In this issue of the Islandchief, we are excited to present the dynamic duo, Mr. Alok Gupta, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Business at Jaquar & Company, and Mr. Mohamed Suhail, Managing Director of Vanquisher Group. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore their remarkable stories, delve into their wealth of experiences, and glean insights from these two outstanding individuals.

Mr. Gupta has been a key figure in Jaquar Group's rapid expansion to over 70 countries, focusing on delivering unparalleled quality and customer satisfaction. With his leadership, Jaquar continues to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions in the bathroom and lighting industry worldwide.

Mr. Suhail, on the other hand, has made a name for himself as a visionary leader in the construction sector. Under his guidance, VCC Group has become synonymous with reliability and excellence in the Maldives. His commitment to quality is exemplified by VCC Group- Just one Investment Pvt Ltd exclusive distributorship of Jaquar products in the Maldives since 2012.

1. Mr. Gupta, can you tell us about your journey from starting your career to your current position as Sr. VP and Global Business Head at Jaquar & Company Private Limited?

I have dedicated over two decades to this industry, and my experience with Jaquar has been incredibly rewarding. Jaquar stands out as one of the fastest-growing brands internationally, providing comprehensive bathroom and lighting solutions across 70 countries. Our expansion into new markets such as Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and now the Maldives, reflects our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. These are truly exhilarating times for Jaquar, as we continue to lead as a manufacturing company delivering cutting-edge bathroom and lighting solutions.

2. Mr. Suhail, as the Managing Director, what leadership principles do you prioritize to drive the success and growth of Just One Investment Pvt (Jaquar Maldives)?

Since my involvement in 2005, Vanquisher Construction Company has been my primary focus. During our construction projects, we encountered the Jaquar brand, which led to us becoming the exclusive distributor of Jaquar products in the Maldives from 2012 onwards under our Group of company Just one Investment Pvt Ltd. I attribute our success in the Maldives to our commitment to providing exceptional after services and warranties for all our products, coupled with the loyalty of our esteemed customers.

3. Jaquar Group is known for its focus on highest quality standards and aesthetics in the bathroom and lighting industry. How do you ensure that these standards are consistently met across different segments and regions?

At Jaquar Group, maintaining impeccable and consistent quality is at the heart of our ethos. We adhere to stringent quality processes and ensure the standardization of raw materials, recognizing that the quality of the inputs directly impacts the final product. Through rigorous electronic and manual quality checks, we guarantee standardized designs, colors, and finishes across all our international markets. We uphold a universal standard of quality across all markets, which we refer to as the Jaquar International Quality. Whether in Italy, India, or the Maldives, our products meet the same exacting standards of shape, color, design, and finish. This unwavering commitment ensures that our products are truly world-class.

4. Just One Investment Pvt (Jaquar Maldives) is one of the most well-known and reliable brands in the Maldives with an impressive plethora of successful projects. How do you ensure that Just One Investment Pvt (Jaquar Maldives) maintains high standards of quality in its projects?

We maintain high standards of quality in all our projects, specially we maintain few key steps and strategies that can be implemented in order to maintain the reliable brand in Maldives. we maintain quality standards for each project, Conducting regular performance reviews with project teams, Gathering feedback from customers throughout the project lifecycle is essential to understand our client expectations and satisfaction levels, Implementing strong risk management practices helps anticipate potential challenges that could impact project quality and we Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement within the organization fosters innovation and drives excellence in our project delivery. 

5. Jaquar Group caters to luxury, premium, and value segments of the bathroom and lighting industry through its brands Artize, Jaquar, and Essco. How do you balance the brand positioning and marketing strategies for each segment to maximize market penetration and profitability?

It is essential for any group to cater to the entire market spectrum, rather than focusing solely on one segment. Different customers have varied demands, needs, and budgets, leading to diverse choices. Therefore, we offer a comprehensive portfolio ranging from the super luxury segment with Artize, to the premium segment with Jaquar, and finally, the value segment with Essco, which caters to more affordable housing projects.

Despite this wide range, we ensure standardization of quality across all our brands. This means that regardless of the brand or model chosen, customers can expect consistent quality, finish, workmanship, and servicing warranty synonymous with Jaquar. While we offer different brands to cater to diverse customer needs and budgets, we maintain uniform standards of quality and service.As a manufacturing group, all our products are manufactured in-house across our eight state-of-the-art factories. Seven of these factories are located in various parts of India, predominantly in the northern regions, with one in Gujarat and another in South Korea. This centralized manufacturing approach ensures standardization of design, quality, output, and finish across all our products.

6. Could you discuss some of the key projects Just One Investment Pvt (Jaquar Maldives) has undertaken and how well-received your imports are within the Maldivian market and their influence in the construction network?

