Under Forty: Falit Pandya (Print Vision)

Falit does not take a ‘no’ for an answer. Except, may be, after his twelfth grade when he was steered into the print industry by his father (Falit wanted to be a pilot). Today Falit’s mantra is: ‘It isn’t what it costs, it’s what brings you back’.

19 Dec 2014 | By Tanvi Parekh

When did you decide to join the business?
Well, the decision was made by my father after I finished my 12th standard. I wanted to become a pilot, but that wasn’t to be. And I am glad he steered me into this industry.

Where do you learn the tricks of the trade? In an executive education programme or on the job?
I did my BSc in Printing Tech and Management from US, that’s where I learnt the trade from. But I am learning the tricks on the job; at times from my father and sometimes the hard way from my customers.

What is your greatest print / business achievement to date?
To have successfully entered and driven the 3D lenticular business.

What technology has made the biggest difference to your business? The best break-through in print technology in the past hundred years
Our investment in a brand new Mitsubishi made the greatest difference to our business. I believe the break-through was the computers. They have made a real impact to the industry, which we usually take for granted.

The most frequently used mantra in your organisation? Your motto in life?
Time is everything.

If you won Rs 25 crores what would you invest in? Why?
Real estate. It will give the best returns.

3 am print consultant?
My professor in US. He is the only one I know who would be awake at 3am IST to help me with any technical problems.

One person who impressed you with wisdom. Why?
My uncle, Shreyas Pandya. He has inspired me to not take a “no” for an answer and fight against anyone who tries to push you aside.

What’s the first thing you do on entering the office?
Roll up my sleeves.

When you see a great piece of print created by your competitor, what is your reaction?
Analyse and adapt.

Biggest luxury on your shop floor
My crew.

The IT system in your firm
Customised LAN-based software.

Working lunch means?
Working.

Best print compliment received
A letter of acknowledgement for our printing quality from the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi (at that time he was the CM of Gujarat).

If you were NOT in this industry, you would have …
Become a pilot or a property developer.