Page 167 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

PRAN SHREE

ran Shree, is the founder and chief executive STRONG SYNERGY and unity of Durbanites, a spirit that has continued
officer of Shree Property Holdings. Pran’s to inspire him and his team.
odyssey from a butcher’s boy to a global In addition, Pran has created a strong synergy within
P business leader is closely tied to pivotal the business, operating successfully year-round. The Pran’s approach to motivating his team is one
company has a busy five months for citrus, followed
moments in his life. of accountability and growth. “I tell them that
by another five months preparing for Easter. “So, everyone makes mistakes, but we can’t make the
His journey started as a butcher’s boy in his father’s when you and your grandchildren enjoy Easter eggs same one twice,” he says. “We’ll get to the bottom of
business, beginning when he was in grade seven. each year, they’ve been safely stored in our food- any problem,” he adds. “We’ll assist, we’ll educate.
However, his path changed after he married. “I grade warehouses. That’s how I ensure my people But I give only one chance for each person to look
got married at 20 and when I had my first son, I have year-round employment. Previously, due to at themselves and decide, ‘Do you want to do this
realised I needed more than just working as a the seasonal nature of the business, I had to lay or not?’ This approach keeps everyone on their
blockman in my father’s butcher shop,” he explains. them off for six months each year,” he explained. toes.” He added with a laugh, “I also have cameras
This realisation led Pran to open his own butchery. Pran’s purpose is deeply rooted in his values and everywhere.”
Within a few years, he purchased his first truck upbringing. He reflects on his mother’s generosity Pran finds much inspiration in those people he
to handle his business. “As soon as I had my own as a butcher, recalling how she gave meat to those has admired since he was young. “As a boy, I’d go
truck, other people wanted to use our services, so in need during Christmas. “I used to ask her why with my dad on Saturdays to buy lamb from Nicos
I started meat wholesaling. That’s how I grew the she did it when people didn’t even thank her,” he Criticos at Chester Meats on Point Road,” he recalls.
business,” he says. remembers. “This ethos of giving and community Today, Nicos remains close, and he has continued
drives Pran’s purpose. “If we can employ two to support Pran.
A further opportunity arose when mad cow disease
hit South Africa. “We faced a meat shortage. people, they can feed six,” he says, adding that Looking forward, Pran envisions significant
That’s when we started importing from places like their warehouses on the North Coast indirectly improvements in KwaZulu-Natal’s infrastructure
Australia, South America, Northen Canada and even support about 24,000 people. “That’s what drives and tourism. “Transnet and PRASA need to come
Ireland,” he recalls. When the Fanny Mae crash took me – knowing that we’re helping people lead in strong,” he notes, emphasising the need for a
place in the United States in 2008, there was a global better lives.” reliable rail and port system. Pran also believes that
halt on trade. Consequently, as he was unable to For Pran, his greatest accomplishment lies in security and peace of mind are vital to reviving
move stock, his need for warehouses outstripped the legacy he leaves behind. “A building is like a the region’s tourist appeal. “Imagine being able to
his supply, so he began purchasing warehouses. signature on the earth,” he says. He takes pride in walk from Suncoast to the Point without looking
“We went from three warehouses to ten in a single the structures he has created, but even more so over your shoulder,” he says, convinced that a safe,
year,” Pran notes. in the values he passes on to his family. “I have bustling tourism sector will bring economic growth.
five grandchildren with a sixth on the way, and I “If we can get that back, KZN has a bright future.”
With each new obstacle, Pran adapted by expanding want them to grow up humble, with their feet on
his offerings and, in turn, his business. He also saw the ground, and caring towards others. I’m still In conclusion, Pran’s motto is simple: “Happy wife,
an opening to expand into property. “We couldn’t working on that accomplishment but it’s my life’s happy life”. He attributes much of his success to
find food-grade warehouses that met our standards, greatest ambition,” he shares. the harmony he maintains in his home. “If your
so we decided to build our own,” he explains. “I household is in order, everything else falls into
made the decision to purchase old buildings, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GROWTH place,” he explains. Having worked alongside his
demolish them, and rebuild them as what people wife and children for over 40 years, Pran knows
now call “Pran Shree Buildings” – specifically designed The 2021 riots in Durban, Pran says, were a low the importance of a supportive family. “It’s not just
food-grade warehouses with open layouts and no point in his life. “We were devastated, but there another job for us; it’s our life,” he says.
columns, according to my own design.” was no time to dwell on it,” he recounts. While
he was away, his team and the local community Pran Shree’s journey is a story of adaptation,
Over the years, this decision transformed into a banded together to protect their properties. “The resilience, and purpose. With each challenge, he
massive enterprise, with Shree Property Holdings way people stood together, from the local security has expanded his impact, building a legacy that
now managing nearly three million square metres companies to our own staff, was incredible.” Pran he hopes will serve his community and family long
of warehousing space worldwide. believes this experience showcased the resilience after he is gone.
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