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Message from the EditorThis month, we introduce you to more of the awardees in the 50UnderFifty programme who will be honoured at a black tie gala on November 29. These groups - ‘The Producers’, ‘The Power Brokers’, ‘The Innovators’ and ‘The Game Changers’ - feature 20 of Jamaica’s up-and-coming and well-established business leaders whose companies are active in many of Jamaica’s leading sectors. We already featured five of the 50 in last month’s edition; the remaining 25 will be featured in next month’s issue.

Each of these individuals has already made a significant mark in the development of Jamaica’s economy and we look forward to the work they will continue to do. We are especially pleased that these successful persons see the value in not only developing themselves and their companies, but helping to support other members of the business community. This sharing of information and experience is a crucial ingredient in creating the prosperous economy we all long for.

On the subject of the economy, our President, Christopher Zacca, recently addressed the importance of signing a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund. The lack of an agreement is already causing a decline in consumer confidence and business, which is antithetical to any growth agenda. It can also lead to ramifications internationally, which would further hamper our development prospects.

Chris, along with Vice Presidents Keith Duncan and 50UnderFifty

honoree Don Wehby, also met with Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller and other government officials to discuss some of the challenges facing the country and propose possible solutions.

Here at the PSOJ, we are confident in the ability of our entrepreneurs and professionals to create the opportunities that will help Jamaica rise above the problems we are facing and reach our true potential. We reiterate our committment to playing our part in this renaissance not just with programmes like the 50UnderFifty awards, but our everday role of advocating for a competitive and productive business sector.

Page 3NEWSNew IMF agreement crucial for Jamaica’s economic stability

Page 4PSOJ heads meet with Prime Minister

Page 5Keynote speaker at 50UnderFifty banquet, Dr Freeman Hrabowski, appointed Chair of National Education Commission

Page 750uNdErfiftyWatch Conversations with 50UnderFifty on FLOW TV (Channel 100)

Page 8 COVEr StOryMeet 50UnderFifty awardees

‘The Producers’

Page 14‘The Power Brokers’

Page 21‘The Innovators’

Page 27‘The Game-Changers’

Sandra AC GlasgowCEOThe Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)

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s Jamaica continues to suffer the effects of the worldwide global downturn, the need for the government to sign an acceptable agreement with

the International Monetary Fund (IMF) grows each day. During a presentation to the Rotary Club of St Andrew on September 25, PSOJ President Christopher Zacca discussed the precise reasons the country needs to sign an IMF agreement and soon.

Noting that Jamaica has recorded a growth rate of only 0.6 per cent since independence, compared to the global rate of 1.8 per cent since 1962, Zacca said the country would be “three times better off today” had our own growth rate matched up. This poor economic performance has resulted in a high level of public debt, unemployment, deterioration in physical infrastructure and in the delivery of social services such as health, education and the justice system, which has created “persistent levels of poverty” and “marginalised, volatile communities”, according to the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

“The local and international capital markets, investors, rating agencies, multilateral and bilateral institutions are currently predicating their decision-making on the settlement of an agreement with the IMF,” said Zacca, adding that the lack of an IMF deal has caused a decline in business and consumer confidence.

“As the head of the PSOJ, I want to posit the view that an IMF deal is vital as it will facilitate the implementation of policies and strategies which are urgently required for the modernisation of the country and for putting us on a path for long term sustainable economic growth and development,” he stated.

For an IMF deal to be inked the government has to demonstrate its commitment to a stable macroeconomic environment, conditioned on continued fiscal consolidation over the medium term.

There will be significant fallout if the government fails to sign a deal, Zacca noted. The most immediate impact would be a dramatic fall in business and consumer confidence, significant deterioration in international and local financial sentiments regarding the country and continued delay in the disbursement of funds, with the possibility of significant loss of financing from other international development partners like the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank.

“And these would not be the only consequences. The deterioration in market sentiment would undoubtedly lead to reassessment by the credit rating agencies – that is, eventual downgrades,” Zacca said. This would lead to a further reduction in the Net International Reserves and trigger a speculative attack against the Jamaican dollar, leading to “a rapid and significant depreciation” of the currency, accompanied by higher inflation.

Zacca introduced the concept of ‘Team Jamaica’, which would see government, opposition, public sector, private sector, unions and civil society working together to secure an IMF agreement. “It is not us and the IMF versus the government; it is all Jamaica ensuring that the economic policy wrongs of the past are righted, once and for all,” he said.

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New IMF Agreement crucial for Jamaica’s economic stability

PSOJ President Christopher Zacca addressing the audience at the Rotary Club of St Andrew meeting. Looking on are members of the club, including president, Judy Hylton.

News

n Tuesday, October 9, President Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Christopher Zacca,

accompanied by Vice Presidents, Don Wehby and Keith Duncan, met with Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller at the Office of the Prime Minister, to discuss some of the current challenges facing the country.

Simpson-Miller underscored the commitment of the government to financial reforms, including tax and pension reform, fiscal responsibility and job creation while ensuring social cohesion and support, for those who have to be on the social safety net programmes.

On his part, the Zacca reiterated that, “as part of ‘Team Jamaica’, the private sector wants the same things for Jamaica - that is to see the country grow and prosper and we will only succeed by being honest with each other.”

Participating in the talks with the Prime Minister and the PSOJ heads were information minister, Senator Sandrea Falconer; Permanent Secretary, Onika Miller and advisors Dr Carlton Davis and Ambassador Burchell Whiteman.

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PSOJ heads meet with Prime Minister

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As part of ‘Team Jamaica’, the private

sector wants the same things for

Jamaica - that is to see the country grow and prosper and we will only succeed by being honest with

each other.

- Zacca

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PSOJ President Christopher Zacca meeting with Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller

News

resident Barack Obama has named University of Maryland, Baltimore County President, Dr Freeman Hrabowski, as chair of the newly created

President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans.

