Revolutionising Comfort With Passion
Kalpesh Ramoliya
Managing Director
Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Leadership in business goes beyond strategy and vision; it’s about inspiring people to believe in something bigger than themselves. Many leaders can set goals, but only a few have the ability to ignite passion and purpose within their teams. Kalpesh Ramoliya, Managing Director of Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd., is one of those rare leaders. For over two decades, he has turned obstacles into stepping stones, leaving an indelible mark on India’s manufacturing landscape. His journey began humbly in a small village in Gujarat, fueled by a simple yet profound dream: to create a business that improves lives. Under Kalpesh’s leadership, Raj Cooling Systems has grown into a pioneer in affordable and reliable cooling solutions, bringing comfort to middleclass families without compromising on quality. In an industry where competition is fierce and innovation is essential, he has championed a purpose-driven approach—building products that solve real problems while empowering “Make in India” initiatives. Inspired by the values of Ratan Tata, Kalpesh built his company on ethics, innovation, and a deep connection with his team and customers. Whether it’s launching game-changing products like giant warehouse coolers or integrating customer feedback into every decision, his focus has remained on delivering value that lasts. In an exclusive interview with TradeFlock, Kalpesh opens up about his challenges, his learnings, and his vision for taking Indian manufacturing to the global stage.
What inspired you to start your venture, and how has your background influenced your journey?
As a child growing up in a small village in Gujarat, I often found myself dreaming of building something meaningful. Those dreams turned into reality with Raj Cooling Systems, driven by a simple idea to bring comfort and innovation to middle-class families. Starting out with just a small amount of savings, I faced the challenges of entrepreneurship head-on, learning early that while money gets you started, creating lasting value is what sustains success. The inspiration for our journey was clear— designing affordable, high-quality cooling solutions for people who deserved better options. Guided by Ratan Tata’s values of excellence and integrity, we’ve grown to be among India’s top 3 cooler manufacturers, with plans to export to over 25 countries. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—it’s about building solutions that empower lives and spark endless possibilities.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on your journey?
Your ethics and values are the foundation of success. ‘Come what may, always abide by your values, and you will succeed.’ Challenges are inevitable in business—if you’re not facing them, you’re probably on the wrong path.We’ve had competitors try to poach our trained employees, but I’ve realised they can take people, not the ethics and principles we work by. Staying true to our values has been my biggest lesson and the key to building something truly enduring.
TRUE LEADERSHIP ISN’T JUST ABOUT BUILDING A BUSINESS IT’S ABOUT CREATING VALUE THAT TRANSFORMS LIVES AND INDUSTRIES.
What are your future expansion plans?
Building a business in a country as diverse as India has been like preparing for the world stage. India’s vast range of customers—from urban cities to remote areas without electricity—taught us how to adapt and innovate. Before thinking global, we prioritised becoming fully ‘Made in India,’ reducing reliance on Chinese imports and focusing on local strength. Today, we’ve reached nearly all active markets in India, and our next step is to scale production to meet the growing needs of our overseas partners. While we currently export to the Middle East and China, our dream is to take our innovations to even more countries, showing the world what Indian ingenuity can achieve.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during the early stages of your startup?
When I started, I thought being my own boss meant freedom, but in a startup, the boss is also the salesman, accountant, and office boy! Building a team became essential, and I’m proud that the core team I formed back then is still with me today. I’ve always believed, ‘Everyone is good, but picking the right person makes all the difference.’ At Raj Cooling Systems, we built our foundation on mutual growth—ensuring personal development aligns with company success—and infused a strong sense of culture that unites us as a family
How do you integrate customer feedback into your product design and processes?
Feedback is the heartbeat of everything we do. We’ve built a system that keeps us closely connected to our customers, personally reaching out within a week of their purchase. It’s not just about asking questions—it’s about genuinely listening. ‘Every customer’s voice shapes the future of our products.’ Their insights guide our improvements, inspire innovations, and ensure our products aren’t just designed for them but with them. This personal approach keeps us gr ounded and constantly evolving.
Who’s your role model?
Ratan Tata has always been a huge inspiration to me—not just for his incredible business achievements but for his deep commitment to India’s progress. Long before ‘Make in India’ became a buzzword, he was already driving change and empowering industries. His vision resonates deeply with me. ‘I want to do something in the country, for the country,’ just as he has, by building something meaningful that stands the test of time and serves a greater purpose.