about

Rajinder Mann was born in a small village in northern India. As the youngest of seven children born into a farming family, Rajinder learned the importance of hard work early on. Throughout high school, his focus became divided between farm management and his education. His dedication to accomplish the goals meant long hours and celebrating results along the way.

At twenty one he married his wife, and together they relocated to Canada. The move created new opportunities for them both and Rajinder spent nine years working for a saw mill - an experience that helped pave the way for future professional success.

Rajinder eventually fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a business while his wife stayed home to raise their children. His company saw extensive growth as he carved his way into the Surrey roofing and lumber supply market.

His unwavering confidence, undaunted determination, and hard work led to creating a successful established company capable of serving the needs of any customer that contacts his company. Rajindar’s positive perception of every situation continued to drive him forward. Today he and his family continue to benefit from the fruits of his labor.

Where did the idea for your roofing and supply company come from?

I worked at a lumber mill in Fort St. James for a time. While processing trees the potential in the industry for products and uses became obvious to me. I made it a point to study the market and realized there was only one company of note in Surrey selling cedar roofing supplies. This paved the way for competition. From there I opened the company with a focus on cedar roofing and supplies.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

Every morning begins the same. I rise at 5 am in the morning for deep prayer. Once I have completed prayers I enjoy breakfast and go on to work. After lunch it is important to meditate. This keeps me alert and energized. The combination of early rising and focus on spiritual priorities keeps me productive from early. To maintain my productive day, I end the day with exercise, prayer, and organizing the following day.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I work hard to be clear about a given idea. Once I’ve settled on what needs to be done, I don’t sway to another idea or overthink the project. From there it’s a matter of taking consistent and intentional action. Overthinking is often the biggest hindrance to seeing results in our ideas. Knowing what you want to accomplish then taking solid steps forward ensures those ideas become reality.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am enjoying the new purchases we are seeing in the industry. We have found many people are seeing why cedar is more affordable than they realized before and they are coming to us to fill those needs.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Meditation provides clarity of mind for me. I find that after I meditate I am at my best. This means I’m able to do more effectively.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Focus on commercial development. I did work with it over the years, but I believe if I had worked on the commercial side first and foremost things would have grown faster.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?

That’s a tough question. I’m not sure that I have a solid answer for that. Everyone has their own opinion and thoughts about all sorts of things. It would be hard to narrow down one thing.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I believe in living a good lifestyle. For me, that means meditation and prayer. If it can clear the mind and give you the ability to make firm decisions it is a good tool to use. In my experience, meditation and prayer provide that.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.

Taking the big steps forward made the company grow. I did not shy away from an opportunity just because it was challenging or might make us extend to something new. We moved forward, learned more about the industry, and applied those lessons to growing. You must be willing to take big steps, make big opportunities, and take a risk to grow.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I engaged in a handful of partnerships. Each one of these encountered different obstacles. These were beyond anything we wanted which led us to go our separate ways. Projects I’ve engaged on my own have been truly successful by any standard or measurement.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers? (this should be an actual idea for a business, not business advice)

Find an industry you are happy with and get involved in the development for it. Being in development means you’ll guide the future of that industry. Leave your mark as I have and you’ll see success.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why? (personal or professional)

It wasn’t 100 dollars, but the best recent purchase was a new set of suits. It is always good to wear something you feel good in.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?

My phone is the most useful technology I have. It keeps me connected with the important people in the company and with my customers. It is an asset always in my pocket.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

It is hard to narrow down to one book. Perhaps it would be better to mention that reading is really the path forward for learning about your business options, researching your ideas, and reaching success.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” Peace Pilgrim

Never think negatively. It is a waste of time and energy. Keep the positive in mind and the outcome you want. It will happen.

Key learnings: Write up 3-5 bullet points summarizing the key learnings from your interview.

  • Keeping a clear mind and positive thoughts opens the way for productivity.
  • Meditation is refreshing and a crucial part of keeping the thoughts clear.
  • Taking a researched risk helps your company grow quickly.
  • Lead the projects you are passionate for on your own.
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