Dr Hrabowski will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming PSOJ/The Gleaner 50UnderFifty Gala Awards Banquet on November 29.

In addition to advising President Obama and Education Secretary, Arne Duncan, the commission will work closely with the newly-formed White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, which is charged with coordinating federal agencies around this critical issue and identifying best practices nationwide. The commission will also lead a national dialogue – engaging the business, philanthropic, nonprofit and education communities – on African American achievement from early childhood through adulthood.

“The nation’s future will depend heavily on the extent to which we educate all of our nation’s children. This commission will work to ensure that increasing numbers of African Americans excel academically,” Hrabowski said.

The President has set the goal for America to have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020. This new White House initiative and commission will work toward that ambitious goal, complementing an existing initiative that strengthens the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Hrabowski has worked extensively on national education issues, including chairing a National Academy of Sciences committee that examined minority participation in the sciences.

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Keynote speaker at 50UnderFifty banquet, Dr Freeman Hrabowski, appointed Chair of National Education Commission by President Obama

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The commission will also lead a national

dialogue – engaging the business, philanthropic, nonprofit and education

communities – on African American achievement from early childhood through adulthood.

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News

Dr Freeman Hrabowski III

ou have been reading their stories, published in The Gleaner and this eZine, but you can also hear what the honorees in the Gleaner/PSOJ 50UnderFifty programme have to say on a variety of issues in

Conversations with 50UnderFifty. The 10-episode series, is produced in partnership with Columbus Communications Jamaica Ltd, operators of the Columbus Business Solutions and Flow brands. Each episode, featuring a group of five awardees, is hosted by PSOJ CEO Sandra Glasgow and is aired on FLOW TV Channel 100.  

The discussions explore various trends and principles that play a critical role in how the awardees achieve success in their businesses and industries. “These are truly some remarkable individuals, creative and fearless,” said Glasgow. “Our business leaders are unearthing new focus in their business and it bodes well for our economy. I am pleased with the awardees who are all brilliant, creative thinkers, willing to take the risks necessary to move this great nation forward.”

Glasgow also said that the programme has revealed the significance of family owned enterprises in the Jamaican business landscape. “It was not surprising to note that several nominees were second and third generation in their family businesses, who ensured business continuity into the future,” she said. “Their companies have also thrived with the introduction of innovative ideas and by adopting best practices necessary in our technology driven society.”

The 50UnderFifty Awards celebrates Jamaica 50 by acknowledging the business achievements of the nation over the last 50 years, while looking to the future by highlighting

those business leaders who are poised to help Jamaica achieve its Vision 2030 goal of being “the place of choice to live, do business and raise families.”

Denise Williams, director of corporate and government affairs of Columbus Communications Jamaica, believes that the programme will inspire other young entrepreneurs as they seek to achieve their business goals. “Our intention is that our technology will transform the lives of Jamaica’s citizens and the nation, so we are pleased to have this opportunity to bring the stories and ideas of the awardees to Flow TV in order to inspire others who themselves will have a critical role to play in shaping our nation’s future,” she said.

Conversations with 50UnderFifty will be seen in episodes titled ‘The Shot Callers’,’ The Producers’, ‘The Innovators’, ‘The Entrepreneurs’, ‘The Imaginators’, ‘The Power Brokers’, ‘The Educators’, ‘The Financiers’, ‘The Leisure Tycoons’ and ‘The Game Changers’. Each new episode premieres each week on thursdays at 9pm on flow tV Channel 100, with repeats on Sundays at 5:30pm and tuesdays at 8pm.

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Watch Conversations with 50UnderFifty on FLOW TV (Channel 100)

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PSOJ CEO, Sandra Glasgow (right) in con-versation with (from left) Omar Azan, Jeffrey Hall, Peter McConnell, Douglas Lindo and Nigel Clarke.

upCOmiNg SChEdulE

Nov 1 ‘The Educators’

and ‘The Power Brokers’

Nov 8 The Financiers’ and

‘The Educators’

Nov 15 ‘The Leisure Tycoons’ and ‘The Financiers’

Nov 22‘The Imaginators’ and ‘The

Leisure Tycoons’

Meet ‘The Producers’, five determined business leaders who believe in the power of Jamaica’s dormant manufacturing sector and are working to drive its revival.

The Producers

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Omar AzanAge: 43title: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: Boss Furniture Limited

Boss Furniture has grown from humble beginnings in 1990 into the largest manufacturing facility for polyurethane foam, bedding, and upholstered furniture in Jamaica.

The company has also played its part in nation building, employing more than 200 persons and engaging in community outreach. Behind the company’s success is Omar Azan, a man with a passion for the development of manufacturing in Jamaica and a strong social conscience.

“Knowing the potential, especially in the manufacturing sector and just seeing a finished product coming from a bunch of raw materials, from a Jamaican labour force, this just gives me a sense of accomplishment,” said Azan, who is the former president of the Jamaica Manufacturers’Association (JMA).

Azan originally wanted to be a doctor and actually worked for five years as a paramedic in the United States before deciding to go into business to make some money. Today, he is “honoured and humbled” to be selected as one of the 50UnderFifty. He believes the award is a reflection of the blessings from our Lord, his customers and staff members, because without these stakeholders, the company could not have grown over the past 20 years.

The constant challenges of the industry help to drive Azan, who gets an “adrenaline rush” knowing the vast potential that Jamaica and Boss Furniture have to develop in the years to come. Among these major challenges have been the instability of the Jamaican dollar, the economy, and local politics. Business people look for stability and when that exists, more people will invest, Azan said.

He believes that more Jamaicans need to invest in local manufacturing companies, which will have the double benefit of reducing imports as well as increasing employment. Initiatives like the PSOJ and The Gleaner’s 50UnderFifty Awards provide local businesses with positive publicity, and “when you see a company that’s doing well in Jamaica, supporting local employment and helping to raise foreign exchange, the more support it will gain from local customers,” said Azan.

