Vehicle owners all across the world are increasingly seeking a better driving experience and Pune based Tropicool Car Gadgets Pvt Ltd is leaving no stone unturned to bridge this gap. Established in 2002, Tropicool offers car gadgets and accessories that aim at enhancing the on-road experience for car owners and making available a home away from home through innovative products. A product development firm, it focuses on automotive electronics and accessories and has developed over 200 product offerings for automobiles.

Tropicool has pioneered in introducing innovative products such as portable car refrigerators, reverse camera systems, in-seat mobile charging, parking sensors, and infotainment & entertainment systems to India. Tropicool has also ventured into smart mobility solutions for commercial vehicles after a decade of expertise in the automobile accessories market (bus, truck, tractors, LCV & defence vehicles). Tropicool serves customers through four business channels: OEM, aftermarket distribution, online (B2C), and cold chain business. In an exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur Magazine, Khushboo Shinagare, Director, Tropicool Car Gadgets Pvt Ltd walks us through her personal and professional traits along with her unique play at the company.

Take Us Through Your Early Educational Journey And Prior Industry Experience That You Bring To The Table.

I received a masters degree in Computer Science from Fergusson College at the University of Pune; a University topper who excelled intellectually but was not a bookworm and was always an enthusiastic participant in sports, music, and outdoor adventure. Through campus recruiting, I secured my first job in IT with Veritas, an American MNC. Veritas is a product development firm, and I was hired to work in the User Interface team. I was introduced to the world of product development, design thinking, usability, and customer experience, and I learned from some outstanding mentors and supervisors. But, most crucially, the tech industry is incredibly disciplined, goal-oriented, and process-driven. I brought a rigorous, process driven, and design-thinking approach to our family business. Those improvements were brought about internally by me.

Automotive Electronics, Portable Refrigerators And Safety Products?

After seven years in IT, I was ready to go on a new adventure. Cars have always captivated me since I was a youngster and our family has a love for road trips, travel, and automobiles. My father founded this company after 25 years in corporate life to pursue his passion for automobiles and to introduce innovative products to the Indian automotive market. I was moved by his enthusiasm and left my corporate job to embrace our shared ambition.

What Are The Various Roles & Responsibilities That You Currently Shoulder At Tropicool Car Gadgets Pvt Ltd?

I am in charge of new product development at our firm and have been working on the 'Make in India' project, which involves the localization of parts and components. I also take an active part in directing Tropicool's sales and marketing team. In addition, I am very interested in the adoption of systems and procedures throughout the organization, with the goal of running a SME environment as a professional organization that adheres to world-class standards.

What Are Some Of The Most Challenging Aspects Of Your Role As The Director? How Do You Overcome Them?

As a Director, I wear multiple hats at Tropicool, from the everyday tactical and operational aspects of keeping the business running to the more strategic aspects of our growth areas, the long term strategic business planning; from thinking about our people, their well-being, compensation and company culture to thinking about how our brand and company are represented in the market. Furthermore, aligning your staff with your goals, expectations, and work ethics can be difficult as a director, especially if you are a woman heading a male-dominated workforce. I feel that in order for your people to follow you, you must set a good example. This has worked for me.

What Have Been The Most Significant Milestones That You Have Achieved So Far In Your Professional Journey?

Switching from a secure corporate career to a family owned SME firm, and then sticking with that decision and then taking our company to the next level, it has been a significant accomplishment in itself. Taking risks and launching new business verticals for our company, such as cold chain and ecommerce, and seeing them thrive today, having a rich network in the industry where my name and our brand are synonymously recognized, and establishing our brand as the most trusted, professional, and quality conscious supplier for OEMs are just a few of the notable accomplishments.

“I believe one should constantly pursue their dreams. Women, in particular, must push themselves harder to stay the course and rise to leadership positions”

How Do You Keep Yourself Well Aligned With The Periodic Evolutions Occurring Within Your Respective Field Of Work?

I have always kept myself abreast of the changing market dynamics; right from attending conferences, trade shows, following industry leaders/peers on social media, to frequently communicating with my customers and suppliers.

As A Successful Businesswoman What Would Your Advice Be To Young Women And Girls Who Aspire To Become Business Leaders And Entrepreneurs In The Future?

One should constantly pursue their dreams, even if they appear to have little prospect of success. Women, in particular, must push themselves harder to take up leadership responsibilities. They must make decisions at various phases of their lives, whether personal or professional. So, always push yourself and let go of the guilt in order to enjoy a taste of achievement that will be rewarding. Getting in touch with other female entrepreneurs or business leaders can also aid in the generation of novel ideas.

Khushboo Shinagare, Director, Tropicool Car Gadgets

QUICK FACTS

• Educational Qualification – Masters in Computer Science (University of Pune)

• Products - Vehicle CCTV & Camera system, Reverse parking systems, Dual port USB chargers, Ad & Infotainment screens for vehicles, Car accessories - ionizers, Reading lights, Tyre Inflators, and Portable Refrigerators.

• Awards of Recognitions:

‘Most Innovative company, recognized by Economic times 2004’ ‘Nominated and Finalist for Cold Chain Innovation Awards by CII 2019’ ‘Featured as “Woman of Mettle” by leading Industry Magazine Motorindia 2019’ ‘Key Speaker at RefCold 2022 as “Women Entrepreneur of Refrigeration Industry’

• Headquarter & Other Office Locations:

Pune, Maharashtra.