Since 2012 we are in the market. We have done numerous projects in Maldives, our primary client, Damas Real Estate, has consistently chosen Jaquar fittings for all their real estate projects. Similarly, other reputable Construction companies in Male', such as RCC, AIMA, GLUT Investment, W Construction, Rainbow Construction, Inoca, Batch Construction, and ABC, have also opted for Jaquar products due to their high standards. We recently secured an agreement to supply Jaquar fittings for all of Apollo Holding 1000 apartments projects, further expanding our reach. Additionally, Sun Siyam Resort, Four season Resorts, Bandos Resort, Atmosphere Groups of Resorts, Sunland Resorts, Adaaran Resorts and Minor Group of Resorts  also feature our Jaquar fittings. Moreover, we have also secured contracts for several government projects, highlighting the widespread acceptance and trust in our products within the construction network.

7. How does Jaquar Group incorporate sustainability and environmental considerations into its business practices, particularly in the manufacturing process and product design?

At Jaquar Group, sustainability and environmental consciousness are integral to our ethos. This commitment is evident in our corporate philosophy and the ecosystem we've cultivated. Our corporate office is a US Platinum LEED-certified green building, setting the standard for environmentally friendly workplaces. All our factories also adhere to LEED certification standards, ensuring that our manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible.

We prioritize the use of high-quality, recyclable materials in our production, avoiding the use of plastics whenever possible. Our product range is designed to be environmentally friendly, with many featuring technology that reduces water consumption. This is particularly significant in countries like the Maldives, where water conservation is critical. Our technology infuses air into water, making it softer and reducing overall water usage. From our strategic approach to our office operations, factory production, and product design, Jaquar Group is committed to sustainability every step of the way.

8. Can you discuss any recent technological advancements or innovations that Just One Investment Pvt (Jaquar Maldives) has adopted to streamline processes or enhance project outcomes?

At Vanquisher Group, technology plays a pivotal role in our commitment to delivering the highest quality and finishes. We are dedicated to constant innovation in design and functionality, led by a panel of international designers who cater to global standards. Our extensive range of color options reflects our understanding of diverse consumer preferences.

We also prioritize functionality based on usage requirements. Considering factors like water quality, atmospheric conditions, and high humidity levels in a country like the Maldives, we ensure our products are designed to withstand such environments and prevent issues like rusting.

On the lighting front, we recognize the need for products that can endure power surges and cuts. Our lighting solutions offer up to 5 kilowatts of protection, ensuring reliability even in challenging conditions. Through continuous innovation in design, aesthetics, and functionality, we strive to exceed customer expectations and set new industry standards.

9. In the competitive landscape of the bathroom and lighting industry, what do you believe are the key factors that differentiate Jaquar Group from its competitors, and how do you capitalize on these factors to drive growth and success?

Jaquar Group distinguishes itself through several key factors. Firstly, we are a manufacturing powerhouse, offering comprehensive bathroom and lighting solutions. Unlike many competitors who outsource, we take pride in producing world-class products and complete solutions in-house. Our ability to manufacture at scale and meet large volume demands further sets us apart.

Secondly, while we are technologically advanced, we also prioritize a human-centric approach. Our philosophy emphasizes collaboration and creating win-win situations for our customers. We understand the importance of warranties, service, and quality engagement, which is often lacking in today's market.

Our commitment to quality and customer engagement is what truly differentiates us. We are focused on building a long-term brand in the Maldives market, rather than just focusing on short-term sales. Our goal is to create lasting value for our local customers and partners, ensuring a differentiated experience that resonates with our brand ethos.

10. Given the rapid growth of Just One Investment Pvt (Jaquar Maldives), how do you prioritize innovation and product development to stay ahead of competitors and meet evolving customer preferences?

At Jaquar, customer feedback is paramount. Understanding the nuances of each market—demographics, cultural preferences, social environments—is key. We engage with our customers to grasp their needs, preferences, and price points, allowing us to tailor our products and solutions accordingly. This feedback is then relayed to our Research and Development (R&D) and 

Innovation teams, who continuously incorporate these insights into our offerings.

Our approach is collaborative; we listen to our customers and value their feedback. We are also proactive in embracing change for the betterment of our customers, the market, and society as a whole. In the Maldives, where several brands are already established, we differentiate ourselves by offering Jaquar as a service, not just a product. This customer-centric approach extends to our Vanquisher Construction Company projects, where we prioritize the same methodology.

11. Any final remarks?

We are thrilled to be part of the Maldives market, which shares a long-standing, robust relationship with India. At Jaquar, we view this partnership as a collaboration between two strong nations and friends. We are excited about our presence in the Maldives through our partners and are delighted to witness an increasing acceptance of our quality services.

We have identified a significant gap in the market regarding the quality and value of services offered, and we are committed to bridging this gap. Our investments reflect this commitment, as we are opening a new showroom in Hulhumale to complement our existing one in Male'. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and enhancing our relationship across various segments of the Maldivian market.