Boss is currently expanding its foam manufacturing business by bringing in new machines. The company is also looking to produce springs, which it currently imports.

Jeffrey HallAge: 43title: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: Jamaica Producers Group

Despite his start in in law, Jeffrey Hall was always interested in business. His work in government with the Financial Sector Adjustment Company (FINSAC) was what piqued his interest in mergers and acquisitions and the use of transactions as a way of growing a business. For that reason, among others, Hall said that the Jamaica Producers Group (JPG) has been the perfect place for him to work.

Hall studied economics at Washington University and then went on to earn his masters and Juris Doctorate from Harvard University and Harvard Law School, respectively. He believes that his experience in law taught him to structure his thinking in a way that adds value to his business career.

When Hall joined the Jamaica Producers Group in 2002, it was facing considerable challenges as a historical banana business. The competition from South American growers and natural deterrents such as hurricanes meant that Jamaica Producers was no longer competitive and had to broaden its operations. This is where Hall came in, developing new business models to replace the traditional core. Today, the group covers a variety of areas including snacks, coffee, juice production in Holland, land holdings and shipping.

Hall is pleased to have been chosen as one of the top under-50 business leaders in Jamaica. “The 50UnderFifty represents more than just acknowledgement of my work and even the work of JP, but it represents a network of people and their businesses that present one of the best hopes Jamaica has of moving forward,” he said.

“This initiative might ignite a sense of shared understanding and discourse, a new discourse among this generation of business leaders about how we can work together to grow Jamaica,” he added. “I think it would be nice to perhaps acknowledge the 50UnderFifty public-sector leaders at the same time or in the near future, so that that shared understanding can also exist within the public sector, and between public and private-sector leaders.”

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Peter McConnellAge: 46title: Managing DirectorCompany: Trade Winds Citrus Limited

Peter McConnell has a lot on his hands. With more than 2,500 acres of citrus plants and a vertically integrated company, there is much to do to ensure that the raw products end up as the top juice brand in Jamaica.

“Entrepreneurship is the key to the development of any country. Everyone is crying out for jobs, and they can’t just come from the government, they have to come from the business community,” said McConnell.

After getting a BSc in Soil and Crop Science at Texas A&M University, he joined the family business. When McConnell first joined, Trade Winds was just a farming operation with a fresh-fruit packing house. Over the last 24 years, the family has turned it into the company it is today.

McConnell credits their success over the years to finding and satisfying a need for ‘as good as home-made’ juices in the Jamaican market. Consistently supplying the market with high-quality products, providing good customer service, and responding to consumer feedback and requests have ensured that they remain on top in their field.

Despite the success of its major brands, including Tru-Juice, Freshhh, and Wakefield, the company has been battling one major challenge over the years: the citrus greening disease. This has reduced citrus production by 40 per cent in the last three years; however, with the new technologies put in place to combat the disease, an increase of at least 20 per cent is expected for the next crop.

McConnell holds the view that Jamaica has what it takes to significantly reduce its food import bill while increasing its exports. “There is no reason why we cannot feed ourselves at a First World standard,” said McConnell, adding that wherever there are Jamaicans in the diaspora, they should be able to easily get locally manufactured products.

“However, there are several challenges to be overcome in order to do this, energy costs being the primary obstacle. Jamaica’s manufacturing sector cannot develop with the current energy costs, especially not when we have to compete against Trinidad which has significantly lower energy costs,” McConnell pointed out.

Another major one is education, with a shortage of properly trained individuals to work in the industry, which requires operating expensive machinery.

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Douglas LindoAge: 42title: Managing DirectorCompany: Bellindo Limited

Seeing a market for end-to-end distribution of architectural ironware, Douglas Lindo and his wife, Lisa, decided to combine their skills – his in business and construction and her artistic talent – to form Bellindo Limited. A work in progress since 1994, the company began formal operations in 2000.

Lindo’s instinct for business was displayed at an early age as he opened his first bank account with the $100 he earned buying and selling comics in prep school. While in third form at Campion College, he responded to a stockbroker’s advertisement in the paper and began investing in the stock market, buying shares in a few local companies.

Today, Lindo’s early experience handling money serves him well as he oversees Bellindo’s operations. The company produces customized wrought-iron products – from household items and furniture to custom railings. Another division of the company, Perimeter Systems, creates standardised railing systems and other offerings available to customers who might be developing apartment complexes.

Bellindo’s work can be seen in world-class resorts such as SuperClubs Breezes Montego Bay and Beaches Negril. “There are hardly any major companies in Jamaica that are not clients,” said Lindo. The client base of nearly 1,000 has been developed predominantly through word of mouth and referrals.

“It’s an honour [to receive this award] and it’s very important that we recognise the next generation of business leaders, because effectively, the mantles rest on their shoulders to redefine the economic condition of the country,” said Lindo. “It’s about the reality that young Jamaicans need more non-traditional role models with whom they can identify.”

Lindo does his best to give back to the upcoming generation by counselling at Moorlands Camp, as well as spending time coordinating the entrepreneurial programme for the business school at the University of the West Indies.

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Nigel ClarkeAge: 40title: Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating OfficerCompany: The Facey Group and the Musson Group

Having joined the Musson Group as COO in 2003, Nigel Clarke, together with and under the leadership of the current chairman, Paul Scott, played an integral role in expanding the large Jamaica-based conglomerate, which operates within the technology, telecoms, and consumer sectors, into a multinational corporation with branches in more than 30 countries and with some 3,500 employees.

Clarke came to the job with international experience, including a stint as a derivatives trader at Goldman Sachs and his academic background at Oxford University in London. He received both the Commonwealth and Rhodes Scholarships to the prestigious institution, where he completed an MSc in applied statistics and a DPhil in mathematics, respectively.

