Since change is the only constant, it continuously keeps forcing everything in its wake to fluctuate. Low, medium, high, and everything in between the two extremes is how the universe operates in its every string, photon, neutron, atom, and electron of eternal energy, battling internally with positive and negative charges and coursing at high or low voltages through everything and every one of us––living beings.
We feel this fluctuation of our internal energy in times of great emotional turmoil. The surge of negative emotions takes us down into the abyss of darkness, while a sudden burst of positive energy in the form of hope brings us out of any situation of despair. All it depends upon our hearts–the truly transformational forces. They regulate the fluctuating currents of our sentimental streams.
In the same way, transformers help every electronic device–from our homes to vast factories–to survive sudden upsurges and down-surges of electricity flowing through its internal mesh. Like our hearts, transformers are the hearts of all the electronic devices ever made. With his visionary engineering mind and a transformational futuristic heart, Brij Sharma, the CEO/President, has been transforming the currents of ‘Transformers’ history with PowerVolt – his brainchild, which is now 37 years old and a world leader in Power Transformers, Industrial Control Transformers, DC Power Supplies, and Custom Transformers.
Sharing about his firm, Mr. Sharma says that PowerVolt manufactures Power Transformers and Power Supplies. “We are UL, CSA, and CE recognized and approved. We are proud to say that we manufacture standard (off-the-shelf) and custom transformers and power supplies.”
Founded in 1986, PowerVolt grew steadily, quickly acquiring a strong reputation for its high standards of quality and reliable products. With Power Volt, the service does not stop after the sale. Mr. Sharma promises, “We develop long-term partnerships with each client.”
PowerVolt delivers continuous improvement and supply chain programs that allow it to maintain optimal cost structure for its Partners’ supply chain and total cost of ownership.
“You can rest assured that we will be here for you if you have questions or concerns after the product is delivered. We can answer your questions whether you need reliable technical advice over the phone or an on-site consultation. Count on PowerVolt Inc. for technical advice and follow-through,” assures Mr. Sharma.
He spoke in an exclusive interview with Insights Success, elucidating his awe-inspiring journey of over five decades.
As a visionary leader in the industry, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into this dynamic ecosystem?
From early childhood, I was an independent-thinking person with high goals. I always wanted to be my own boss. So, the goal was to be either a highly placed government official or have my own business. Therefore, after finishing my Electrical Engineering degree, I took my IAS – Indian Administrative Services examination but did not pass. Then, the only other option was to start my own business. It took 17 years for the time to be right to start.
I completed my Engineering degree in June 1969 and worked one year with Advani Oerikon Pune, India. Then, I left for Germany as a trainee engineer. After two years in Germany, I went to Brazil. Worked ten years with Siemens do Brazil in upper management positions and finally, in 1983, migrated to Chicago, USA. Here, three years later, I started PowerVolt – manufacturing Electrical Transformers and DC Power Supplies in June 1986. With almost no money in my pocket, I started making my products in my apartment’s bedroom and later in my house’s basement. My wife and I used to do regular day jobs and manufacture DC power supplies at night. As it was unclear how the business would go, we purchased a gas station to put food on the table daily.
This continued for five years when I finally purchased a running company manufacturing transformers, and we moved out of the house to a 10,000 sq. ft. facility. Now, we were really in the manufacturing business.
PowerVolt has emerged as India’s leading transformational company in its niche. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?
‘Hard work and perseverance at all organizational levels, along with eyes on the goal, are the absolutely necessary ingredients for success. That is what I have been doing all along, and motivating others to accompany me. Thank God I have always had a team of dedicated co-workers who have made this success possible.
To set ourselves apart from others, we have always focused on innovation and take on tough challenges. Some transformer designs that others cannot do, but we can do it. So, that makes us grow in our niche market for electrical transformers.
The industrial landscape is continually evolving. Please brief our audience about your firm’s USPs and how you are currently positioned as one of the best transformational companies in its sector.
At PowerVolt, we understand the importance of transformers in any electrical setup. That is why we offer both AC and DC power. Our comprehensive range of solutions enables us to supply the appropriate transformer required for any electrical application.
With a focus on quality and prompt deliveries, we have become the trusted power transformer supplier to some of the biggest names in the game.
Your visionary leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind your company’s achievements. Could you shed light on your approach to leadership and team building within the organization?
My style has always been to lead by example, not only by words. I firmly believe in “Do what you preach and preach what you do.” Anyone who works will make a mistake. So, learning and making others learn from our mistakes is my philosophy at work. When some mistake happens, I try not to punish but to study how we can avoid it from repeating.
The essence of future transformation lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the end-user experience. How does your company strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction?
Customer satisfaction is necessary for the long-term growth of any business enterprise. However, customer satisfaction is not sustainable without operational efficiency and reasonable profit. We at PowerVolt make customer satisfaction our primary goal and insist on innovative processes in engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and packaging such that profitability is not negatively affected or rather improved. Some examples of this are: tightly managing inventory cost and stock levels, materials handling through production, paperwork associated with order processing, automation of processes, etc.
Digitalization and technological advancements are crucial aspects of the modern industrial ecosystem. How does your company integrate these principles into its core functioning and contribute to a technovative future?
Technology is continually evolving. It is crucial that we keep abreast of it and implement it on an ongoing basis to benefit from it. More modern and advanced ERP software can help efficiently process paperwork through production and improve efficiency. Automation of production processes brings cost reduction and better lead times, making us more competitive. We at PowerVolt have been introducing automation in a big way. For example, one operator used to make 150 pcs per day about five years back and is now making 3000 pcs per day with less stress on the operator. That is how we have integrated technology into our company.
Your company has achieved remarkable success. Could you highlight a transformative project or initiative that showcases your company’s commitment to excellence and innovation?
As I said earlier, some transformers that others cannot make, we can. In 2021, when COVID-19 hit the world, vaccines and other medicines were developed. To allow mass production and storage, the vaccines needed to be stored under sub-zero temperatures (-80 degrees C). A manufacturer of low-temperature freezers approached us to develop a transformer with high power and out-of-normal compact size. We took that challenge, designed, and manufactured more than 5000 of these transformers very timely as needed. I hope we helped save some lives.
The workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. How does your company foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among its employees?
We believe in on-the-job training. Our highly skilled supervisors work with new employees in the beginning step by step, explaining the processes. We also cross-train people for flexibility as well as keeping people motivated to learn and do different jobs. We empower and encourage people to learn from mistakes and avoid punishing them for routine mistakes. We have a workforce of more than 20 years associated with PowerVolt.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped industries globally. How has your company made contingency plans for similar uncertain events in the future?
We have redundant manufacturing locations, namely, two locations in the USA, two locations in Mexico and five vendor partners in China. This redundant capability allows us to serve our customers in unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we put much emphasis on cost-efficient manufacturing and management, which enables us to face any economically difficult times.
Businesses are a way for the Indian industry to accelerate its economic potential and capacity. What would you advise other budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the startup space?
The startup of any business is very challenging. Sometimes, it may be very discouraging, and you may think of quitting. Remember, if you quit, you have lost for sure. You can only succeed if you stay in it.
So, stay focused on your goal–keep your eye on the eye of the fish like Arjuna in Mahabharata, and work hard with perseverance to achieve your goal. Success is sure to come.
Looking to 2024, what is your vision for PowerVolt? How do you aspire to continue significantly impacting India’s transformational future landscape?
The economic forces are going to be very challenging in 2024. An economic slowdown is quite imminent. However, to impact India’s transformer industry, I would like to introduce an International Standard Series of Transformers to the Indian market. That will let the OEM users standardize their designs and make them very simple and cost-effective all around.
