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Gulshan Kumar is a first-generation American born in the San Francisco Bay Area. His parents are originally from the Fiji Islands and moved to the U.S. looking for better quality of life. He grew up surrounded by entrepreneurship and understanding the value of hard work and money. Today, he works for a company that is having a lasting impact on the world.
“I worked 8-hour shifts when I was about 10 years old in my father’s factory.” Gulshan shares.
Gulshan earned his bachelor’s degree in small business and entrepreneurship at San Francisco State University. He has always been very competitive and business-minded. Entrepreneurship was always meant for him.
“I knew I was an entrepreneur in high school when I was doing my own licensing and selling to students and also doing and selling things to them at a very young age.” Gulshan says.
Today, Gulshan is the Vice President of Sales for the Pathwater Company, which is responsible for making environmentally friendly beverage bottles. Pathwater’s bottles are 100% biodegradable but they are not single-use, they can be refilled as many times as desired as they are easy to clean and are BPA free.
“I wanted to help start a company that makes an impact. To me, making a difference holds far greater value than making money. My motivation is to change consumer behavior to move away from single-use plastic bottled water in exchange for a healthier planet for future generations.” Gulshan explains.
It is calculated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. This is why Pathwater was founded, as a response and in order to properly care for the environment by promoting “a path to end the consumption of single-use plastic bottles.“
“I was inspired to get into this industry because I wanted to make a global impact by changing consumer behavior to not use plastic so we can reverse the adverse effects that plastic has had on our current environment.” Gulshan adds. “With Pathwater we are creating a scalable solution that can be sold in every corner of the world.”
Despite the fact that many people did not believe in Gulshan’s vision or in the mission of the company, Pathwork has become one of the fastest growing sustainable beverage companies in the country.
For Gulshan, this is precisely one of the biggest challenges when starting a business–understanding that not everyone will see your vision.
“Everyone will not see your vision and 90% of your community of friends and family will not believe in you.” Gulshan says. “But you have to accept failure and losses, but not accept that this is the end for you and your dream. Sacrificing time and energy and having the discipline to do anything it takes to become successful.”
To combat this issue it is important to have the right mindset. Gulshan believes that people have to be stubborn and persistent.
“You need to have the ability to get back up when you are knocked down 98% of the time. Mindset will determine your success and altitude. You have to train your mind to have calluses and build resistance.” Gulshan stresses.
Taking this into account, Gulshan sees fear as an opportunity for growth, change and to understand more about yourself. He sees success as freedom, the ability to help others and have multiple options. And when asked what advice he would give to people trying to start their own business, Gulshan emphasizes the importance of not caring about what others say.
“Accept that very few will have the same vision as you. Dedicate your life to achieving your goals. Most importantly, surround yourself with like-minded people and successive people who can guide you to the map of success. There is no formula for success, but there are fixed variables such as discipline, hard work, a good idea, the people you surround yourself with, and being a student every day.” Gulshan advises.
Gulshan’s next projects include growing a dropshipping business, co-owning a professional football team, building schools in the Fiji Islands, and creating an alumni program at his former university.
Find out more about Gulshan and Pathwork, click here.
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