“I always knew I wanted to do business, and they say you have to use what you have to get what you want. I had a talent in math and I knew it would allow me the opportunity to do what I wanted to do,” he said.

Clarke has served on a number of boards including the National Commercial Bank (NCB), Red Stripe, Jamaica Broilers, Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART) Trust, and the Bank of Jamaica.

Outside of business and academia, Clarke has a keen interest in music and philanthropy. He has serves as the founding chairman of the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica (NYOJ), a non-profit, non-governmental organization that provides free classical music education to students from inner-city communities. “This is a passion of mine. In a democracy, national success hinges on the condition, awareness, capabilities, and expectations of the average citizen. At NYOJ, through music, we shape the minds of young citizens, inculcating in them the confidence and desire to accomplish what they will,” Clarke explained.

Recently, through NYOJ, Clarke arranged for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to come to Jamaica for a series of music workshops, as well as concerts raising funds for the organisation in celebration of Jamaica 50. Clarke is also one of the organisers of TEDx Jamaica, along with his wife Rupika, Chris Blackwell and Marty Hillis. The event features live speakers sharing their ideas on a variety of topics and issues. Past speakers include Bruce James, cofounder of MVP Track Club, and Barrington Irving, the youngest person and first black pilot to fly solo around the globe.

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Meet ‘The Power Brokers’, five leaders whose investments and companies are helping to make Jamaica a global market player.

The Power Brokers

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Peter MelhadoAge: 49title: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: ICD Group

It takes a strong head to run the powerful ICD Group and Peter Melhado is up to the challenge. He came to ICD as chief operating officer, having previously worked in the banking industry. “I had been in banking for the majority of my professional life up to then and I was just interested in being a part of something where we were actually building things, in this case affordable houses for people through our subsidiary, WIHCON. I really got a kick out of it; that and buying and selling companies where I enjoy taking part in ‘the art of the deal’,” he explained.

The Jamaica College graduate did mechanical engineering at university and spent three years overseas in construction, followed by three years at Red Stripe. Jobs included London’s Gatwick Airport. “It was an interesting experience. In Jamaica, we’re small so people know you. I went to England as a youngster and nobody knew me. I got a good dose of reality,” he chuckled.

Working with construction giant Kier in St Lucia was challenging, including 15-hour days, “but I was always interested in finance. I found construction a bit narrow. I wanted to do other things,” he said.

Heading ICD, tough decisions are customary. “The biggest thing is really to have an instinct about what you’re good at and what you can really grow, and some of the things that you’re perhaps not as good at but you may be a bit sentimental about, realising it’s better that somebody else who has that skill take it on,” Melhado stated.

Melhado said he wants to see Jamaica do well. “From a national perspective, I see one of the areas I can contribute to is helping to grow the economy and employ people and give people real job satisfaction.” He said they were “bullish” about affordable home development. “We still feel Jamaica is a place you can do business. There is opportunity. So you will probably see a slightly bigger group.”

Sitting on many boards, he said he wanted to continue giving back, and as chairman of the American International School in Kingston (AISK), he also wants to continue serving education. “For me, the thing is creating a school and a possibility of what education can look like. It doesn’t have to be all broken down.”

William MahfoodAge: 47title: Managing DirectorCompany: Wisynco Group Limited

There’s no better man to lead Wisynco than Managing Director William Mahfood, who literally knows every inch of the operations. With a degree in industrial engineering, the family put him to work in Mahfood’s Commercial (now Wisynco Trading), the distribution arm of the business at the time.

“My first job was warehouse supervisor with specific responsibilities of opening and closing the warehouse, loading trucks, unloading containers and managing stock in the warehouse,” he explained. Mahfood said his growth came over time as he took on more responsibility and proved himself capable in managing various areas.

“I worked closely with our then chairman Sam Mahfood, who taught me about customers and managing the business and focusing on customers’ needs,” he said. Today, Wisynco is rated the number one customer service company in the industry. Mahfood credits his uncles and father for their foresight in allowing him to move through the organisation and develop.

Their guidance allowed him to focus on building succession in the organisation with young people, propelling future growth and expansion. “But, more importantly, I now understand so much of the business... and it was the day-to-day experience on the job that has made me continue to learn,” he said.

Mahfood admitted it is harder to prove yourself in a family business: “The reason is that you have so much more to prove; it takes real hard work, passion and dedication to grow a business in today’s environment.”

He said the most important part of his job is motivating people, getting them to see your vision and rally behind it. Even though Wisynco is well known, the work continues. The Learning and Development division focuses on constantly engaging all workers and developing their excellence through training and development. “This is how we develop our people and thereby help to grow our company,” he said.

Looking ahead, projects include a national recycling programme and installing a sophisticated waste-water treatment plant to reduce Wisynco’s environmental footprint. “We are also about ready to start on one of the largest expansions in our group’s history in manufacturing, which will give us close to 30 per cent additional capacity for next year.”

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Paul ScottAge: 37title: Chairman & Chief Executive OfficerCompany: The Musson Group

A look at Paul Scott’s work background leads you to one place, The Musson Group. “I have worked at Musson since I left school,” Scott revealed. “I was extremely lucky to have spent my formative years in the business working alongside our former chairman, Desmond Blades, who was extremely patient in training me when I was younger,” he said.

It is not surprising that Scott has risen to the top of the prestigious group, serving as chairman and CEO. “I am responsible for the performance of the group and all its subsidiaries. These include Facey Group (whose CEO, Nigel Clarke, is a fellow awardee), Musson Group, General Accident Insurance Company, T Geddes Grant Distributors among others,” he explained.

Scott has led Musson’s regional expansion into telecommunications and business solutions while it continued its growth in the areas of financial services, consumer goods, distribution and manufacturing.He was appointed CEO in 2003 and then chairman six years later. With Musson operating in 33 different countries with more than 15 different currencies, “there are issues every day somewhere”, but Scott has supreme confidence in the staff. “We have an excellent team throughout the group and it is a real privilege to be able to lead such a team,” he said.

