In Virginia Beach, Pradip Gurung stood out in the freight industry. He quickly achieved remarkable success with his partner Shankar Bhattarai starting in 2018 with just one truck and support from a private lender. He is one of the pioneers in freight brokerage, warehouse, and transloading. He owns multiple companies in the industry such as Blue Dolphin Transport, Blue Dolphin Logistics, Blue Dolphin Properties, and City Logistics. Pradip was lucky to partner with one of his highly energetic friends from his neighborhood town in Nepal, Mr. Shankar Bhattarai in this entire business & their partnership built an empire of the supply chain in a very short period. Mr. Bhattarai was born in the Gulmi district and raised by a single mom as his father died when he was 14 years old. Bhattarai family, later, moved to Murgiya, Rupandehi. Bhattarai came to the United States on a Diversity Visa.
In just five years, their company had 100 trucks, a testament to his determination and business skills. His story inspired countless youths striving for the American Dream.
Pradip started his journey in Nagpur, India, moving schools frequently due to his family’s army background. From Nagpur to Delhi, Shimla, and Calcutta, each city left a lasting impression on his young mind. Amidst this backdrop, the ultimate honor awaited him at the Flags Staff’s house in New Delhi.
After sixth grade, destiny brought him back to Pokhara, Nepal, to continue his education. However, fate had different plans. Pradip’s life took a dangerous turn as he contracted Hepatitis B, confining him to a hospital bed for 18 long months. The darkness felt never-ending, with days and nights blurring into a hazy blur. Amid an unfathomable struggle, he found hope in the ancient healing practices of Yajurveda, giving him a second chance at life.
“My life is their gift,” Pradip reflected, expressing gratitude to his loving family and dedicated doctors who stood by his side during those trying times. From the depths of despair, he emerged with renewed purpose, dedicating the next ten years of his life to uplifting others through selfless acts of kindness. He immersed himself in social work, participating actively in the Youth Forum and Red Cross Society, reaching out to touch lives with education, scholarships, aid camps, and nourishment.
As the chapters of his life unfolded, Pradip found himself at a crossroads, approached by multiple political parties, yet ultimately aligning himself with the Nepali Congress Party under the inspiring influence of Gagan Thapa. This new path led him to engage in a variety of political activities, allowing him to make a broader impact on society.
In 2015, the winds of destiny carried him across the ocean to the United States. Settling in Virginia, he faced the initial challenges of providing for his family while nurturing the burning desire to start his own business. He toiled in gas stations and jewelry shops, yearning to venture into the world of entrepreneurship. “the beginning days in the US were very hard for me, I had to depend on the free food pantry of a nearby church to feed my family because of my insufficient income.” Pradip recalls.
Following the advice of friends, he explored the world of trucking, acquiring his license with almost predestined ease. “I started a truck driving job at just $50 per day. My rent was $750 monthly, and I had a 2-year-old baby. I had a really hard day then. But the hope was alive.” Pradip said. The city bestowed upon him a vital grant of $5000, setting the stage for his illustrious career in the trucking business.
The road to success was not without its share of potholes, and the nascent stages of his business were marred by hardships. Yet, Pradip’s resolute spirit refused to succumb, and gradually, he expanded his fleet of trucks. In 2022, he proudly commanded nearly 100 trucks across his multiple companies, a testament to his indomitable will and perseverance.
“The freight business is like the unpredictable tides of the ocean,” Pradip wisely remarked, acknowledging the industry’s challenges, especially during times of economic turbulence. Despite the obstacles, he recognized the boundless potential for growth and expansion within this domain. Pradip does not hesitate to borrow debt for investment, “I think we are one of the largest borrowers in Nepali American Diaspora.” Said Pradip.
With a vision to create a legacy and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, Pradip aspires to venture into a freight brokerage Company, leaving a trail of success for newcomers to follow. “We, Nepali, do not like to quit comfort zone that’s what pulled us back to success.” Pradip stated.
“I urge everyone to trust themselves and carve their own path to greatness,” he advised, recounting how his belief in his abilities paved the way for his unique journey to success. Pradip’s story exemplifies the prosperity that America offers, a testament to how one’s dedication to selfless service can sow the seeds of a bountiful future.