Best Franchisee of the Year — at 83!
Edward Pinto has been in Bombay since he was a child. 75 years back when he was barely 9 years old; his father took him to Ballard Estate to Monginis Cake Shop and Restaurant where they had something. Till date, he does not remember what exactly he had; but he vividly remembers exclaiming to his father – I wish we had a shop like this! And his father gently advised him: Grow big, earn money and buy a shop like this!
Young Edward grew up and began his work life in Bombay dealing in cars. He left that and went to the Gulf in 1953 where he remained for 10 years. He married in 1958 and returned to Bombay in 1964 opening an automobile car showroom – Bombay Auto Sales, Near Grand Hotel/Old Custom House, Ballard Estate. Big Mill Owners were my customers – he reminisces.
His son had built himself a housekeeping business; and as luck would have it — Monginis was one of his customers with whom he had a housekeeping contract. He took a franchise and they opened the Monginis Shop on January 26, 1995. His son left the running of the shop entirely in his father’s hands. Edward Pinto had a partner. They agreed that the complete proceeds from the shop nextdoor, where an ATM was installed would go completely to the partner and the complete proceeds from the Monginis shop would go completely to him.
Initially, the turnover used to be up to Rs.5,000 per day. Today the turnover goes up to 60,000 per day. The shop is run completely under his administration without anybody’s interference. His well-trained team runs the shop like a well-oiled machine. He has a staff of 6, which comprises 2 delivery boys and 4 sales girls. An autorickshaw is hired for the whole day from 8.30 am to 10 pm for home delivery of orders.
Since the opening of the shop, 13 girls and one delivery boy have got married. They are all well-placed in life and their children are his customers. Some of his employees have been working with him for nearly 15-16 years. Home delivery is made even for an order of Rs.100/-. All deliveries are made without any delay – he reiterates.
He and his staff excitedly show the awards they have won including Monginis Star Franchisee Award for 2008-09 and several Top in terms of Score, Franchisee Certificates.
His key success factors have been
• His excellent administration
• Being very strict in matters of cleanliness and hygiene
• Giving the best items
• With fast service and
• Cultivating a fond relationship with his customers
We take orders for birthdays and wedding cakes and we ensure everything reaches in time and in perfect order. Some of my customers used to come as school boys, today some of them have become pilots and engineers; they have shifted from here. Whenever they come to Bombay, they remember my shop and come and pay me a quick visit. They eat/buy something and recall their younger days.
Our customers are very pleased with the very good experience they get and this is the main reason for making regular high-value sales. His daughter-in-law proudly puts matters in perspective: high-end cakes and pastries not seen or sold in other Monginis shops are easily sold in her father-in-laws outlet at Charkop! She further informs me that in view of his amazing success, personnel and other franchisees have visited him at his shop to carefully study his methods and replicate the amazing sales.
His sales pitch is compelling: Whenever you think of good cakes, please give us a call and I’ll see that you’ll get the best of items and very good service — without any delay!
After my retirement, this business will go to my grandchildren, he concludes firmly.
(Interview published in The Secular Citizen dated March 12, 2012)