“The business has grown considerably over the last 10 years, as we have developed the leading telecom and IT distribution companies in the region (Facey Telecom and Productive Business Solutions),” he said. Scott stated that from this growth, the group has experienced many different scenarios and learnt from them. “I have been inspired by many others who have grown throughout the region and it has been a privilege to have worked with some of them in their own expansions.”

But despite Musson’s success, Scott is not resting on his laurels; he is driven to keep succeeding. “We need to continue to grow our principal businesses, that is, our distribution partners. This is a continuous task involving continuous improvements. The mission will not end as we need to continue to grow their businesses. I see the company continuing to grow,” he said.

On a personal note, he plans to enjoy family and “enjoyworking with the great team we have at Musson”.

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Nicholas ScottAge: 32title: Chief Investment OfficerCompany: Musson Group

Barely into his 30s, Nicholas Scott, chief investment officer of investments and financial services at Musson Group knows a thing or two about investments and finance. The former Wall Street banker is responsible for managing selected investment portfolios in the Musson Group. He also spearheads a variety of financial transactions including: debt and equity financings, acquisitions, divestitures and public listings. Scott is also director of the financial service businesses - including General Accident, within the group.

He was an investment banker and private equity investor at the prestigious Morgan Stanley and Blackstone Group in New York and Brazil. “But I always wanted to return to Jamaica, bringing all my skills to building Jamaica, this is more meaningful to me.”

Scott said one of the greatest challenges in Musson is prioritising. “That is, taking the resources we have, the most finite being time, and just trying to allocate and decide what’s going to make the biggest impact to the bottomline in the quickest possible time,” he explained.

Musson (Jamaica) Limited is the successor to SP Musson Son and Company Limited, established 1820. It was one of the original six companies that formed Barbados Shipping and Trading Limited. The Jamaican arm was bought out by senior management, led by the late Desmond Blades. That led to Musson (Jamaica) Limited. Scott said he admired the group’s values and lauded Blades for his disciplined investing which has been maintained by its current chairman.

“I always heard stories growing up about the much respected late Mr Blades, so it was really an honour to be a steward of that legacy,” he said, adding that the current team includes young dynamic people like himself. Among them is current group Chairman and CEO PB Scott, COO Nigel Clarke (both fellow 50UnderFifty awardees) and deputy chair Melanie Subratie. Scott also names businessmen William McConnell and Joseph M Matalon among his other influences, both of whom he was fortunate enough to serve with as a Vice President of the PSOJ for the last three years.

“What drives me to succeed is to make a lasting contribution that, at the end of my career, will be a

testimony to excellence in values and principles,” Scott said. He likened it to laying small bricks that can build a monument to hard work, excellence, innovation and wealth creation.

Scott feels that Musson will continue to build on its legacy of investing in high quality companies and being even more diverse globally. And, in the future he sees himself continuing to be among those working hard to build Musson.

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Don WehbyAge: 49title: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: GraceKennedy

When he was appointed Group CEO of GraceKennedy (GK) in 2011, Don Wehby reached the pinnacle of a 17-year journey. He joined as group finance manager in 1995 and rapidly moved up before taking the top job on July 1 last year. Wehby revealed his first love was the sciences, but fourth form changed his career goals.

“At St George’s College in fourth form, you had a choice between Spanish, accounts and another subject,” he explained. “I just fell in love with accounts. I call accounting the heart of any business.”

He got critical work experience at auditing firm Touche-Ross Thorburn (now Deloitte & Touche). “I made up my mind very early that any chance that I got to get working experience, I would take it,” he said, something he recommends to young people. Wehby said the ‘game-changing moment’ of his career came at Desnoes and Geddes (D&G). It was there he realised he wanted more out of finance and craved “to run a big company.”

Wehby has excelled, overseeing some major initiatives, including acquiring Trafalgar Commercial Bank (now First Global Bank) and starting the group’s stockbroking company. In 2007, he resigned his posts to serve for two years as a government senator and minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance.

“I found it to be a great benefit and privilege to serve my country at the highest level,” said the proud vice president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and chairman of its economic policy committee. This nationalist is dedicated to contributing to Jamaica’s development and sustainable growth. “I’m in love with Jamaica,” he said, proudly noting that both his accounting degrees were at the UWI.

Taking over GK has had its challenges, but Wehby said his first goal was to redefine the vision “as a global consumer group. That means 15 per cent of our sales in three difference continents, half our profits outside Jamaica and to leverage our relationship with our

international partners, which is primarily Western Union,” he said.

To achieve the group’s 2020 goals, GK has started fulfilling its ‘value drivers’, including refocusing on consumers (consumer centricity), investing in technology (operational efficiency), and accountability culture. It’s Wehby’s job to get everyone on board. “As a group CEO, that’s one of the most important things. To ensure you have the right people in the right place, fully aligned with your vision,” he said.

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Meet ‘The Innovators’, five leaders who are using their market savvy to help build strong Jamaican brands.

The Innovators

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Patrice Wilson-McHughAge: 33title: Managing DirectorCompany: Bars to Go Group Limited

Patrice Wilson-McHugh achieved her accreditation in Mastery of Mixology in 2009 and today, she still remains the first and only Master of Molecular Mixology in Jamaica. Always aiming for the top in her endeavours, she is an achiever, a leader and strategic thinker who aims for perfection at all levels. These values, along with her academic achievements, have shaped who she is today.

“While growing up, I was motivated by a myriad of factors to excel. One of the main factors was my socio-economic background in a number of Kingston and St Catherine inner-city communities. I wanted more than that reality and it motivated me to actualise my goals,” said Wilson-McHugh.

