From Setback to Success: The Story of Zensys Chemicals and Its Visionary Founder, Sandeep Soni
Some entrepreneurs chase opportunity. Others create it. Mr. Sandeep Soni, founder and director of Zensys Chemicals, belongs to the latter group — a businessman who transformed a career setback into a thriving enterprise now supplying quality cleaning chemicals to 26 cities across India. His story is proof that resilience and innovation can turn the most difficult challenges into turning points.
The Roots of an Entrepreneur
Sandeep’s entrepreneurial journey began long before Zensys Chemicals existed. After completing his MBA in 2012, he started his career as an Area Sales Manager for a chemical company in Pune. The role provided him with more than just a paycheck; it gave him deep insight into the cleaning chemicals industry — the products, the customers, and the market gaps waiting to be filled.
By 2014, he was ready to strike out on his own. He founded Syclone Services, a dealership for housekeeping products and chemicals. What set him apart was his dedication to service — personally visiting clients, offering demonstrations, and training staff in proper chemical usage. This hands-on approach not only built trust but positioned him as a knowledgeable resource in the industry.
The Pandemic Disruption
In March 2020, everything changed. The COVID-19 lockdown brought business operations to a halt. Orders dried up, and movement restrictions in Pune left Sandeep with few options. Weeks turned into months, and the uncertainty began to weigh heavily.
Instead of giving in to despair, Sandeep sought inspiration in the Bhagavad Gita. The teachings helped him shift his mindset from helplessness to action. That’s when a bold idea emerged — Why not manufacture my own cleaning chemicals instead of depending on suppliers?
Armed with industry knowledge, he ordered raw materials online and began experimenting. The results exceeded expectations — his formulations delivered better cleaning performance at a lower cost than many existing products in the market. The seed for a new venture had been planted.
The Birth of Zensys Chemicals
By October 2022, Zensys Chemicals was officially established. The company began with a range of housekeeping, kitchen, and car care chemicals before expanding into 108 varieties of room fresheners and diffuser oils.
Its USP was clear: high-quality, multipurpose cleaning products at affordable prices. But Sandeep went further — he brought back the personal approach from his dealership days, offering on-site demonstrations and staff training to ensure customers got the most out of the products.
This combination of value, quality, and service quickly won over clients. Within two years, Zensys Chemicals was supplying to 26 cities across India — a rapid rise in a competitive industry.
Making a Difference
For many businesses, cleaning chemicals are a significant recurring expense. Zensys Chemicals helped reduce those costs without compromising on quality. In a market where high prices often limit accessibility, Sandeep’s vision provided a much-needed alternative, allowing customers to maintain high hygiene standards at a fraction of the cost.
Recognition and Milestones
The company’s impact did not go unnoticed. In March 2024, Silicon India Magazine ranked Zensys Chemicals among the Top 10 Cleaning Chemicals Manufacturers in India. Later that year, the magazine honored it as Company of the Year 2024 and featured an exclusive interview with Sandeep — a proud moment for a venture that began in the middle of a pandemic.
Guiding Principles for Success
Sandeep attributes his achievements to a few key principles:
- Uncompromising product quality — every batch must meet high standards.
- Reliable delivery — strong supply chains keep promises to customers.
- Relationship building — trust and personal connections matter.
- Competitive pricing — delivering more value than the competition.
For him, entrepreneurship is as much about emotion as strategy. “Running a business is like being in love,” he says. “When you truly love it, you think about it constantly, you want to be with it, and you give it your all.”
Looking Ahead
The next chapter for Zensys Chemicals is to enter the retail segment, making its products available directly to households. This expansion will help the brand reach an even wider audience while continuing to serve its institutional clients.
An Inspiring Figure
Sandeep draws inspiration from Mr. Saurabh Baderia, chairman of The Global Engineering & Management Institute, where he studied. He admired his discipline, time management, and leadership style — qualities he strives to apply in his own business.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: choose something you truly love, learn everything about it, and be prepared to adapt when challenges come. Passion, persistence, and the willingness to act are the real ingredients of success.
From a dealership shuttered by lockdown to an award-winning manufacturer with nationwide reach, Sandeep Soni’s journey is a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come disguised as obstacles — and the real magic happens when you decide to create your own path forward.