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In this inspiring conversation, Kanthi Shetty, Managing Director of Aircom Solutions Pvt. Ltd., shares her incredible journey from humble beginnings to building a successful telecom solutions company. Starting in March 2000 with just eight employees, she overcame numerous challenges, including financial struggles and the COVID-19 crisis, to establish Aircom Solutions as a leading player in the industry with over 120 employees today.
In this interview, she talks about about the company’s growth, its impact on MSMEs, collaborations with government projects, and the role of technology in telecom services. She also highlights her philanthropic work through the Namma Kutira Foundation, which focuses on animal rescue, elderly care, and special needs children. Read on to discover her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, leadership insights, and vision for the future of telecom and beyond.
Can you tell us about Aircom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and how it has progressed over the years?
Kanthi Shetty: Aircom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. was founded in March 2000 as a small company with just eight employees. At that time, I was in a tough situation, raising two little girls as a single parent. Coming from a village to Bengaluru, I started with a vision. Over the years, the company has grown significantly, and today, we have 120 employees working with us. Our journey hasn’t been easy, but perseverance and hard work have helped us build a strong foundation in the telecom industry.
What are the core products and services of Aircom Solutions in the MSME sector?
Kanthi Shetty: Initially, we started with telecom-related services, working with Airtel in areas like first-time activation, bill delivery calls, and telecalling. Over time, we expanded into various projects, including government initiatives like Kisan projects and call center services. Today, we offer a wide range of telecom and communication solutions that cater to different industries.
What is the process of delivering telecom services to your clients?
Kanthi Shetty: We started with basic telecom services and gradually took on various projects. We provide customer support solutions, call center operations, and service delivery for different government and private sector initiatives. Our team ensures efficient implementation and smooth communication flow, helping businesses and government projects reach their target audience effectively.
Has Aircom Solutions received any investments or government support?
Kanthi Shetty: Initially, we had eight directors, but over time, most of them left, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a tough phase, but we had financial support in the form of overdraft (OD) and loan facilities. Syndicate Bank played a crucial role in helping us sustain during difficult times. I cleared all the loans and bought back the shares from the departing directors. Today, the company is entirely managed by me and my daughters.
What are your future plans for Aircom Solutions?
Kanthi Shetty: We are actively looking forward to working on more government projects. The company is currently running smoothly, and we are planning for further expansions. Additionally, I am involved in social initiatives through the Namma Kuteera Foundation, focusing on animal rescue, special children, and old age homes. This initiative is close to my heart, as I strongly believe in giving back to society.
What inspired you to start this business?
Kanthi Shetty: When I started 25 years ago, there were no government schemes like Mudra Yojana. It was a very tough time. I used to work for a salary of ₹610 per month. Today, I am proud to say that I am able to pay salaries of ₹50,000 and above to multiple employees. My journey was challenging, but I was determined to build something of my own.
Can you share insights on your company’s turnover and financial growth?
Kanthi Shetty: Initially, our focus was just on survival, ensuring we could meet our daily needs. Over time, the company has grown, and today, we are supporting over 100 families through employment. The pandemic was a major setback, but we took loans, worked hard, and brought the business back on track. Now, the company is running smoothly again, and we are looking forward to further expansion.
Conclusion:
Aircom Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has come a long way, growing from a small telecom service provider to a well-established company supporting multiple industries and government projects. Under Kanthi Shetty’s leadership, the company has not only expanded its business but also contributed to social causes. Her journey is an inspiring example of resilience and determination in the business world.
