Brothers mix business and pleasure

Brothers Asgar Mahomed and Mahomed Cassim may run an award-winning technology empire, but they never forget their humble beginnings.

Asgar, 45, and Mahomed, 47, started their first business, Casey Electronics, in 1988 from the boot of the their trusty Toyota Corolla - which is still proudly parked at the new business premises of Esquire Technologies in Midrand.

Despite their success, the brothers are sentimental and loyal to those who have been with them from the very beginning.

We met them at their favourite restaurant, Pride of India, in Groenkloof Plaza in Pretoria before Ramadan. Many years ago, they operated their business from the very same shopping complex.

"We've been coming here since 1992. It was convenient because we had a shop downstairs and the smell of the delicious curries was irresistible. We always bring our clients here and they love the food," said Asgar.

Mahomed, who enjoys cooking and growing his own herbs and chillies, agrees that the food is amazing. "The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming - it feels like we are eating at home. We know the owners and staff personally and they just know what kind of curry we are in the mood for."

It is the simple things in life that get the brothers excited. A conversation about their student days, of hitch-hiking to campus and how their mother's dining-room table was where they came together to start their business are memories they hold the most dear.

They say they keep coming back to the restaurant because the food is consistent and the curries are the best in Pretoria. Skipping the starters, they went straight to the mains. Asgar ordered his favourite, paneer masala in a tomato base served with basmati rice, and Mahomed had the prawn masala, which is also cooked in a tomato base with crushed coriander seeds and cumin and a hint of rose water.

"I remember when we were growing up in Laudium, our parents worked and Mahomed used to make lunch for us after school," said Asgar.

"His speciality was baked beans and spaghetti curry, which was packed with chillies. We loved it and so did our younger siblings, Fatima and Nasser."

Mahomed says his favourite dish is his mother Kulsum's dhokra (an Indian vegetarian dish made with rice and chickpeas), as well as her banana fry, which she often makes during Ramadan.

Fifteen years ago, the brothers started Esquire Technologies - a company at the cutting edge of technology. They developed the first-in-the-world virtual reseller network (VRN) - a broadline distributor of technology, digital lifestyle, consumer and mobile products. Earlier this year, they won the Europe, Middle East and Africa Channel Academy's multichannel initiative of the year award in Monaco.

Mahomed said VRN had taken eight years and more than R10-million to start.

Their partnership was their secret to success - as well as a dedicated staff and innovative ideas, he said.

"Asgar and I work well together. We have a good team who share our vision. It's the passion, dedication and drive for what we do that also makes it all possible."

These days, the busy brothers rarely have lunch outside the office.

But, every once in while, you will be sure to spot them enjoying a curry at Pride of India.