ASHISH SHAH
From ₹50 Per Survey to Building a PAN-India Waterproofing Legacy
Success is not about where you start. Success is about how determined you are to keep moving forward despite every challenge.
My entrepreneurial journey began in 1988, while I was still a student. Instead of waiting for opportunities, I started creating them. I worked as a Market Research Investigator, conducting surveys for various products, including the popular beverage brand Rasna. My first earning was just ₹50 for one research assignment.
Many people dream of success. I chose to work for it.
In 1989, while continuing my studies, I drove an auto-rickshaw for two hours every night, earning ₹12 per hour. Those small earnings taught me the dignity of labor, financial discipline, and the value of hard work.
In 1990, I started my professional career as a Site Engineer, earning ₹805 per month. Rather than complaining about limited income, I focused on learning, improving, and building technical expertise.
In 1991, during my post-graduation studies, I worked as a Salesman in a Washing Machine Company. This experience taught me one of the most important lessons of business:
"Technical knowledge can build a product, but communication and relationships build a business."
In 1993, I worked as a Site Engineer with a salary of ₹2,500 per month, while simultaneously spending three hours every night as a Market Research Investigator. Long working hours never discouraged me because I believed that every experience was preparing me for a bigger future.
A major turning point came in 1996, when I joined a reputed Construction Chemical startup as a Technical Manager. This role exposed me to advanced construction technologies, waterproofing systems, and business management practices that would later shape my entrepreneurial journey.
Then came the defining year of my life.
1997 – The Birth of an Entrepreneur
In 1997, I started my own waterproofing and crack repair business.
I had no major capital.
I had no big office.
I had no investors.
What I had was:
Technical knowledge
Honesty
Relationships
Commitment
Confidence
Enthusiasm
My very first client trusted me so much that he paid 100% advance of ₹350 before the work started.
That ₹350 was not just money.
It was a vote of confidence.
It was proof that trust is the greatest capital an entrepreneur can possess.
From that day onward, my mission was simple:
Deliver the right solution. Deliver quality. Deliver trust.
Building Koncept Group
The journey was never easy.
We grew through partnerships, applicatorships, professional collaborations, support from friends, handbill marketing, postcard campaigns, newspaper advertisements, networking events, and continuous learning.
During difficult times, including the Gujarat earthquake period, we supplied materials and technical solutions on a "No Profit – No Loss" basis because helping people was more important than earning money.
I actively joined NGOs, professional institutions, technical associations, social clubs, and networking platforms to learn, contribute, and build meaningful relationships.
One lesson from my mother became the foundation of my life:
"Maintain good relationships, follow up regularly, and never miss an opportunity to wish people on their birthdays, festivals, and special occasions."
This simple principle helped create lifelong friendships, strong business relationships, and lasting trust.
Service Before Success
True success is measured not only by business growth but also by how many lives we positively impact.
Over the years, we have contributed to society through:
Skill development training
Educational support and book distribution
School fee assistance
Medical support for needy patients
Food distribution programs
Fruit distribution in hospitals
Clothing distribution
Community service initiatives
We strongly believe:
"When you help others grow, success naturally follows."
From a Small Beginning to PAN India Presence
Today, our waterproofing and structural repair solutions serve projects across India.
We have proudly contributed to prestigious projects including:
Airports
Canals and Syphons
Gandhi Ashram
Taj Mahal-related conservation works
Hanuman Temples
Ujjain Mosques
Churches in Goa
Jain Temples at Sammed Shikhar
Heritage Structures
Hotel Lake Palace
Hospitals
Hotels
Industrial Facilities
Luxury Residences
High-End Commercial Buildings
Message to Young Entrepreneurs
If a person can start with ₹50 earnings and build a nationwide business, then your dreams are also possible.
Never be ashamed of small beginnings.
Never stop learning.
Never stop networking.
Never stop helping people.
Never stop improving yourself.
Your degree may give you knowledge.
Your job may give you experience.
But your attitude will determine your destiny.
Remember:
Success is not built by money first. Success is built by trust first.
My Life Philosophy
Learn. Earn. Grow.
Keep learning because learning creates growth.
Keep serving because service creates trust.
Keep moving because consistency creates success.
The future belongs to those who are willing to work hard, stay honest, keep learning, and never give up.
Ashish Shah
Founder – Koncept Group
"Started with Trust. Built with Integrity. Growing with Purpose."
