Jasdeep Singh, the Founder and CEO of TransportSimple, is a name worth knowing in the industry of trucking and transportation. His journey from a small town in Rourkela, Odisha, to leading the way in transportation management is nothing short of inspiring.
Let’s delve into his entrepreneurship journey, marked by both challenges and successes:
Early Beginnings and Education
Jasdeep Singh grew up in Rourkela, also known as the Steel City of India. He was part of a close-knit family.
His father, Mr. Hardeep Singh, held both an engineering degree and a flourishing business, while his mother was a devoted teacher. Their upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work, determination, and a passion for learning.
While Jasdeep was studying at SRM University, he developed a keen interest in subjects like management and leadership. After finishing his education, he landed a job at MuSigma, a top analytics company, as a Decision Scientist.
During his time there, he acquired valuable knowledge in business analytics, data science, technology, and the inner workings of companies. This helped him gain a better understanding before starting his own business.
A Leap of Faith
In 2017, Jasdeep made a big move. He left his corporate job to join his family’s trucking and manufacturing business.
Their business was quite disorganized at that time. Everything was managed manually, and it lacked proper structure.
He wanted to introduce order and efficiency into the business. So, he applied his corporate experience to enhance the structure of their transportation business.
He recalls, “I tried incorporating my corporate experience to bring a structure to the unorganized and manual trucking business”.
From 140 Tons to 1500 Tons a Day
Under Jasdeep’s leadership, the business witnessed a remarkable transformation. Within just two years, the company’s transportation capacity skyrocketed from 140 tons a day to an astonishing 1500 tons a day.
But it wasn’t just about increasing capacity; it was about streamlining operations, reducing complexities, and adopting modern solutions.
He often found inspiration in successful companies and applied their strategies to make his business better.
Beyond his work, Jasdeep is a passionate traveler who discovers serenity in mountain exploration.
Turning the Idea of TransportSimple into Reality
The idea for TransportSimple was born when Jasdeep and his father realized the need for a better solution to manage their growing trucking business.
Initially, they relied on tools such as Excel sheets, Google Docs, and Tally to streamline their operations. However, these methods struggled to cope with the growing fleet size. Jasdeep recalls, “We shifted our focus from asking if there was a solution to questioning the need for one. The response was overwhelming, and the prototype software validated this shift.” Thus, what had started as a solution for their internal trucking challenges eventually transformed into a product serving the entire industry.
TransportSimple’s application seamlessly manages critical day-to-day operations in the trucking industry. It covers various aspects like tracking trips, handling maintenance, and summarizing employee performance. An all-in-one solution that makes managing the business easier, saves time, and boosts profits.
“The steps reduced and our work became more effective. As a result of technological involvement, the decision-maker gets instant access to information & insights,” explains Jasdeep.
TransportSimple’s impact extends to reducing downtime, cutting maintenance expenses, and efficiently managing human resources and accounts. It focuses on a segment of the trucking industry that is less tech-savvy, providing user-friendly solutions.
Challenges and Triumphs
His journey has not been without its challenges. One of the primary obstacles he faced was breaking into the startup industry and navigating the complexities of running an IT startup, which was a first for his family.
To overcome these challenges, Jasdeep sought guidance from organizations like NASSCOM and NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore. He also engaged with industry leaders and attended conferences to gain valuable insights and knowledge.
A pivotal moment in his journey was the decision to build an in-house team. This shift marked a turning point, allowing for better control and efficiency.
With a decade of experience in the trucking industry, Jasdeep and his team have a profound understanding of market dynamics.
Their blend of industry, accounting, data science, and technology expertise has allowed them to envision a data-driven future for the industry.
Adapting to Market Changes
They have adeptly adapted to changes in the market and industry.
While the trucking industry traditionally relied on offline methods, the team recognized the potential of online sales and marketing channels. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards online solutions, further validating their approach.
Initially targeting a single region, TransportSimple expanded its reach to multiple regions, addressing a wider array of challenges.
They foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity, encouraging team members to contribute ideas. Recognizing and rewarding innovation is central to their success.
Visionary Goals and Success Metrics
Jasdeep envisions a future where technology plays a pivotal role in the trucking business.
Despite the industry’s current tech lag, TransportSimple aims to empower various sectors with user-friendly tools. Their commitment to simplifying technology promises to transform the trucking industry.
For Jasdeep Singh, success is not only personal growth but also the growth of the entire team. Trust and recognition from investors, incubators, and clients underscore TransportSimple’s professional success.
Expanding worldwide, including operations in the Middle East, shows their impact is growing. This demonstrates their commitment to helping more people with innovative solutions in the trucking business.
Customer satisfaction and testimonials validate TransportSimple’s real-world impact, saving clients time and money.
Balancing Work and Life: Insights and Advice
Jasdeep values work-life balance for sustained success. He sets boundaries by avoiding after-hours emails and learns to say no to prevent overcommitting.
A dedicated home office aids work-life separation.
Practicing mindfulness helps manage stress and maintain focus on the present, ensuring a fulfilling life.
For those aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Jasdeep offers sage advice: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” This quote by Winston Churchill underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance in the journey towards greatness.
He also reminds us that “the only way to do great work is to love what you do,” echoing the sentiments of Steve Jobs.
Achievements and Recognition
Jasdeep has been honored by prominent figures like Honourable Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Honourable Minister of Petroleum Hardeep Singh Puri.
He was also chosen as a Yatri for the Jagriti Yatra program, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and contribute to India’s growth. (This program involves 400 entrepreneurs embarking on a 15-day journey, exploring different parts of India, and gaining insights into the country and its people.)
Jasdeep has shared his expertise through guest lectures at prestigious institutions, including IIM Bangalore and SRM University.
Furthermore, TransportSimple has earned acclaim as one of Odisha’s top startups and has been featured in renowned publications like “Coffee-Bytes” and “YourStory”.
TransportSimple, an emerging startup from Odisha, has been making significant strides. They recently secured a grant from the Odisha government as part of the Startup Odisha initiative, a testament to their promising growth.
Notably, TransportSimple has also attracted investments from renowned investors, including Upekkha, Real-time Angel Fund, and AIC-Nalanda, further solidifying their position in the industry.
Leaving a Transformative Legacy
The journey of Jasdeep Singh and the rise of TransportSimple stand as an inspiring example of entrepreneurship and innovation.
From humble beginnings to leading a tech-driven transformation in the trucking industry, Jasdeep’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
His journey reminds us that with dedication, passion, and the right team, anyone can elevate their business to new heights.
