Gurpreet : Sher-e-Punjab

According to Ludhiana based Gurpreet Singh Jagdev, CEO, Netline Infotech, constantly reinventing their business model and staying ahead of the curve has been the key to success. After quitting studies, Jagdev got into IT hardware business and worked at various organizations like Informatics Computer Systems (ICS), New Delhi and Regional Institute of Management & Administration (RIMA), Chandigarh. Then, in the year 1993, he started a partnership firm North Software Private Limited (NSPL), which lasted till 1994. In the same year, he started his own firm by the name Netline Computers, a self venture into education as a computer education contractor, which continued till 1999.
But the transition towards IT distribution started in 2004. Jagdev renamed the company as Netline Infotech with the distribution of Zenith computers. Later, he expanded his business with other brands like Acer and Lenovo.
Jagdev has seen sustained growth throughout. Last fiscal, the company registered a turnover of `6 crore. Moving forward, the company has plans to focus on retail and corporate business and continue to sustain and grow its core distribution business. Jagdev says, "I got into IT field by accident! During my final year of Masters in Commerce, I got my first job offer from Delhi based ICS, so I decided to quit my studies. Meanwhile, I did a crash course training in IT hardware and software. After completing it, I was posted as branch manager of ICS, Jalandhar branch, and later I became a project in charge of Yadavindra Public School Patiala."
He started his business as sole proprietor in the year 2004. Since then, Netline is a renowned name in secondary business of Lenovo, Acer and Zenith, primarily in South Punjab, Ludhiana and other satellite town areas.

CHALLENGES
Unlike other start-up companies, Jagdev, never encountered teething problems like funding procurement and selecting the product. With impeccable payment records, most distributors like Ingram, Redington, Salora, Supertron, Iris and Neoteric extended its ample credit limit. However, the major challenge for the company was to create a reputation and face value. But with sheer hard work, the company built their clean, clear and client/dealer oriented focused policies and persistent dealing.

CURRENT BUSINESS
In the current portfolio, Netline is having an Acer point retail showroom. Moreover, it is the regional distributors of Lenovo and distributors of Zenith. It also has exclusive accounts with customers including Christian Medical College and Sacred Heart Group of Schools catering to full range of Acer Point, Acer B2B Partner for PC, Lenovo SRD and Zenith Distributor.

ACHIEVEMENTS
The company has several milestones. "The way we have made our name in South Punjab market is a remarkable achievement. Our Zenith Meet and Acer's EMachine meet gave us a good head-start," Jagdev highlighted.
The company's core strength lies in right pricing, schemes, special price clearance, dealer and client oriented policies. The company believes that consistency is the key to succeed. The company is also planning to offer special price and schemes on all products from April, 2012.

PERSONAL FRONT
For Jagdev, Bill Gates is his role model. He adores the fighting qualities of Mohinder Amarnath and the charisma of Shane Warne. Besides being a businessman, he is also a member fo Ludhiana based Association of Computer Entrepreneur (ACE). Also, he is a senior committee member of ACE ricket team and an IT consultant to Punjab Police in private capacity.