Restless

ICE PEOPLE/ SHANMUGAM NAGARAJAN

, founder and chief operating officer, 24/7 Customer, admits being a workaholic, and that he enjoys every moment of it. "Working 15 hours a week and that too doing 1 pm-4 am shifts is exhilarating for me," says he.

With a master's in computer applications from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore and a professional degree in statistics from Loyola College Chennai, Nags (as he is known in the industry) is comfortable with both numbers and technology.

He always knew that running his own business is what he wanted to do. "After my experience with TCS, Comsys and Churchill Insurance, I was ready to jump into a venture of my own," reveals Nags. In 1994, he co-founded the US-based Business Evolution (BEI) in the US, a provider of integrated customer interaction technology and "sold it when the time was right."

Ask him if selling a company that was his brainchild was a tough decision, Nags answer is very matter-of-factly: "It was an emotional dilemma, but when a $145-million deal knocks your door, emotions are bound to take a back seat." Well said.

In 2000, he moved back to India and was in retirement mode for almost a month. "I suddenly had the time to take care of my few months old baby and spend lot of time with my wife. But after working for 20 hours a day, I couldn't digest being a 'home man'," reveals Nags.

In April 2000, he cut the ribbon of his BPO venture, 24/7 Customer, but with the same business partner. Today, the company employs 4,000 employees and offers customised outsourced services like voice based inbound/outbound phone support, email support, and online chat in addition to business process outsourcing services.

For Nags, it is satisfying to see his business doing well. With more than 15 years of experience in offshore based services, Nags is ready to stretch himself to limits when it comes to 24/7 Customer.

His mantra: "Put goals that are beyond yourself, you are bound to reach somewere close."