She learnt self-reliance, to stay focused amid hardships and to be persistent in breaking down the social barriers that existed. What excited her most was achieving the things people doubted she could do. “That lesson and motivation has always remained with me and it was hard work, determination, humility, encouragement from friends and family, persistence and faith in God that fostered my successful career,” she explained.

In 2005, Wilson-McHugh created Bars To Go Party Services Limited, with Gourmet To Go following in May 2006. She added B2G Premium in April 2009. To date, the roster of companies under her leadership has grown to include After Party Cleaning Services, Bars To Go Supplies, and Bars To Go Placement Services.

Becoming a successful entrepreneur had never crossed her mind. After high school, she enrolled in business college where she pursued certification in accounting. Stints at McDonald’s and Kingston Hub followed. “I am keeping an open mind regarding new ideas from my team and I am always seeking to increase my knowledge because I am aware that I do not know everything,” said Wilson-McHugh.

She is a member of the United States Bartending Guild and the National Restaurant Association, a former vice president of the Young Entrepreneurs Association of Jamaica, and fellowship director for the Rotary Club of New Trafalgar Heights.

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Zachary HardingAge: 38title: Managing DirectorCompany: Agency 20Seven

Zachary Harding is a dynamic marketer with a reputation for innovation and a track record of success. He sees marketing as a fascinating social science capable of transforming human behaviour when the right emotional triggers are applied.

With a passion for growing world-class brands, Harding recently started his own strategic marketing firm, Agency20Seven, an advertising, marketing and new media company. Through a team of 27 locally and internationally based affiliates, he has created a unique framework for the expert management of clients’ varied business objectives.

Harding’s career spans various senior management positions at companies such as Appliance Traders Limited, Wisynco Group, Red Stripe (Diageo) and GraceKennedy, but from an early age, he wanted to become a lawyer/ businessman. He attended Ashbury College in Ontario, Canada, where he gained exposure to the rest of the world. “Meeting people from around the world opened my eyes,” Harding said.

He later opted to return to Jamaica and attend the University of the West Indies (UWI). However, after a year, he abandoned his earlier desire to become a lawyer for an entertainment industry.

Harding’s appetite for marketing began at Dunlop Corbin and Marketing Counselors. “That got me excited and taught me much of what I know now,” Harding said.

Added to his qualifications from the University of New Orleans in sales and marketing and the Institute of Management and Production, he gleaned valuable insights from industry giants. Harding also served for two years with the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Tourist Board as advisor to the minister of tourism, with special responsibilities for marketing. He also served as deputy director of tourism.

“I wouldn’t change anything about how my life has been. I believe every challenge and every obstacle was for a reason,” he said.

Harding has served on several boards including the St Ann Development Company, the Urban Development Corporation of Jamaica, the National Education Trust, and Power 106 FM, Music 99 FM.

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Mark HartAge: 49title: Business ExecutiveCompany: Caribbean Producers Jamaica

As a child, Mark Hart was exposed to the family business, and today, he is half of the brain trust behind Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ).

Established in 1994, CPJ is a member of the Hart Group of Companies, nationally recognised for the construction of the Montego Freeport. Initially in the apparel business, Hart produced attire for clothing giant Hanes and eventually operated several factories. After 10 years in the garment industry, he decided to focus on his education.

“Entering business school at the University of San Francisco, I was more focused on the ideas I would like to develop. My father had always been a strong influence, and having the benefit of his knowledge, I had a great deal of confidence and a clear vision of the path that I would take,” Hart said.

After only one year of university, Hart decided to return to Jamaica on his mission as a businessman. Twelve years on, a thirst for more knowledge led him to reapply to the University of Miami. He struck up a close friendship with a psychology graduate student, Candace. A romance blossomed and, four years later, she accompanied him upon his return home in 1998. Marriage came a year later.

“The family business was a great learning experience, I was exposed to the accounting and financial sides. My father’s early experience was similar to mine. He also left university after the first year and later became a successful entrepreneur,” Hart said.

When the garment industry began moving its production facilities to Latin America and China, Hart’s focus changed. With founding partner Tom Tyler, they soon recognised that the increasing demand for international wines, spirits and high-end food products presented an area of rapid growth for the company.

Today, CPJ offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for most internationally known brands and has firmly established itself as a preferred vendor to all the island’s top hotels as national distributors for global brands. CPJ also operates a frozen beverages factory as well as a pasteurised liquid eggs manufacturing plant.

Hart says if you believe you can, you probably will as success can come quickly and easily or it may take awhile. “If you pursue your dreams and give them your all, you will have the best chance for success.”

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Andrea KinachAge: 41title: Attorney-at-lawCompany: Patterson Mair Hamilton

Andrea Kinach met her Jamaican husband, Richard Fraser, in England while studying at law school and knew that it was his goal to return to Jamaica one day. After he was recruited by telecommunications giant Digicel in 2007, Kinach came to Jamaica and has lived here since.

Kinach joined Patterson Mair Hamilton and re-qualified as an attorney-at-law in 2008. She has been a partner at the firm since October 1, 2011. It is known in the local market for its particular expertise in banking, tax, corporate finance, commercial property and litigation services.

A commercial lawyer specialising in corporate finance and commercial work, Kinach holds a BA (Hons) in economics from Trinity College, University of Toronto, as well as an LLB (first class) from the University of Kent, Canterbury, England. She was first admitted to practice as a solicitor in the United Kingdom in 2000 and worked in London as a qualified lawyer for nearly 10 years before moving to Jamaica. She worked in private practice and also as a regulator of the official list of the London Stock Exchange and in the General Counsel’s Division of the Financial Services Authority.

Kinach’s experience in Jamaica is positive because the market is sophisticated but still open to development. One such development led by the firm for its client the Jamaica Stock Exchange was the creation of the junior market. “The firm worked with the JSE and local stakeholders to establish the rules, alongside the Ministry of Finance. The minister at the time also assisted us to create a special incentive that would enable companies listed on the junior market to grow and, in the process, become more competitive,” she explained.

