Alumni Speak
‘Automobile industry has a dynamic market’
Mr. Ashish Chopra, a dealer with Hyundai and Apeejay alumnus, says hard work is actually the key to success in life
Mr. Ashish Chopra completed his education at all levels from Apeejay Stya institutions. He studied first at Apeejay School, Model Town and then went to Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg. After completing his schooling, he then pursued his graduation from Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar in B. Com Professional. The Apeejay alumnus is currently working in the automobile business as a Hyundai dealer. In a brief interview, Mr Chopra shares what all it takes to survive in this industry. Read edited excerpts:
Tell us about the industry? What is your timetable at work?
In the morning, I hold a small meeting with my staff, the managers and everyone. We discuss the planning, previous problems, etc. Then I take a round of the whole setup. My dealership is in Ludhiana, so I commute daily from my residence in Jalandhar.
We have opened another branch at Jagraon, a rural sales outlet. I personally meet the customers as well. I get references as I sit in the office, so a lot of people directly buy from us. Customers directly purchase from us owners – that’s how good our customer experience is.
What was your inspiration to join this field?
This is our family business and I am the fourth generation. The name of our company previously was ‘Northern Motors Pvt Ltd’. We started from Rawalpindi in Pakistan around 1927. This is the 97th year of our business. It is a very proud moment for us.
Tell us about your Apeejay days?
In the pre-primary section, we had a lovely teacher named Miss Kharbhanda. She was my favourite teacher at Apeejay Mahavir Marg. I still remember her. I made a good group of friends, which is still strong.
In my college days, I made a new group of friends. As teenagers, we explored the world around us and yet were one of the best students in class. We were busy with co-curricular activities. College really made me an outgoing student. I was the head student for industry visits.
One life lesson for the current students?
It is a lifetime lesson, you will realise it once you are out of school. You will miss it later, so make the most of that time now!
One advice for automobile industry aspirants?
It is a dynamic market, looks rosy from outside, but you have to work as hard as any other business in this field.
