We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ash Shetty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ash, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
My exploration into the realms of justice and reunification has been profoundly shaped by my personal journey and professional insights. Having established a successful business spanning multiple countries, I intimately understood the intricacies of global operations and the potential for meaningful philanthropy. However, amidst this success, a prevailing sentiment emerged among myself and my peers—a growing disillusionment with conventional charitable practices. We sensed a disconnection, fearing that our contributions might not effectively reach those in need due to bureaucratic hurdles and inefficiencies within charitable organizations. This shared concern ignited a quest for a more direct and transparent approach to philanthropy.
Fueled by this quest and my lifelong fascination with tales of justice, a pivotal moment occurred when I encountered the film “Lion.” This poignant story, echoing my own heritage and upbringing in Australia, sparked a profound inquiry: “Why isn’t DNA technology more extensively employed to aid in the reunification of trafficked and missing children?”
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I, Ashvat (Ash) Shivaram Shetty, currently based in Dallas, Texas, but my roots stretch back to Sydney, Australia, where I spent my formative years. Leading as President of Omega Industries Group of Companies, I steer a multinational corporation specializing in paint manufacturing and construction services. With operations spanning three continents and a dedicated team exceeding 300 employees, our company’s journey mirrors my own from childhood.
Omega Industries was born from a pivotal moment in 2000 when my father, seeking refuge from workplace bullying, made a bold move to acquire a small paint company listed in the classifieds. What began as a modest endeavor driven by door-to-door sales and sheer grit has blossomed into a global powerhouse, achieved without external financial support. This transformation, from a one-person venture to an industry leader, encapsulates the resilience and resourcefulness ingrained in me from an early age.
My tenure with Omega Industries, evolving from a curious observer to a corporate leader alongside our executive team, has imparted invaluable lessons in discipline, risk management, and tenacity. It’s taught me to view “No” not as a setback but as a challenge to conquer and to persevere against all odds in pursuit of our objectives.
In tandem with my responsibilities at Omega Industries, I co-founded returned.org with John Ramsey, President of Aegle Nutrition, sharing a vision of “conscious capitalism.” Our joint commitment to using entrepreneurship as a force for social good birthed this initiative. Returned.org symbolizes our dedication to leveraging business for positive change, particularly in the realm of child reunification. Through innovative DNA database technology, we offer hope and practical solutions to families torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. Our organization rallies the private sector, inviting individuals and businesses alike to unite in a cause transcending traditional boundaries and enabling direct impact in the fight against trafficking.
What distinguishes us is not just our unique blend of industry and philanthropy but our unwavering faith in community and innovation to tackle complex issues. At Omega Industries and returned.org, we champion a vision of conscious capitalism, where success is measured not just in financial terms but in the transformative impact we make on society.
I take immense pride in our dual legacy: a thriving business serving as a beacon of growth and innovation, and a philanthropic endeavor illuminating families in their darkest moments. To our prospective clients, supporters, and admirers, I want to convey that our work reflects a deeper mission to foster a better, more interconnected world. Whether through the excellence and integrity of our offerings at Omega Industries or through the life-altering reunifications facilitated by returned.org, our fundamental goal is to effect lasting, positive change in every venture we undertake.
This narrative of resilience, innovation, and compassionate capitalism isn’t just my story—it’s a testament to what’s achievable when we dare to dream big and persistently pursue those dreams. It’s an invitation to join us on this journey of transformation and impact, whether by backing our business ventures or contributing to our cause at returned.org. Together, we possess the power to reshape industries and reunite families, forging a legacy of hope and progress for generations to come.
Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?
Throughout my career, I have played a pivotal role in the successful acquisition of several businesses. Each of these ventures, when taken under our wing, was facing significant financial distress, burdened with high managerial costs, yet possessed invaluable assets in the form of long term supply contracts, loyal customers, and distinctive products that set them apart in the market.
My approach to turning these acquisitions into profitable entities within a mere six months stems from a philosophy of rigorous cost efficiency. I delve into the minutiae of expenses, negotiating down to the smallest possible savings, such as cutting telephone bills by even $10 a month. This meticulous attention to detail not only optimizes operations but also sets a powerful example for our staff, instilling a culture of efficiency and alignment with our strategic goals at all levels of the organization.
I particularly target business units from large multinational corporations for acquisition. These entities are attractive because they come with substantial investments in systems, equipment, and product lines, backed by the considerable resources of their former parent companies. When pursuing these opportunities, I favor a streamlined approach over extensive due diligence. The agility and discretion of this strategy are crucial for outmaneuvering competitors and securing deals promptly.
My innovative method for due diligence relies on analyzing the last three years of a company’s bank statements. This approach is grounded in four key insights:
1. Bank statements are a transparent record that reveal the unvarnished financial health and activities of a company.
2. They provide a clear trail of incoming and outgoing funds, allowing for a straightforward assessment of financial flows.
3. They are instrumental in identifying any irregularities, such as pilferage or embezzlement, that could indicate deeper issues within the company.
4. They offer a snapshot of the company’s monthly cash position, giving a real-time perspective on its operational liquidity.
This strategy enables me to make informed, efficient acquisition decisions without being swayed by potentially misleading reports. It is a testament to the value of direct, simple metrics over complex analyses in achieving a clear, accurate understanding of a business’s true potential. This approach has not only been instrumental in our success but also underscores our commitment to fostering transparency, efficiency, and strategic foresight in every venture we undertake.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The cornerstone of our strategy for client growth transcends the conventional pursuit of market dominance and the race for the largest share. Instead, we have embraced a philosophy centered on problem-solving rather than salesmanship.
In an environment where the hard sell is often met with resistance, we have discovered that offering solutions to genuine problems is what truly resonates with people. Our approach is characterized by transparency and the provision of expert advice without hidden costs, allowing open access to information. This methodology has not only differentiated us in the market but has also established our reputation as a trustworthy and client-focused entity, more invested in addressing needs than in profit maximization.
Collaboration, even with competitors, plays a pivotal role in our strategy. We maintain amicable relationships within our industry, guided by a principle of mutual respect and a shared goal of serving the market’s needs. There are times when we direct clients to our competitors if we recognize that they are better suited to meet specific requirements. This practice underscores our commitment to the client’s best interest above our own.
Our most effective growth strategy is underpinned by a commitment to integrity and the pursuit of meaningful solutions. We enter every engagement with the intent to add value and solve problems, rather than focusing solely on financial gain. This ethos has naturally led to growth, as the pursuit of providing genuine solutions creates a positive ripple effect, attracting clients through the strength of our convictions and the quality of our service.
By redefining success not as a numerical target but as the impact we make in solving our clients’ challenges, we have fostered a culture of purpose-driven progress. This approach has not only been instrumental in expanding our clientele but has also cultivated a brand identity rooted in authenticity, expertise, and a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to the industries we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://returned.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/returnedorg/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/returned.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ash-shetty-b9178227/