Under Forty: Nihar Desai (Hi Scan)

When did you decide to join the business?
At the age of 24.

Where do you learn the tricks of the trade? In an executive education programme or on the job?
Hands down…on the job.

What is your greatest print / business achievement to date?
Getting my plant approved for servicing a big FMCG.

What technology has made the biggest difference to your business? 
CTP and Interdeck UV machines.

What do you prefer: a mentor in the industry or brain storming with like-aged?
Brain storming with like-aged.

The most frequently used mantra in your organisation? Your motto in life?
Lead by example.

If you won Rs 25 crores what would you invest in? Why?
Interdeck UV machines. It opens up a lot of variables in enhanching print.

For a working lunch if you met the PM of India, what would you talk to him about?
Sir, when would GST be implemented.

3 am print consultant?
My dad, Shailesh Desai

One person who impressed you with wisdom. Why?
Business author Robert Kiyosaki. He changed the way I used to think of how a business should run.

What’s the first thing you do on entering the office?
I go straight to the shop floor and interact with my workers.

When you see a great piece of print created by your competitor, what is your reaction?
Appreciate the work done and look beyond my competition to try to improve myself rather than catching up to someone.

Biggest luxury on your shopfloor
Mitsubishi 28 x 40-inch with coater and Bobst Ambition folder-gluer.

Books on your table
Rich Dad Poor Dad, Employees First, Customers Second, Romancing the Balance Sheet, and The Goal

Your favourite travel destination. Why?
Spain. It has something for everyone. Also, I love Mykonos (Greece).

If you were NOT in this industry, you would have...
Been a pilot