When it comes to managing people, processes, logistics and products, look no further than the expert team at the helm of Prime Distributors to see how it’s done. “The key”, says senior manager Sunil Bulchandani, “is passion.”
Bulchandani has worked for Prime Distributors for 16 years, having come right out of university where he earned degrees in commerce and business management. “I am here for so many years now, but I still feel passion for the work. Every day is something new. I always look forward to coming to work.”
We have to keep up with the changing times, Bulchandani told WEEKeneder. Whether it’s regarding staffing, marketing or shipping and logistics, there are always challenges popping up that require creative solutions. Echoing that sentiment is senior sales manager Umesh Gursahani: “This is a real milestone for any company; to have succeeded for 40 years shows the strength and the flexibility we have.”
Gursahani manages the overseas department, the frozen and chilled goods departments, and food service to hotels and restaurants, among other things. He makes connections with clients in Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, as well as Montserrat, St. Barths, Dominica, Antigua and even Trinidad. “Wherever we have good shipping lines, we can send orders, either weekly or monthly, as required. We supply cases of products on pallets, shrink wrap them securely and send them via the port.”
The client list includes hotels, restaurants and individuals. It’s something Gurashani has been doing for more than 20 years. “I started in 1988; back then, I did the accounting,” he shared. “Then I moved to operations for a short time.” Now he is involved directly in the exporting of products out to the surrounding islands. “Products come in from all over, especially North America, Europe, Asia, South America and even Australia and New Zealand; then we take orders to send out to customers in the other islands. One time we had a request to ship some products to New Zealand, and I had to advise the gentleman that we were a long way from there, perhaps he could find another distributor a bit closer!”
Both managers shared their appreciation for the company’s founder, Deepak ‘Danny’ Ramchandani. Bulchandani: “I will say it’s a great honour to be a part of such an empire and to work for Danny Ramchandani, who is very warm-hearted and always acknowledges all our efforts. It’s a great work environment.”
Photos: Sunil Bulchandani, senior management & Umesh Gursahani, overseas and food service manager.
