Grandhi Rajesh: Self-Made Bizman In Logistics Sector

I got into logistics because I saw how important it is to connect rural producers to bigger markets. It started with small teams and small ideas, but as the time passed away, we grew by focusing on efficiency and trust - Grandhi Rajesh, Founder, Integral Trading and Logistics

Visakhapatnam: It was strong determination and tremendous passion to do something different which led this entrepreneur to quit a decent job and prove his talent in the logistics sector. Overcoming the teething problems and multiple challenges, Grandhi Rajesh, made the company floated by him - the Integral Trading and Logistics with just himself as the lone employee in 2005, a successful venture today by providing 500 jobs directly and 1,000 people indirectly.

He used to get a decent salary when he quit the job, but today he is able to afford Rs1.5 crore towards wages and perks. Rajesh is also now Chairman, Visakhapatnam Zone of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

“I got into logistics because I saw how important it is to connect rural producers to bigger markets. It started with small teams and small ideas, but as the time passed away, we grew by focusing on efficiency and trust. Logistics is not just about moving goods; it’s about helping farmers, small manufacturers, and artisans get their products to the right places. This vision is what drove me to start Integral Trading & Logistics. It feels great knowing we’ve not just grown as a company, but also created jobs and supported local economies along the way,” he told Bizz Buzz.

Rajesh said private players like him bring new ideas, technologies, and a hands-on approach to solving local challenges. The government has also been driving progress by investing in better infrastructure, streamlining approvals, developing logistics hubs, enhancing speed and ease of doing business. Through effective collaboration between private companies and the government, Vizag is well-positioned to emerge as a leading logistics hub, not just in Andhra Pradesh but across India,” he pointed out.

Having seen the transformation of the logistics sector from manual to mechanised environment with the advent of technological advancements, he said the logistics industry has been full of challenges.

“One of the key struggles is managing working capital. However, we overcame this by adopting technologies such as predictive analytics, fleet management, and supply chain software, which helped reduce costs and improve the customer experience. Throughout this journey, I’ve also realized the crucial importance of building trust with both customers and employees.”

Asked to comment on the company’s thrust areas, Rajesh said: “our focus is on expanding in logistics across India. Simultaneously, we’re diversifying into real estate. One of our key projects is a residential community near the upcoming Bhogapuram airport in Vizag, designed to offer middle-class families affordable homes with premium amenities”. We’re also planning to develop a commercial mall and multiplex nearby. The goal is to grow in both sectors in ways that benefit our customers and the communities we serve, he added.