How this entrepreneur developed a mobile accessories firm for new India while moving from Jalore to Mumbai for odd jobs

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Nilesh Mali got his first employment when he moved to Mumbai from Jalore, an area in Rajasthan known for the Marwari horse breed, when he was 18 years old. Nilesh took odd jobs at retail establishments in the early 2000s with the goal of reaching something big in his life. He subsequently moved on to marketing other electronic items, such as walkmans and radios. Nilesh now runs a company with annual revenue of Rs 30 crore, over two decades later. According to the founder, KDM India, which was launched in 2011, provides residents in tier 2 and 3 cities with a lifestyle option.

KDM India produces low-cost mobile chargers, earbuds, speakers, and neck bands, among other products.KDM India today produces 200 stock-keeping units (SKUs) and has a nationwide distribution network. From rags to riches is a story that many people can relate to. Nilesh began working as a salesman to sell walkmans and radios back when these devices were in demand, after working various jobs to earn money and feed himself in the city of dreams. Nilesh had been in the city for two to three years at this point. The early 2000s were likewise a period of significant change in India. As mobile usage grew, Nilesh's friend advised him to trade in mobile accessories, particularly chargers.

Nilesh went the wholesale route and began selling mobile batteries after contacting wholesalers. After the firm took off, he focused on extending his portfolio. Nilesh, on the other hand, was dissatisfied with importing things from other countries. He gives two reasons: first, he didn't have control over the quality, and second, he didn't think the price was reasonable. The market for mobile phones and accessories had exploded by that time. Staying in the same business and growth would be a solid bet for Nilesh. Nilesh launched the in-house manufacture of mobile accessories in 2011, starting with Intelli covers.

Nilesh and KDM India have not looked back since the establishment of the manufacturing plant. Bharat users now have a lifestyle choice.
Nilesh has a goal of providing quality and economical mobile accessories to the public. Nilesh began making Intelli mobile covers and later universal chargers, dubbed the 'jaadu charger' at the time, with the same concept, which helped the brand gain customers. KDM India now produces mobile chargers, earphones, speakers, neckbands, and headphones in its own production facility, almost a decade later. The product's price range is between Rs 99 to Rs 1999, and it's also being manufactured by OEMs.

The future and the competition

KDM India has a consumer base in metro cities in addition to tier 2 and 3 cities. Its primary mode of operation is offline.
KDM India is pushing up its attempts to get online in order to compete with companies like boAt, JBL, GoNoise, and others. This would provide the brand with an equal opportunity to compete with the market's leading brands. The brand has a market share of 80% in India and is looking to expand further. The company has recently taken bold steps in marketing campaigns and will continue to do so in the future, as well as working on product development and packaging. The company's objective is to become a household name in every town and remote part of the country.

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