An electric entrepreneur

Sawan Kapoor graduated from the Haworth College of Business in 2001 with a degree in food and consumer package goods marketing. He entered the workforce at a tumultuous time. In the post-9/11 world, international students struggled to land interviews and secure work visas. Kapoor credits the college with instilling the value of relationships and the networks of support they create. This would be his first chance to see those relationships in action. “Dr. Frank Gambino really went out of his way to help students by reaching out to his extensive food marketing network, which helped me secure interviews,” says Kapoor. “The college experience at WMU goes far beyond the classroom, and it was amazing to have the support of my professors, the dean and even the University president. My best memory from my time at WMU was walking across Miller Auditorium’s stage with my work visa and a job in hand at Daymon Worldwide.”

Kapoor spent nine years in various business analyst roles at Daymon Worldwide, Total Wine & More, and Palm Bay International, before serving in an executive role. “I had to create value at every stage of my career,” explains Kapoor. “I was fortunate that I found the right mentors during my days at WMU and as I grew in the business world. I learned that leaders don’t claw their way to the top—they are carried there.” By digging into his positions, Kapoor slowly built his responsibilities and rose through the ranks, eventually transitioning to the role of chief executive officer of a multimillion-dollar wine and spirits business.

Today, Kapoor serves as chief executive officer of his family’s 75-year-old business in the lighting industry. Kapoor Lamp Shade Company works with leading organizations in India and Asia to provide project lighting solutions. The company counts many elite corporations in their roster of clients including PayPal, Netflix, Marriott, Westin, IBM and more. Kapoor is currently working with Google and Microsoft as they set-up major campuses in India. One of his company’s chandeliers even hangs in India’s presidential estate in a room where dignitaries are often hosted, including President Donald Trump.

Providing leadership from the helm of a multinational corporation may be enough to keep most busy, but Kapoor is also extending his reach into the digital world. Last year, he created a digital course called APEX, his acronym for accelerated professional excellence in “x,” where “x” is any job, career field or sector of the economy. Kapoor believes that APEX is the most comprehensive job search, job application and career management program on the market. His hope is that it helps mid-level career professionals looking to elevate their position or income, while also serving the underemployed and unemployed.

In 10 years, this multi-faceted Business Bronco envisions himself running his family business, expanding his digital course offerings and spending more time with his friends and family. One thing is certain, the future is bright for Kapoor.