What I learnt from meeting esteemed Patni Family – The King of Marbles

RK Marbles is one of the most successful marble producers in the world. Often called the King of Marbles, their owners, the Patni Brothers are epitome of running a successful family business! Recently as a part of our forum retreat, I got a chance to visit the RK Marbles in Kishangarh, Rajasthan.?

A special welcome indeed, we were received by Mr. Ashok Patni, Emeritus Chairman at their residence for a candid interaction. Mr. Patni shared with us his journey from being grain dealers in a mandi to being the Guinness Book Record holder as the largest producer of marble in the world.

His is a story of a lot of grit, smart work, quick decisions at the right time, humility and having a vision for not only his company but all who do business with him.?

Here’s jotting down some points that every businessman or an aspiring entrepreneur can learn from RK Marbles and the Patni brothers.

Quick Decision Making –

Mr. Ashok Patni told us that the decision to move from being profitable grain dealers to marble miners was very well-calculated but quick for them.?

Taking the right decision, when the opportunity arrived, has been the best decision so far for him. Even while running a successful mining business, there was a time when he chose to close it all and focus on a bigger opportunity that led him to where he is today.?

Even when they make wrong decisions, he is prepared to handle the consequences. But his mantra is to be as fuss-free and as clear as possible while taking important decisions.

Focus –

One of the major reasons why the Patni Family seem completely okay to shut down a profitable venture only to get bigger and better is their ability to prioritize and focus on what’s important.?

Instead of expanding aimlessly, Mr. Ashok Patni prefers that his team focusses and works toward a unified goal. Hence, when they got an opportunity to work in a bigger mine, there were no second thoughts about shutting down the smaller ones to enable everyone to focus on a single goal.

Clear Communication –

One of the biggest challenges of a family run business is to keep it all together amongst the brothers and sisters which they have been able to keep for many years.

Keeping a clear communication is the advice that Mr. Patni shared! The brothers would often send telegrams (sometimes even twice a day) to keep each other updated in the days of no mobile phones. Now with better means of communication they ensure they continue to keep each other apprised of all developments – whether personal or professional.

Building a Good Team –

Ashok Patni also emphasized on the importance of having a good team as a businessman. Whenever he came across a person of similar work ethics and talent he could use, he would make all the efforts to make them part of the team. We met some of his managers who’ve been with the company since its initial years.?

Being Humble –

Even as guests that visited RK Marbles, we received the best of hospitality. Right from reception to saying the goodbyes, Patni’s ensured we were well-taken care of. It was a classic example of staying rooted despite being one of the largest business conglomerates in the world.?

Open to Learning –

We have often been advised by our elders to never stop learning. The Patni brothers seemed to live by that. Having worked all his life, being a visionary, being a successful businessman and a leader to his company as well as his family, Mr. Ashok Patni didn’t hesitate in asking opinions and feedback from us as visitors.?

He was open to new ideas and suggestions from people he had just met. He was well-aware that even though he might have retired, he can never stop learning.?

Giving Back to the Society –

As businessmen, it is equally important to give back to the society as a gesture of gratitude and humility. Despite their busy schedules, it was heartwarming to see not only the Patni brothers but also their core team take out time for some religious activities and impromptu social gatherings.?

It’s a learning that one can never be too busy to take out a little time once in a while to indulge in their traditions and rituals.

Being entrepreneurs ourselves, we often miss out on simple things in life. Meeting a successful business family such as RK Marbles/Wonder Cement, is only a reminder of some of the life learnings and business mantras that we can teach each other as a community of businessmen.?

Saving the best for the last, let me leave you with my favorite business advice and mantra of the Patni Brothers – ‘make sure that your business partners also earn and grow with you’ only then will you be able to keep moving forward.