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the years and I could not have done it without their been an extremely rewarding experience and we’re not
support and understanding. stopping any time soon. A lot of my success comes
from him. He pushes me to excel and if that’s not
Did your family have to fi nance your most recent profi t enough, then I don’t know what is.
start-up, Below the Line (BTL) Media?
Not just this one, they’ve supported every single Would you recommend others to break out and do
dream I’ve had! Whether that was being a rock-star, a it alone? Any tips for them?
chef, a mobile phone case developer (I know, weird), If it’s what they want, of course! Follow your heart and
or a social media strategist, there is always abundant you can’t go wrong. If you feel like you’re stuck and
support, both monetarily and emotionally. can’t break out, talk to your mum and dad; they will
support you. The last thing your parents want is for
I hear your start-up is creating social media for the you to be unhappy.
hospitality industry, why did you pick that?
Like I said, food is life! We were lucky enough to eat How has this venture changed you personally?
very, very well growing up. We also travelled a lot as a In every way imaginable. I’m more confi dent, more
family so I feel like I know the industry pretty well. Did independent, kinder, happier and, of course, a little
I mention that we get to eat for free? Anyone who tells overweight. I’m working on fi xing that too. Maybe BTL
you they don’t like free food is a liar. Media should change its focus to gyms and fi tness
centres instead.
Have you managed to turn a profi t yet?
My business partner Gaurav Sehgal and I don’t like to
talk about that kind of stuff , but we can tell you it’s

SUDHANT CHAND

High school drop-out Sudhant Chand regrets not
continuing his studies, but has every reason to be happy
with his memories of dad and his successful start-up.

What did you learn most from your dad?
I lost my dad seven years ago, and I miss him in good times and bad. He taught
me what a man should be like — responsible, full of compassion, strength, love,
understanding and, above all, a man of value. We were best friends and, as a child, I
would always hold his hand and follow in his footsteps.
I’m so blessed, he always taught my elder brother and I how to face problems
and challenges with a positive attitude and strong will. I will never forget him, and
he will always be a lifetime infl uence.
What business did your dad set up?
A newspaper agency with distribution all over Thailand, as well as a real estate
business involved in the construction of condos and apartments.

Was education a priority for you?
I was a weak student and eventually dropped out. I had nothing against education,
but I found it uninteresting and felt unable to apply myself, so one day I went home
and told my parents that I wanted to quit and start working.

What was it like, working for the family business?
I never really worked there, but every time I had any free time, I would spend a
few hours helping dad at work. I always had a basic understanding of his work and
business strategies, but deep inside I wanted to do something else on my own,
something I was interested in.
My family was happy and supportive, and allowed me to pursue my desire to
work. I think they thought I would go back to university after a few weeks of work,
but I never did as I loved it. It was challenging and fun.

Who fi nanced your seafood and logistics start-up? When did you launch and how is it going?
My family always supported me throughout. At the I launched Siam Seafood Industries Limited seven years
age of 15, I started work at a German logistics company ago in 2010, and we opened Patanjali & Divya Products “Do something that interests
called ABX (Logistics) Thailand Co., Ltd. They paid me in Bangkok in 2013. Both are doing really well!
just B6,500 because I had no qualifi cations. However, you. Dream big and don’t be
the manager recognised my potential and could see What are your greatest regrets?
how motivated I was and doubled by salary within two Only one regret — that I left my studies! I wish I could afraid of the outcome; life is
years. Altogether, I stayed with the company for seven go back in time. As for challenges, there are many in
years. It was a great experience for me and enabled me every business because it is highly competitive. for learning.”
to create the foundation of my future dreams.
At the age of 22, I decided to quit the job and Would you recommend others to follow
start up my own business. My dad was completely their dreams?
supportive, and sponsored the seafood and logistics Yes, of course. Do something that interests you.
start-up with USD60,000. Dream big and don’t be afraid of the outcome; life is
for learning.
Why seafood?
I once met a person who asked me, “If you had B100 Have you changed since you launched
in your pocket, what would you buy, clothes or food?” your start-up?
“Food,” I replied, and that is how I got into the seafood It’s the people you meet and experiences you
business. We also hold a brand franchisee called Patanjali encounter that change you. I’ve been meeting loads
& Divya Products from Haridwar, India, for which the of people around the world, exploring new ideas and
Brand Ambassador is Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev. places, and learning new things every day.

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