight, I had lost my business. The key lesson I learned was diversification, not just in clients but also in product lines. I reoriented and re-emerged by entering the local market as a distributor for renowned brands and diversifying my business and territory.

There have been several manufacturing businesses which I have tried to establish, but for some reason or the other, I have been unable to. The learnings were immense about the industry, and the larger picture was that I was always being steered towards trading. I have suffered setbacks on account of losing important clients, and COVID-19 was a major setback where I had my payments stuck in the market. However, I didn’t just sit around and feel sorry for myself. After the initial shock, I took action to correct the problems that had caused the setback. I made changes to my business processes and learnt new skills to reorient and re-emerge. I also stayed positive and focused on my goals. I knew that if I kept working hard, I would eventually succeed.

We are all governed by forces beyond our knowledge domain. Like the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, “Karam Kiye ja, Phal ki chinta mat kar.” Do your work to the best of your ability and do not bother about the results. The work we do is in our control, so strive to do it correctly and aim for excellence in it.

Q9. Collaboration and networking seem to be essential aspects of your approach to business. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs and professionals who want to build a strong network and find like-minded individuals for potential collaborations?

Early in my career, I was given two pieces of advice that have served me well:

1. It doesn’t matter what you know in life, it matters who you know in life. 

This means that networking is essential for success in any field. When you know the right people, you can get ahead faster and easier. I learned this lesson first hand when I was struggling to find buyers for my garment export start up in Toronto, Canada. A relative introduced me to the right agents in Montreal, and they in turn knew the best buyers. This connection helped me to close my first big deal and get my business off the ground.

2. It’s lonely at the top, so always catch the bull by the horns. 

This means that it’s important to build relationships with people who are more successful than you, people in authority and senior in position. These people can be mentors, advisors, and even investors. They can open doors for you that would otherwise be closed. I have found this advice to be true in my own career. I have been fortunate to have mentors who have helped me to grow my business and achieve my goals.

Here are some tips for young entrepreneurs and professionals who want to build a strong network and find like-minded individuals for potential collaborations:

• Be humble. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are more successful than you. They will be more likely to help you if they see that you are humble and respectful.
• Be polite. Always be polite and courteous when you are networking. This will make a good impression on people and make them more likely to want to help you.
• Be daring. Don’t be afraid to take risks when you are networking. This could mean approaching someone you admire at a conference or reaching out to someone you don’t know very well.
• Be open-minded. Be willing to meet new people and learn new things. This will help you to expand your network and find like-minded individuals.
• Be appreciative. When someone helps you, be sure to express your gratitude. This will show that you value their help and make them more likely to help you in the future. Complement people who does not like kind words of appreciation for work done, clothes worn etc. But be mindful never to offend.
• Be timely. Reach out to people when it is most beneficial to them. For example, if you are looking for a mentor, reach out to them when they are just starting a new project or when they have recently achieved a major goal and are in receptive mode.
• Have a strong desire to know the right people. This means being genuinely interested in other people and what they have to offer. When you have a genuine desire to connect with others, they will be more likely to want to connect with you.
• Be focused. When you are networking, have a clear goal in mind. Are you looking for a mentor? Are you looking for a business partner/ Investor? Once you know what you want, you can focus your efforts on achieving your goal.

I believe that these tips will help young entrepreneurs and professionals to build strong networks and find like-minded individuals for potential collaborations. “Remember, your network is indeed your net worth!”

Q10. Finally, where do you see yourself heading in the next few years? Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for the future?

I believe in the principle of “karma yoga”, which means selfless service. I am particularly inspired by my father (who is 79 years old and very active till date) and my grandfather (who was active till his ripe age of 90 years), who both worked tirelessly for their families, communities, and for the sake of work itself. They showed me that it is possible to find fulfilment in work that is not motivated by personal gain.

I started working early in life and I enjoy the work journey. I see myself continuing to work in a variety of capacities, including steering company boards, being inducted as an independent director, advisory roles, and mentoring start-ups. I am also passionate about trading, and I plan to continue to learn and grow in that area. I am keenly interested in algorithmic trading. I am confident that I can make a positive impact on the world through my work and my passion.

I am also committed to giving back to the community. I plan to start a foundation or associate with one to help underprivileged children get an education and to support start-ups that are making a positive impact on the world. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and I am excited to use my skills and experience to help others achieve their goals.

 “I have just begun and I am excited about the journey .I know that I have miles to go before I sleep.”

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