Starting a business from scratch is never easy, especially when the world around you questions your choices. For Exim Inc., a logistics and freight forwarding company founded in 2008, the journey has been marked by determination, perseverance, and a vision to make the lives of importers and exporters stress-free. The company, headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat, specializes in providing comprehensive import and export services to businesses across India and globally. From customs clearance to transportation, Exim Inc. offers a wide range of services that include air and sea freight, licensing, and helping new entrepreneurs break into the world of international trade.
Exim Inc. serves clients from various verticals, ensuring their shipments move smoothly from one part of the world to another, meeting all necessary legal and logistical requirements. The company’s commitment to making international trade easy and hassle-free has led to exponential growth. Today, Exim Inc. handles over 584 clients, including government companies such as GNVFC and GSFC. Despite starting with no money and facing personal and societal challenges, the company has grown from zero revenue to a remarkable ₹40 crores by 2024.
This success story is not just about business growth—it’s about breaking barriers, proving doubters wrong, and showing the world that dedication and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Services/Products/Solutions Offered:
Exim Inc. offers a comprehensive suite of services to meet the needs of both importers and exporters. These services include:
- Freight Forwarding: Arranging pickup, shipping, and delivery via air and sea freight across the globe.
- Customs Clearance: Handling Indian customs clearance to ensure shipments comply with all legal requirements.
- Transportation: Coordinating the transportation of goods to their final destination.
- Licensing and Other Miscellaneous Services: Assisting clients with obtaining new import-export codes, licenses, LC making, Hi Sea Sales, and MEIS licenses.
The company also helps new entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of international trade, providing the tools and guidance needed to launch successful import-export businesses.
Education & Early Inspiration:
With a Bachelor of Commerce degree, the founder of Exim Inc. gained valuable insights into business management. However, it wasn’t just the formal education that inspired her; it was the experience of handling large projects and company accounts between 2002-2007 that sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. While working for an MNC, she realized that many rules and restrictions limited the creative solutions she could provide for her clients. This frustration led to the idea of starting a company that could offer out-of-the-box services, simplifying the import-export process.
The Spark to Start Exim Inc.:
The idea to start Exim Inc. first struck when the founder felt constrained by the rigid structures of her MNC job. She wanted to build a company that would make life easier for importers and exporters by offering flexible and innovative solutions. In 2008, with no money in hand and a family that wasn’t fully supportive, she made the bold decision to quit her high-paying job and start Exim Inc.
The first computer, workspace, and operations were all built with limited resources, and she even committed to paying her vendor after two months when she had no funds. Despite the early hardships, the determination to make a difference in the import-export industry kept her going. Today, Exim Inc. stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of entrepreneurship.
Clientele & Competitive Strength:
Exim Inc. currently serves 584 clients, including notable companies like GNVFC and GSFC. The company’s competitive strength lies in its ability to offer stress-free and comfortable solutions for importers and exporters. With a strong commitment to ensuring smooth operations, Exim Inc. handles everything from customs clearance to delivery logistics, creating a hassle-free experience for its clients. The company’s deep knowledge of the logistics and freight forwarding sector, combined with its customer-centric approach, allows it to stand out in a competitive market.
Larger Vision and Future Goals:
The ultimate vision for Exim Inc. is to empower new entrepreneurs by making the import-export process simple, efficient, and accessible. The founder is passionate about breaking the myth that international trade is difficult and reserved for a select few. Her goal is to help at least 50 new entrepreneurs enter the export business over the next 25 years, supporting Made in India products on a global stage and making India proud.
For her, success is not just about revenue; it’s about impacting lives by creating opportunities for others to succeed in the trade industry.
The Most Challenging Part of the Journey:
The most significant challenge in the founder’s journey was the lack of family support when she decided to quit her stable MNC job in 2008. Despite having no funds and facing a lot of criticism, she was determined to build something of her own. At times, her decision to pursue entrepreneurship seemed like an impossible task, but her vision and passion kept her going. Overcoming societal and family criticism was tough, but her determination and commitment to her dreams kept her unstoppable. Today, she finds peace knowing that her son is now a proud BTech graduate from SVNIT and an MBA from IIM Calcutta, working in Bangalore.
The Boldest Decision:
All of the founder’s decisions have been bold, but the one that stands out the most is when she randomly sent cost estimates to clients without proper backup. This risky move could have led to massive losses, but it was a gamble she took in pursuit of growth and innovation. For her, taking bold decisions and trusting her instincts have been key to the company’s success.
Work-Life Balance and Personal Life:
Starting a business while raising a young child wasn’t easy. The founder’s son was just seven years old when Exim Inc. was established, so she had to balance work and family, often sacrificing quality time with him. However, she made sure to spend quality time with him, despite the long work hours. Her dedication paid off, as her son is now a successful professional, and she feels proud of the life she has built.
Outside of work, the founder enjoys reading and cooking—activities that help her relax and recharge.
Lessons and Mantras:
After over 31 years of work, the founder has realized that she is not necessarily the smartest or most intelligent person, but she is undoubtedly a hard worker. Her dedication and willingness to put in long hours, working from 7 AM to 2 AM, have played a huge role in her success.
Her success mantra is simple: “If you are not smart, work hard to reach your goals.”
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs:
For young entrepreneurs and startups, the advice is clear: Never stop generating new ideas. Once you take the leap into entrepreneurship, things will fall into place. Stay positive, patient, and trust yourself while working hard to turn your dreams into reality.
Conclusion:
The journey of Exim Inc. is a testament to the power of persistence, hard work, and self-belief. The founder’s passion for simplifying international trade and empowering new entrepreneurs has led to remarkable success. Despite the challenges and setbacks, she has proven that with dedication, nothing is impossible. As she continues to build Exim Inc. into a global leader, her story is one of unwavering determination and resilience.
