How a generational business Mani Ram Balwant Rai built an exceptional brand over decades

There is a thing or two about business and brand building that you can learn only from accomplished businesses and not in a business school or instructional seminar. Generational businesses may seem bereft of any concrete process or actionable insights, but have a lot to offer in terms of learning. You don't need case studies, spreadsheets, associations with gazillion foreign clients, and complex social media narratives to be a successful business. An example of a humble yet immensely successful business is Mani Ram Balwant Rai which dates back to 1947.

Started by a person struggling to find his ground in a newly independent India, the business has come a long way since its inception. Mr Mani Ram Batra started with a humble Kirana store in Ludhiana in an endeavour to find livelihood and create it for others. As years passed, the business fundamentals became concrete and he improvised upon strategies. Later, as his son Balwant Rai joined the family business, he brought in more structure. They registered the company in 1972 and bookkeeping became the norm within the organization. With thorough discipline, commendable business ethics, and extensive hard work, the business kept achieving great heights day after day.

The advent of Mr Aman Batra in the family business in 1995 brought in new world methods and modern business approaches. He launched the first self-service store with bulk pricing in north India. The business soared even higher. It is a lesson for all aspiring businesses for generations to work in sync with each other. Experience and modern knowledge both have their advantages and no input is ever worthless.

Later, under the able guidance of Mr Aman Batra, the company ventured into the field of cosmetics and unlocked great success. Today, they have 3 stores and are targeting to expand to 10. They have been pioneers in getting numerous luxury cosmetic brands to Punjab. The portfolio of brands they offer includes Hermes, Bvlgari, Jimmy Choo, Loreal, Inglot cosmetics, Versace, Real techniques, Swati cosmetics, LA girl, Milani Cosmetics, Unilever, Procter and Gamble, BPerfect cosmetics, Suva Beauty, etc.

Mr Aman Batra is among the top businessmen in the country at barely 44. The brand has also created a distinguished identity for itself and is on a path of consistent growth.

This success story deserves a mention in the curriculum of top business schools. It perfectly illustrates that no scale is too small to begin. One can begin at any level and take it to great heights.

We wish the team at Mani Ram Balwant Rai luck and hope they continue to create jobs in the country the same way.