Dr. Vithal Kamat: The Hotel Tycoon Who Values Every Customer

I've lived in Maharashtra all my life, so the name “Vithal Kamat’s Hotel” was not new to me. Whether it was in my hometown of Aurangabad, in Pune where I studied, or by the Bombay High Court where I practice law, Vithal Kamat’s Hotels were always around. Despite being familiar with the brand, I didn't know much about the man behind it, Vithal Kamat, until an eye-opening event on September 14th changed that.

Vithal Kamat is a giant in the Indian hotel industry. He's not just responsible for the popular Kamat Hotels that serve excellent South Indian food, but he also owns the upscale Orchid hotels and even has a luxury brand, Orchid, competing with the likes of Novotel, Taj, and Marriott. The variety in his portfolio speaks volumes about his business acumen.

This event was more than just a business lecture; it was a journey through Dr. Vithal Kamat's life, detailing how he focused relentlessly on customer satisfaction. We all know that the hospitality sector is challenging. Consumers are hard to please, and trends are ever-changing. I remember talking to senior chefs from very well known five star hotel and fine dine restaurants who shared their struggles with customers who are quick to criticize without understanding the effort behind the dish. The industry is tough, but that hasn't deterred Kamat. He has not only survived but thrived and expanded, not just in India but globally. 

So, what's the secret? Kamat has a keen understanding of human behavior and social dynamics. He can connect with anyone, from the common man to celebrities and politicians. This skill has elevated his brand without needing to spend a fortune on marketing. He operates on a simple principle, encapsulated by a Hindi saying he often quotes: "कम खर्चा और ज्यादा चर्चा” I.e. “Kam kharcha aur jyada charcha," which means 'spend less and get talked about more.' 

This is an astute strategy. Marketing can get expensive, but a satisfied customer will advertise for you for free. The event was buzzing with such wisdom from Mr. Kamat, showing us that unnecessary marketing spend can be avoided with some clever strategies. He made it clear that focusing on your end goal and executing it with minimal expense can result in a massive reach and positive brand image.

Vitthal Kamat has an incredible ability to observe and understand the world around him, right from the early days of his business. He recognizes the 'missing puzzle pieces' in his business, integrates them, and understands how to keep costs low while maximizing output. 

The event had a large turnout, with more than a thousand people in person and an additional 450 joining virtually. Such high engagement levels are rare for any speaking event, let alone one that goes beyond six hours. The organizers, Rahul Jain-Business Coaching India - alumni group, Rahul Jain (India's number one business coach), and Manoj Mittal deserve credit for setting up such a worthwhile event. 

I left the event believing that Dr. Vithal Kamat is more than just a savvy business person . He's also a compelling storyteller with an incredible presence of mind. His story is inspiring because it proves that age-old business virtues like customer focus, cost-effectiveness, and person-to-person relationships still matter in this digital age.

I firmly believe that if Dr. Kamat and global giants like McDonald's and Burger King started their businesses at the same time, Kamat would easily surpass them in success. His hands-on, customer-centric approach sets him apart from the 'cookie-cutter' methods of these multinational corporations. He has tackled diverse, complex projects and has found smart solutions that I doubt even large chains like Starbucks and PizzaHut could match.

The wisdom packed into that one-hour session was invaluable and has changed my perspective on both business and life. It was an enlightening event, one that has given me a newfound respect for an entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to mastering his craft while keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground. I have no doubt that many more will learn and be inspired by Dr Vithal Kamat's journey, just as I was.

With that said, I'm eagerly looking forward to reading Dr. Kamat's book - “Idli, Orchid and Will Power”.