George V Nereamparambil’s life is a true rags-to-riches story as he achieved extraordinary success against all odds. George had to start working at the tender age of 11 to support his family as he was born into a middle-income family in Kerala. He assisted his father in trading cash crops and transportation.
Entrepreneurial Mindset from Small Age
However, George’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident at a small age. He made money on the side by extracting gum from discarded cotton seeds, earning a remarkable 90% profit. As he recalls:
“People in my hometown used to trade cotton, but they’d throw away the cotton seeds. Not many people knew at that time that you could make gum from those seeds. Sifting through the dirt and sand to gather up the disregarded seeds, I would often make a 90 percent profit selling them on.”
The turning point in George’s life came in 1976 when he moved to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He recognized the immense potential for air conditioning in the scorching desert climate while working as an automobile mechanic. This led him to start an AC trading and maintenance business in 1977.
Building an Empire: From AC Business to Geo Group of Companies
In 1984, George expanded his business by setting up the Geo Electrical Trading and Contracting Company that dealt in all major AC brands and spare parts. Slowly business diversified into various sectors. This led to the formation of Geo Group of Companies.
Today, the Geo Group is an ISO-certified company providing quality cooling and power solutions globally. It has provided rental cooling and power solutions for major events such as the Indian Navy, the 2010 Commonwealth Games, air shows in Dubai, and the RTA Metro Rail project.
Cochin International Airport: A Dream Realized
One of George’s most significant contributions is his role in making the Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) a reality. As the second-largest shareholder with a 14% stake, he played a pivotal role in establishing India’s first public-private partnership (PPP) model airport.
George’s involvement in the project was deeply personal. He recalls a painful experience that motivated him to ensure the airport’s success:
“I could not deliver my last tributes to my father in 1977 due to lack of direct flight to Cochin from any part of the world. I could only reach my home town from UAE via Mumbai catching a connecting flight to Cochin after four days of his father’s demise.”
The Burj Khalifa Story
George’s journey took an extraordinary turn when a relative’s casual remark ignited a new ambition within him. As he recounts:
“A relative of mine jokingly told me: See this Burj Khalifa, you cannot enter it.”
Undeterred by the challenge, George not only rented an apartment in the iconic Burj Khalifa in 2010 but went on to acquire a staggering 22 of the 900 luxury apartments within the world’s tallest building, becoming its largest property owner.
With a net worth of Rs 4,800 crores (approximately $480 million), he says:
“I am not stopping at 22 and will continue to buy more if I get a good deal. I am a dreamer, and I never stop dreaming.”
Philanthropic Endeavors and Future Visions
George has contributed immensely to various social causes and charitable organizations in Kerala, serving as a trustee of the charitable trust established by CIAL.
George’s vision for the future includes an ambitious project to interconnect all major rivers and lakes in Kerala through a centralized canal system. This canal would generate electricity, support agriculture, and provide opportunities for fishing communities.
Also Read: From Rs. 300 and Spending Night at Railway Station to Rs. 100 Crore: Story of Chinu Kala
As George himself says, “I am a dreamer, and I never stop dreaming.” His extraordinary success serves as a reminder that with determination and hard work, even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality.
