Captain Zack is the ultimate stop for your pet’s fostering and care. How did this venture came to life and what inspired and made this brand unrivalled get to know through this exclusive interview with CZ’s founder Mr. Mohit Lalvani.
Introduce yourself. How did you started off with your professional journey?
My professional journey began in 1989 after completing my graduation in Commerce from HR College of Commerce and Economics, Churchgate, Mumbai. I started working for Mascot Universal, a family-owned company, experiencing business processes & management. The journey started with learning about distribution business in chemicals, which was imported from the US and supplied to the pharmaceuticals factories for companies in India. After acquiring sufficient knowledge and experience in the chemical distribution business till 1995, I expanded my focus to Research and Development in the chemical industry. This move led to starting the R&D division of Mascot Universal in 2002, which led to product formulation and development in the later years.
When did Captain Zack was officially put out in the market? How has the journey of this pet-care brand been?
Captain Zack was conceived in 2016 when I was unable to find a good shampoo and conditioner for my beautiful pup Zack who had sensitive skin. As a seasoned entrepreneur I put my 3 decade long personal care and pharma experience to use which led me to formulate a non-irritant, gentle and pH balanced shampoo for my puppy Zack. Ecstatic from the success I decided to build a brand that will be a catalyst towards solving these problems for other pets and pet parents. Captain Zack was founded with a vision to become a one shop stop for your pet’s care. We have a range of pet grooming products and have started expanding to nutrition, habitat, more focus on cat range and related categories. We also have a foundation called ‘WeLove Animals Foundation’ which works towards feeding over 1500 strays and conducts education programs for kids to sensitize them with strays. The foundation has adopted a shelter with over 100 animals. Some Captain Zack proceeds goes towards this endeavour. Captain Zack were started in 2017.
We adored the concept of “sheer love and passion for animals” and your working for the pet health business. How did the switch after the launch of Coccoon, a whole skin and hair care product dedicated brand for both genders, to an entirely pet health business was? What inspired you to work in this direction?
With my expertise in skin and hair formulations, I developed a keen interest in developing successful skincare and hair care products that provided an excellent overall consumer experience. The passion I have for gaining knowledge has lasted throughout the last 30 years, resulting in formulation & creation of top-notch skin and hair care product ranges of international standards. With starting of the clinical trials and testing division at Mascot Spincontrol in 2010, my desire further intensified, paving the way for the formation of Coccoon, the brand that offered skin and hair care products for women and men. I owned a beautiful pup- Zack!
Despite of numerous pet shampoos used, Zack had a prolonged itching issue starting mid-age. Ecstatic from the success of the grooming range, I felt the need to build on a brand that would be a catalyst towards solving problems for all pets and pet parents. After all, ticks, fleas and dirt create all kinds of infections that directly affect the health of a pet. What followed soon after was a pet health grooming business called Captain Zack which started out of sheer love and passion for animals. We launched well researched, innovative and safe range of products formulated with high quality human grade ingredients. With my knowledge in product formulations and expertise over the years, Captain Zack was a fitting next move. I am an ardent animal lover and have been working towards creating a safe space for them for years.
From the beginning of your career in distribution process and management till today when you are running different ventures, how has your life changed over the years?
I realized that along with of course having a product that is actually great for our pets, the one thing that has worked in my favor has been my story with my own pets. That brought me to think about how important it is to share your story with the world. Most often, there is an inner calling, a reason, a motivation behind what you are doing. When you share that with people, more often than not, there is a deeper connection that gets created.
Not because they may have the exact same story themselves, but they understand what it means to feel the way you do about your product or service because they feel it too. Through my journey with the consumer business and now with the pet0-care business, I have been able to foster strong interpersonal relationships for life with the top industry people; I can finally combine my passion with expertise and provide every pet with top quality, safe, healthy products to contribute to the overall wellbeing of pets.
With every passing year, there is an increase in my passion and dedication towards the business.
How do you think pursuing business in the field of skin care and hair care products was a challenge with the presence of other huge FMCG and beauty related brands and competitors in the market?
With a core focus on well-being, our products go through a series of tests and we have been quick to establish products that are non-toxic, clinically tested, dermatologically approved and safe to use. Coccoon delivers customers with products that are paraben-free, devoid of any harmful chemicals, and are developed from a composition of ingredients that include natural actives obtained from natural sources across the globe. The products were well received by the consumers and repeat orders followed consistently.
We could sustain as our venture as our products stood out from the competition and made a high value impact to our customers. My ventures are focused on solving problems in the beauty and personal care industry. With a passion for formulation, knowledge, and resources from having years of experience in the industry, I established the personal care brand, Coccoon I am happy to note that this acquisition is a step in the right direction for us as it will unlock strong collaborations between both the brands and drive Coccoon’s growth by leveraging the global reach of 1908 E-ventures Pvt Ltd (an Ador Group Enterprise) and their varied skilled capabilities shave never suffered a loss in my business ventures till date with regards to my company Mascot Spincontrol; though Coccoon and Captain Zack are still start-ups and continuously gaining momentum. 1908 E-ventures Pvt Ltd (an Ador Group Enterprise) has now acquired the personal care brand Coccoon.
Talk about your biggest achievement which heightened your level of happiness and yet one downfall which inspired you to do better.
Biggest achievement – Selling my Mascot Universal for 100 cr which was started by me from the scratch. Mascot has helped me build long lasting trustworthy relationships with all the biggies of the country in beauty & personal care industry.
One downfall which inspired me to do better was when I failed standard 9th. That actually changed my entire life.
Lastly, tell us why Captain Zack should be the ultimate shopping stop for pets.
Captain Zack started as a pet hygiene brand and transitioned into a holistic pet care brand that specializes in creating nasty chemical free, pH balanced, safe and ISO certified products. They are the first brand in India with veterinary licensed products to ensure that your pets are happy and healthy. Also, they are the first & only brand in India to get their products clinically tested on sensitive human skin; the products are paraben free and do not have any harsh chemical content. As a brand, Captain Zack believe pets are our babies and should be given the best and safest products keeping in mind and considering the sensitivity of their skin. The range is infused with the goodness of natural actives & essential oils with absolutely no harmful chemicals or substances to ensure happy, shiny, and well-groomed pets. Our vision is to provide the safest care for our four-legged babies.
Captain Zack wants to further solidify their commitment towards our pets having longer, healthier lives via their safe, cruelty free and best in class products. The brand wants to communicate to their patrons and all animal lovers that as pet parents they are the sole decision makers for their pets and choosing Captain Zack as their pet care partner they are moving one step closer towards building a longer and healthier life for their furry friends.
Check out Captain Zack’s website, here