In the bustling industrial city of Vadodara, where business thrives amidst the hum of manufacturing units and trade corridors, one name quietly commands respect in the world of import-export consultancy: Vijay Shah, the visionary founder of Petals Professional Services. With nearly three decades of entrepreneurial leadership, Vijay Shah’s journey is a testament to perseverance, expertise, and a relentless commitment to simplifying the complexities of international trade for Indian businesses.
From humble beginnings as an accountant to being featured on the cover of Passion Vista magazine, Vijay Shah’s life is a compelling narrative of transformation, driven by a passion for empowering industries and fostering seamless global trade.
An Early Foundation in Finance and Food Processing
Born in 1960, Vijay Shah’s career began in 1980 as an accountant in a private limited company. This early role was more than a job—it became the first stepping stone towards understanding the intricate relationship between finance, compliance, and business operations.
Soon after, he joined the Government of India’s Indian Dairy Corporation (NDDB, Finance Wing) in Vadodara, deepening his expertise in finance under a public sector environment. However, it was his tenure with Ruchika Food Products (Lakhanpal Group of Industries) starting in 1986 that became transformative. Working under the mentorship of industry stalwarts Shri T.N.C. Rajagopalan and Shri H.L. Gupta, Vijay was introduced to the dynamic world of food processing, manufacturing, and exports.
“I owe a large part of my professional DNA to those early years,” he reflects. “They didn’t just teach me processes; they taught me vision.”
The Entrepreneurial Leap: Founding Petals Professional Services
In 1995, driven by an entrepreneurial urge to create something impactful, Vijay Shah envisioned a consultancy that would bridge a critical gap in India’s import-export ecosystem. On January 16, 1996, Petals Professional Services was born—a pioneering consultancy dedicated to providing end-to-end solutions for EXIM (export-import) trade.
With a modest capital investment of Rs. 25,000, Vijay embarked on a mission to untangle the red tape and documentation hurdles that plagued Indian exporters and importers.
“In the 90s, EXIM business in India was fraught with bureaucratic bottlenecks. I realized industries needed a single-window support system—someone who could navigate regulations, documentation, incentives, and procedural formalities without them running from pillar to post,” he recalls.
From his office at 301 Pavanveer Square, Opp. Malhar Point, O.P. Road, Vadodara, Vijay began offering tailored consultancy to food processing, engineering, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries across Gujarat. Over the years, Petals Professional Services has grown into a trusted name, boasting a turnover of Rs. 2.5 crore, serving a broad clientele that counts on the firm’s expertise to keep their supply chains moving seamlessly across borders.
A One-Stop Solution in a Fragmented Industry
At its core, Petals Professional Services provides comprehensive support in Supply Chain Management for EXIM trade—from initial registrations to final clearances at destination ports, handling documentation, procedural guidelines, export incentives, and everything in between.
“We’re like the backstage crew at a grand performance,” Vijay explains with a smile. “While the exporters and importers focus on product quality, marketing, and business growth, we ensure their shipments, paperwork, and compliance glide through without a hitch.”
What sets Petals apart is its unique approach: “We don’t just process documents; we solve problems.” Every client engagement begins with understanding their pain points, crafting a tailored solution, and following through with meticulous execution.
This “virtual office support” model has not only reduced the burden on exporters but also enabled businesses to stay competitive in global markets by freeing up their internal resources for core functions.
Impact on Industry and Society: Making Trade Accessible
By simplifying the labyrinthine procedures of international trade, Vijay Shah has indirectly accelerated the growth of MSMEs and mid-sized exporters who otherwise struggled to navigate compliance hurdles.
“Many small manufacturers feared the complexities of exports. With our support, they could finally expand globally without hiring expensive in-house teams or consultants,” he notes.
Through Petals Professional Services, Vijay has empowered dozens of food processing units to achieve export compliance, enhanced product quality, and meet international certification standards. His work has not only facilitated business transactions but also created employment opportunities and contributed to Gujarat’s export-led growth.
