In a chance meeting with Asghar Rangoonwala MD & CEO, Royal Rodale Health & Recreational Complex, DHA Karachi, which eventually turned into a candid interview, one comes to learn how difficult it can be to take up an otherwise dud project and turn into a big success. More than any interview to date, this discussion with Asghar Rangoonwala brings to life the things that people can experience on their own path to success. Early struggles, external influence, red tapeism , unscrupulous  obstacles couldn’t halt his way and his immense determination followed by a thirst for learning and above all, his will to make it big, brings the club to helium heights. Today Royal Rodale is the happening place and an example for its competitors.

How would you describe Royal Rodale?

It is a second home for its members.  Inspite of being compact it is not lacking in facilities. The ambiance is cozy and warm.

The club used to be deserted place when you took over the charge few years back but today members come in hoards. How did you manage to get your members back?

We had a very tough time getting our members back as they were totally disenchanted with the environment, service, and the food. It was an uphill task, but by the grace of Allah, our sincerity and professional approach towards the different issues made them come back. They saw our approach, the immediate action we took towards the revamping of different areas, the improvement in service, the food quality, and especially the rules and regulations of the club convinced the members. Our young professional team worked day and night towards achieving targets that had been set. And Alhamdolillah in two years time we have managed to go places. I believe if one puts his heart into something, success is bound to follow at some point in time.  Ê

What were the initial challenges and your priorities?

Well,ÊsinceÊthe club is for the members,Êour first and foremost priority was to get our members back, and for this, we directed all our efforts towards service, food and environment. ThenÊcame the rules and regulations which meant discipline... we wereÊvery firm that members should follow the rules of the club, as without discipline we couldÊnot set any target or any standard. It was not at all an easy task but we managed to do it, and here I must say that we had full cooperation from our members, thus making our task possible.

But wasn’t it hard to get back the sleeping and  lost members to the club?

Nothing is impossible in this world specially if you are sincere and committed, and above all, as the famous saying goes ‘Man proposes, God disposes’. We were sincere, and members did see for themselves that we were making all efforts to turn the dead club in to a happening place, and then word of mouth spread about the new management being very active and changing the whole environment. Slowly and gradually once the members started coming they began appreciating our efforts. We were and are always open to any suggestions and positive criticism to be better and better.

Are you a team player or you believe in taking decisions independently?

I do not believe in a one man show. I am a team player and I am proud that I have a very dedicated team of professionals. We all put our heads together before coming to any decision. I do guide them as a leader of the team, but the credit goes to the dynamic and the loyal staff I have and I will not hesitate in saying that I would not have done it if I did not have their support.

What practical steps have you initiated for their welfare and motivation?

Oh, by the grace of Allah, all my staff members are mashallah very happy, as I treat them all like we are one family. I try my best to make them comfortable in every way I can. We laud their efforts through awards, and recognition in our bi monthly news letter, The Link, as employee of the month on a regular basis. They are my assets and I can not afford to ignore them. We are one team and their issues are my issues and I respect and love them as my very own

It is normally observed that nothing is done for the entertainment of youth. Especially events for the teenagers are few and far between.

Well, since we took over, we have been organizing events for all age groups, be it the retired, the middle aged, the enterprising young adults, children or young teens. We have Quiz bola on a regular basis, valentine evenings, ghazal nights, concerts, and above all on 13th of August every year we organized aazadi gala where we put up game stalls, atv bikes, face painting , magic show, live concert etc which covered
all age groups.

How do you find members response to the new environment which is quite electric at the moment?

Absolutely amazing. Over the period of these two years, we have been receiving a very positive response. We have been able to improve primarily because of their positive remarks which made us want to get better and better and believe me without their support we could not have reached where we are today.

Who were the people who stood by you through thick and thin, and helped you reach the present level of success?

Oh, here I cannot name one or two in particular. In fact almost all members were very cooperative and supportive. They encouraged us in our every effort. Of course, it would be unjust on my part if I do not mention my team whose efforts and support helped me all the way.

How different do you personally find Royal Rodale in comparison to other clubs? Are you in any competition with other clubs?

Every club has its own distinct style and environment. However, healthy competition always gears one towards progress and growth.

What are the focus areas of your management?

My focus is always striving to do better all over.

It’s often said that attaining success is easier as compared to sustaining it? Do you agree? So how do you want to steer your way ahead?

I agree a hundred percent. As I have said time and again, that I believe in doing better and better, therefore we will always try our best to (a) improve our present facilities any way and (b) we will try to introduce new facilities for our members, depending on space management and opportunities.

Please tell us something about the major events club has organized? What are the future plans?

Well, we have had quite a few events during 2005 – 2006. For instance the Valentine evenings, Basant Melas, Tambolas, Ladies Milads, Fakhir’s Concert, Royal Azadi Galas, All Pakistan Bowling Tournaments, Amjad Farid Sabri Qawwali Night, Ghazal Evenings, Summer Camps and the recent in house sporting events in August. As far as the plans are concerned, there are many and we always let our members know well before time, for example, a library is under process and soon Inshallah our members will be able to use this wonderful area at leisure.