The junior market aims to give small and medium-sized companies that are incorporated anywhere in the CARICOM region with a platform to raise equity funds for growth.

To date, Kinach and Patterson Mair Hamilton have brought 13 client companies to list on the junior market. There were ‘doubting Thomases’ in the beginning, but the market has now become an established feature of the local landscape. It has also sparked the interest of others in the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), including other

Caribbean and Latin American exchanges who wish to work on similar projects.

“I am interested in building markets. The junior market platform is just one example of what can be done when we explore synergies between Government and our clients, including the JSE and local business and this can ultimately result in added value for all concerned,” Kinach said. “I am pleased at the bright spark that the junior market has provided in what is an otherwise gloomy economic time, and the fact that our firm has assisted to develop such innovative legal solutions for our clients.”

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Brian JardimAge: 49title: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: Rainforest Seafoods

Montego Bay businessman Brian Jardim has racked up an impressive track record in his chosen field. In a mere 17 years, Jardim has grown Rainforest Seafoods into the largest seafood supplier in the Caribbean. From its western Jamaica Bay headquarters, Jardim leads a team of more than 250 employees who ensure the distribution of more than 400 types of premium quality fish and shellfish to customers across the Caribbean. Efficiency and friendliness are hallmarks of their service.

Born in England in 1963, Jardim spent his childhood between Jamaica and Guyana. As a young child, he learned to become an entrepreneur. “I raised chickens in the backyard and sold eggs to family and friends. Then I moved to recycling bicycles that I sold to anyone who would buy them, school friends, and workers at the factory,” he said.

Jardim took his education seriously and earned a diploma in business administration from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada; a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in financial accounting from the University of Florida. A two-year stint with Ernst and Young in Miami followed and he became a certified public accountant in Florida before joining the Sandals and Appliance Traders Limited (ATL) Group of companies in Jamaica where he spent 10 years and eventually became president of Sandals Resorts International.

In 1995, Jardim partnered with Ian Dear to form Island Entertainment Brands (IEB), which owns and operates 12 restaurants and bars in three Caribbean islands, including the Caribbean franchise of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Marguerites Seafood by the Sea, Groovy Grouper, Blue Beat Jazz Bar and the Jamaica Bobsled Café franchise.

In March 2010, Jardim sold his interest in IEB to focus on expanding Rainforest Seafoods and his other Caribbean interests. “The business started by importing seafood from the edge of the rainforest, so the name was a natural fit. I initially dabbled in brokerage of fish from Guyana to several islands, including Jamaica, Antigua and Barbados,” he explained. His board memberships include the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce (MBCC), the Private Sector

Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), First Global Bank, and CGM Gallagher Insurance Company. “Quality is our primary concern. We exceed the Food and Drug Administration’s Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points guidelines, concentrating on precise temperature control throughout the processing and distribution process. Our processing team of 50 works around the clock to provide the highest-quality product to our customers across theCaribbean,” Jardim said.

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Meet ‘The Game Changers’, five ‘technopreneurs’ whose innovations have already shown great promise to help improve Jamaica’s low levels of pro-ductivity and boost economic growth.

The Game Changers

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Parris Lyew-AyeeAge: 32title: DirectorCompany: Mona Geoinformatics Institute

Parris Lyew-Ayee is not your traditional businessman – in spite of his Chinese heritage, he joked. Instead, he considers himself an academic entrepreneur. On his selection as one of the 50UnderFifty business leaders in Jamaica, he thinks,“It’s strange, because I’ve never done a business course in my life, but as an academic entrepreneur as opposed to a traditional businessman, it’s gratifying.”

Having been selected as one of the 50, Lyew-Ayee chooses to focus on the other 49, because for him, it shows an acknowledgement of the fact that one person alone cannot solve Jamaica’s problems. “We are being touted as people who are going to shape Jamaica. That’s a bit intimidating for me, but at the same time, I know that I’m not doing it alone,” he said.

Lyew-Ayee began working as the principal consultant to Mona Informatix in November 2004 after returning to Jamaica from the University of Oxford, where he completed his DPhil in two-and-a-half years. Since then, he and his team have worked to revitalise operations at that facility, which was eventually restructured into an Institute of the UWI Mona campus.

Lyew-Ayee hopes to see a growth in academic entrepreneurs following in his footsteps. His lack of business experience has not counted against him because of his openness to learning, as well as the mentorship he has received from some local corporate giants. “From a personal point of view, it’s a willingness to listen and to take advantage of the opportunities and exposures. You learn from your clients as much as they learn from you,” he said.

“I’ll tell you something straight up, I failed (computer science) in CXC,” he said, explaining the difference between the scientists like himself and technologists. As a scientist, the application of technologies allows him to do his work better, and then the application of business principles allows it to be sold.

“Shine the spotlight on us and we have two choices, live up to the expectation or look like fools,” he declared. “And we’re going to live up to the expectations, just wait and see.”

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Stephen SpenceAge: 40title: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: SMS Communications

Leaving the surety of a nine-to-five job takes a lot of courage, but in 2005, Stephen Spence made that leap, giving up his job at the HEART Trust/NTA to form a company with some friends. While that initial venture was not successful, he started SMS Communications in 2007, which was only the beginning of great things to come.

Starting out with nothing but a laptop borrowed from his son in the living room of their home, the company has now grown to managing accounts for more than 250 clients locally and regionally. Having studied information technology and computer science at the University of the West Indies, Spence had the foresight to see how the mobile technology industry would grow.

When SMS first started, there were no models locally for Spence to fashion the company after. A pioneer in his field, he advises other entrepreneurs to be willing to put their own money into their ideas. “Show the willingness and heart that you’ll do anything to get the company off the ground,” he said.