Lessons from the Trenches: Navigating Struggles and Learning Curves
The road to success wasn’t without challenges. “Starting with a tiny capital and no business network, it felt like pushing a boulder uphill,” Vijay admits candidly.
In the early days, Vijay juggled multiple roles—consultant, marketer, administrator—while also navigating the skepticism of traditional industries who were wary of hiring external consultants. “Building trust was the hardest part,” he reflects. “I spent hours visiting government departments, learning the rules firsthand, establishing relationships with officials, and building credibility one client at a time.”
He emphasizes the importance of “knowledge and networks” as critical assets. “Legal frameworks in EXIM trade are complex. I had to master not just the written rules but the unspoken operational nuances of different government agencies.”
Today, those initial struggles have translated into deep institutional knowledge, positioning Petals as an authority in EXIM documentation and procedures, particularly valued by industries that cannot afford mistakes in international transactions.
Recognition and Awards: A Journey Validated
Over the years, Vijay Shah’s quiet yet impactful contributions have earned him national and international recognition:
- Going Global Award 2019 for Export Services from the International Trade Council, USA
- Global Business Leadership Award 2020 for Quality Leadership from Unified Brain
- Asian African Leadership Award 2022 for Business Leader of the Year in Consultancy Services
- Business Connect Award 2023 for Consultant of the Year from Global Forum for Quality Skills and Entrepreneurship
- Featured on the cover of Passion Vista Magazine (2024)
- Gujarat Business Glory Award 2024 for Professional Entrepreneur of the Year
These accolades are not just milestones; they are affirmations of a lifelong dedication to building an invisible yet vital infrastructure that keeps India’s trade wheels turning.
Inspiration and Mentorship: Carrying Forward a Legacy
When asked about his professional inspiration, Vijay’s eyes light up at the mention of Mr. T.N.C. Rajagopalan, a renowned EXIM advisor and former SBI officer. “His analytical mind and ability to simplify complex trade laws inspired me deeply. He showed me how advisory work can be both technically rigorous and client-centric.”
Today, Vijay embodies the same ethos—mentoring young professionals in the field, advocating for procedural reforms, and nurturing a team that shares his problem-solving mindset.
Looking Ahead: A Business Without an Expiry Date
With over 29 years of successful operations, Petals Professional Services stands as a resilient, future-proof business. Vijay Shah believes the demand for reliable EXIM consultancy will only grow as India’s trade volumes expand and regulatory environments evolve.
“Our work will always be needed,” he says confidently. “As long as goods cross borders, someone needs to ensure compliance, incentives, documentation, and procedural harmony.”
Plans for the next phase include adopting digital platforms for document processing, building AI-based compliance tools, and expanding reach beyond Gujarat to national and international clients.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Passion Meets Persistence
For budding entrepreneurs, Vijay Shah offers simple yet profound advice: “Entrepreneurship is about passion, risk, and relentless learning. You can’t just want the rewards; you must love the grind.”
He underscores the need for deep subject knowledge before venturing into consultancy. “People will only pay you if you know more than they do. Master your domain first.”
He also emphasizes resilience and adaptability: “Expect surprises, setbacks, and slow wins. But if you stay committed, every challenge will teach you something priceless.”
The Man Behind the Mission
Despite his professional accolades, Vijay Shah remains grounded. At 65, he continues to personally oversee key projects, staying updated on regulatory changes, and mentoring his team. His humility and client-centric approach have made him not just a consultant, but a trusted advisor and partner to industries navigating the global trade landscape.
His personal philosophy mirrors his professional journey: solve problems quietly, celebrate success humbly, and build systems that outlast individuals.
As India continues its journey toward becoming a global manufacturing and export powerhouse, leaders like Vijay Shah exemplify the silent engines that power economic progress—working behind the scenes, removing obstacles, and enabling businesses to dream bigger.
In the story of Petals Professional Services, we find not just a business narrative but a blueprint for creating impact through expertise, service through knowledge, and leadership through integrity.
