Meet Satinder Bharaj | COO & Co-Founder, Pahhni Premium Alkaline Water

We had the good fortune of connecting with Satinder Bharaj and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Satinder, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town in Kenya. My parents were teachers and so learning was always part and parcel of how my siblings and I were brought up. If there was something that needed to be done, we would learn about it and then do it and this was before YouTube. I remember we would fix everything in the house that needed fixing. My Father could take apart a car engine and put it back together without any issues. That played a huge role in how I live my life. In my schooling, both in Undergrad and PhD studies, my main goal was to learn the principles and apply them. Memorizing was not my forte, that is why I became a scientist, I learnt the principles and then applied them to research and invent. The other big thing that impacted my upbringing was in the helping of others, my parents were big proponents of this and still day to this I love helping others by being a mentor or using my contacts personal and professional in helping anyone in need.

My background and upbringing thus played a big role in who I am today and how I live my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business partner, Erik Loomis, and I founded Pahhni Premium Alkaline Water, an alkaline bottled water that uses natural limestone filtration, vs. the artificial means many competitors use. Most people value natural vs. artificial and we are also seeing that in the marketplace. Good for you + great taste = Healthy Hydration which in turn = winning product!

Any business, any idea, anything worth doing is going to take work, a lot of it. Anyone can start a business from scratch, but again, do your due diligence, be flexible to changing with the environment, and trust the process. It is a difficult journey, however, you have to keep pushing and not give up as sooner or later the paths open up. Also – don’t think you have to do everything yourself, folks who have been through the process love to help, pay it forward so to speak, so I would say ask for help, don’t be shy, utilize all the resources available to you. Lastly, you have to go for it, as someone once said, you cannot sit back wait for things to happen, everyday is a new day and a new challenge will present itself, however, if your goal is clear, the opportunities are limitless.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cincinnati and the surrounding areas are so dynamic and there are great things to do. We would explore the many museums and the take a walk in the many parks. Head to Music hall for a symphony. Take in a Reds, Bengals or FC Cincinnati game depending on the season. Play a round of golf at the great public golf courses. Go eat and entertain at the OTR or the Banks, such a great variety of restaurants to choose from. Go across the river to the aquarium. Enjoy the rides at Kings Island park. A week is not enough!

For some other local flare, the city of Hamilton, where we are based, has done a tremendous job over the past several years to make it a destination worth visiting. From lunch at Alexander’s, grabbing a drink at the Casual Pint, or dinner at Tano’s, there are lots of destinations that are exciting to visit. Not to mention the talented (and free!) concerts in Marcum Park during the Summer. The ambiance and people make it all worth the while, making you want to come back again and again.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am standing on the shoulders of people who have supported me all throughout my life. We start with my parents and siblings who gave me unconditional support when I took the huge step of moving from Kenya to the USA. My lifelong friend and mentor from Mount St. Joseph college who always encouraged me to keep pursuing whatever goals I went for. My friends from MSJ college who helped me assimilate while still maintaining my individual identity . My PhD committee Chair at University of Cincinnati, College of Pharmacy, who never stopped believing in me. My first manager at The Procter & Gamble Company who showed me how to be a better scientist. My colleagues and direct reports during my 27 year career at The Procter & Gamble company who showed me that servant leadership is the true form of leadership that brings out the best in a person. Last but not least my wife and kids who have been with me through thick and thin. I am truly honored as I would be nothing without any of the above. In the present, I want to Shoutout to all who have helped with Pahhni be where it is now, from the early mentorship at SCORE, to the Chamber and City of Hamilton, OH, to my network of C-Stores and all those who have gone above and beyond to give us a chance to be successful!

Website: https://pahhniwater.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pahhniwater

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pahhni-premium-alkaline-water/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pahhniwater

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PahhniWater

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_S8xQX1Hq3428nXa608E5Q