4 days ago
Success Story: Father a gardener, twin brothers take big IT leap in Mohali
In the heart of Punjab, where startups are still finding their feet in the shadow of India's metro tech giants, Manpreet Singh and his twin brother Gurpreet Singh are quietly shaping a digital-first future from their compact Mohali office. Together, they co-founded QOR, an IT firm offering web development, SEO, digital marketing, and content services under one roof.
Manpreet's journey began far from the world of venture capital and elite degrees. Raised in a modest household where his father worked as a gardener, his access to education and resources was limited.
'I did my schooling in a proper government school in Punjab,' he recalls. 'We didn't have financial backing or much guidance. So I did my graduation through distance education while working jobs to support myself.'
That drive for financial independence took hold early. Manpreet started his career in 2014, training in SEO at a local agency while completing his degree. In six years, he worked his way up to team leader before joining the US-based Jaw Dropping Marketing, where he handled product promotions.
The pandemic brought change—and opportunity.
'I got married in December 2020 and left my job in January 2021,' he says. 'I had always wanted to start something, and I already had some freelance projects. It just felt like the right time.'
QOR officially took shape in 2022. With no elaborate business plan—just trust in their skills—Manpreet and Gurpreet rented a small office in Mohali and began building a team. Today, the company has grown to 10 members, serving a predominantly overseas clientele, especially in the US.
'We focus on complete digital solutions,' Manpreet explains. 'From website development and content writing to search engine optimisation and paid ads—Google, Bing, and social media—we help businesses go online and grow online.'
The brothers also work to create opportunities for local youth. 'We prefer to train interns ourselves. If someone proves their skills, we offer full-time roles. We want to build local talent,' Manpreet says.
Asked why he chose to stay in Mohali, Manpreet's answer is simple: 'It's home. And I want to give back. If someone in my neighbourhood asks me for career advice after 10th or 12th, I want to be able to guide them.'
Mohali, he adds, offers practical advantages. 'Connectivity, transport, and infrastructure are strong here. Since the establishment of institutions like IISER, the government has actively promoted Mohali as an IT and industrial hub.'
He contrasts Mohali's lifestyle with that of traditional tech metros. 'It's less polluted, less hectic, and more affordable than Gurgaon or Bangalore. It's ideal for building something meaningful without sacrificing quality of life.'
Manpreet hopes to expand QOR's reach, continue mentoring local youth, and strengthen Mohali's position as an emerging IT powerhouse.
'Ultimately, the client cares about results,' he says. 'And we know how to deliver.'
Shivangi Vashisht is an intern with The Indian Express.