Spence’s own sacrifices have paid off as today, SMS does business in nine countries, providing services to the banking sector, insurance companies, the police force, schools, restaurants and airlines, to name a few. He believes that the scope for text messaging solutions is vast, which bodes well for the growth of the company. Spence also received the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Scotiabank Technology Award in 2007, the year he founded his company.

The avid football fan supports Liverpool Football Club and also plays weekly. “Work hard and be healthy. It’s not possible if you are not healthy,” said Spence. Giving back and mentoring is also important, and he has established an entrepreneurship club as well as a five-year bursary for the “top student in each year group” in the area of information technology at Wolmer’s Boys’ School.

Spence credits perseverance as the key to his success over the years. “I believe in what I’m doing and, as a result, even though there have been many hurdles I stuck to the task and it has paid off,” he said.

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Michele EnglishAge: 48title: President & Chief Operating OfficerCompany: Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited

Michelle English came to Jamaica from Canada to lead the team at Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited (operators of the Flow and Columbus Business Solutions brands) charged with building out the country’s first island-wide fibre-optic network. Today, Columbus delivers the best of broadband technology and has positioned Jamaica as having ICT infrastructure rivalling First-World nations.

English and her team have built a network that, while positioning Jamaica as a strong and viable business destination, has also had a profound impact on transforming lives by leveraging the infrastructure to deliver a range of innovative products and services that have changed the way Jamaicans work, learn and play.

For English, while being selected as one of the 50UnderFifty business leaders in Jamaica is personally rewarding, to her the real value in the selection lies in the recognition and impact on the company’s employees. She describes her team at Columbus as “a dedicated staff of about 600 people who all believe in the vision and feel that they really are a part of something bigger.”

The greatest reward comes from being able to give back in the communities in which Columbus serves. English has made corporate social responsibility a priority of the business. She is particularly proud of the impact that Columbus’ technology has on transforming education, by providing Internet and cable services to schools in Jamaica through its Building Leaders Through Technology programme. “It is very important to us that our programmes in education, culture and sports have a transformative effect on the lives of young Jamaicans, helping them to build the critical skills and enable their efforts as they work towards being future leaders of Jamaica,” she said.

Before coming to Jamaica, English worked at Persona Communications where she gained experience in planning and executing large-scale telecommunications projects, including several educational and community networks in rural Newfoundland. The similarities of characteristics of that market to Jamaica provided great preparation for her role here.

Leading a telecommunications firm in Jamaica’s fiercely competitive market is a challenge English welcomes and has proven the mettle to handle. Her training as a figureskater provided early experience in the challenges of competition and helped to develop her strong ethos of hard work.

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Ingrid RileyAge: 43title: EntrepreneurCompany: ConnectiMass

Kick-starting Caribbean tech start-ups is the primary goal of Ingrid Riley’s company, ConnectiMass. Founded in 2007 as a digital marketing agency that held tech events, the company evolved into a social venture that provides marketing, media, training, events and business development to current and aspiring tech entrepreneurs who want to launch successful technology-based products, start-ups and initiatives and Riley has never regretted the change.

ConnectiMass hosts events including Kingston BETA and Caribbean BETA. The former is a bimonthly meet-up/networking event and Caribbean BETA is a tech entrepreneurship conference. Through these events, Riley enables tech start-ups to have opportunities that were not available to them just a few years ago. “The right info in front of the right people can make amazing things happen. They see opportunities they can create for themselves,” she said.

Media and technology were always a part of the life of this self-proclaimed ‘information junkie’. Riley had an early introduction to the wonders of the Internet, working at the Jamaica Observer when it was first introduced, along with brand new Apple computers, to the staff. This, coupled with the fact that her sister and brother-in-law, whose company, Jamaica Online, was one of the first to provide Internet services locally, provided the foundation for what was to be a lifelong love affair with technology and information.

The University of Technology, Jamaica alumna has a can-do attitude towards everything. Riley loves what she does and is always game to step into a situation and offer assistance. “When I fell in love with information and technology, I just wanted to do a lot. I tried a couple things, failed at a couple things and then succeeded. It’s a great time to be creative and test your ideas and to fail and learn from your failures and try again,” she said.

“It’s great, really great to be recognised. It always is, and especially about work that you’re passionate about and have an unshakeable belief in,” said Riley of being chosen as one of the 50UnderFifty business leaders in Jamaica.

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Andrew PairmanAge: 44title: Chief Executive OfficerCompany: Anbell Group

The Anbell Group successfully covers several areas in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, from telecommunications to advertising. CEO Andrew Pairman’s drive comes from the fact that he loves what he does and “when you enjoy doing what you do, then you don’t have to work”.

A ‘techie’ from his early days, Pairman was always interested in the latest innovations in technology and gadgetry. It was only natural that he would go on to start one of the most successful companies in the Jamaican ICT sector. Pairman believes that the ICT sector has the greatest potential for growth, especially in entrepreneurship. “It is not just call centres and computer things but the range and scope of businesses that can fall under ICT is very wide,” he said. “I want to build something of value that can contribute to Jamaica.”

Under the Anbell Group umbrella are Anbell Agencies, which deals with mobile phones and operates several Digicel locations; Anbell Telecommunications does voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services; Intelligent Multimedia has screens set up all over Jamaica broadcasting advertisements, and the recently launched Anbell Trade Exchange (ATX) is the first of its kind in Jamaica. The ATX allows member companies to trade their goods and services in a regulated manner.

As a company, Pairman said the Anbell Group’s success comes from the team they have employed: “We focus on each other’s strengths within the team and not our weaknesses. We try and give everyone the latitude to do the best they can.”

Teamwork is important to Pairman, and he mentions that the 50UnderFifty awards have brought together successful people from a wide variety of fields. He believes having so many people from such diverse fields coming together and networking can only benefit Jamaica.

In his spare time, Pairman enjoys travelling, especially with his family. He admits, however, that what he loves to do most is work with charitable groups through foundations like the Anbell Foundation and NCB Foundation.

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