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Changing the face of plumbing in Jamaica T
OILETS, BASINS, flex hoses, fittings, cartridges, whirlpools, PVC pipes and adhesives. These are typical items on the shopping list of plumbers, contractors, renovators and do-it-yourselfers that come through the doors of Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited on a daily basis. Not very long ago, it would have been tedious, even futile, for any plumber to attempt getting all these supplies in one place, and from this need, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited was born. This plumbing powerhouse and one-stop shop, established in June 1988 by Winston and Andrea Neil, has revolutionised the plumbing industry in Jamaica. Having worked as a plumber for more than 30 years, Winston, or ‘Plum Plum’ as he is known by many, found it difficult to get all he needed in one place to complete plumbing jobs. Capitalising on this void in the industry, the Neils opened their first store on Maxfield Avenue under the name Winston C. Neil’s Plumbing Sales and Service, with four staff members. Soon after, because
tele. Soon thereafter, the directors decided that the business needed more space for a bigger showroom, sales and office areas, as well as parking. There was now a hunt to find a suitable location for the expansion of the business.
CURRENT LOCATION
Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited. of increased demand, the business had to be relocated to Red Hills Road. The name was then officially changed to Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited. This name change was prophetic and appropriate as the relatively small company was serving commercial and residential customers across all 14 parishes.
Some six years later, the need for more space became necessary and the company purchased its very own property at 1C Grants Crescent from which it operated. The company’s momentum picked up speed and it continued to expand its range of product and service offerings to its growing clien-
56 Molynes Road was then purchased and is the current home of the company. This location offers its customers the comfort of shopping in an air-conditioned environment with an extensive showroom and safe parking. This continued growth also means that the staff has also surpassed four members in just
PLEASE SEE PLUMBING, C10
Andrea and Winston Neil.
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Testimonials SINCE WORKING at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies (JPSL) for the past six years, I have learnt a lot about plumbing. I never even knew what a flapper ball was and now I can change a flapper ball, among other things. So working at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies is a good learning experience. – Julie Gibson Working at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Ltd for the past seven years has been a tremendous experience for me. Being introduced to the company without the necessary skills, I was just merely a help under heavy supervision. I, however, managed to work my way up with the help and guidance of my fellow co-workers, from the sales department to the warehouse, where I now serve as manager. I
The sales team (from left), Patroe Belcher, Julie Gibson and Omar McNish.
Past and present members of staff at the 25th anniversary church service. want to wish the company all the best on its 25th anniversary. – Shavar Anderson Jamaica Plumbing is a home for me personally, because I have worked here for approximately 10 years. When I first came here, I had no idea about plumbing. However, being under the guidance of Mr Neil, I’ve learnt a lot. Right now, I am the senior member of staff, which is a wonderful feeling for me. We are one big family here and we all dedicate ourselves to our daily tasks. The Jamaica Plumbing staff is the best. – Omar McNish Working at Jamaica Plumbing has certainly opened my eyes to the wide world of plumbing and has improved my sales and plumbing skills. It has been a joy to be a part of the number-one plumbing company in Jamaica. – Patroe Belcher I started at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Ltd in August 2002, coming from a plumbing background where I had some idea in the servicing area. Jamaica Plumbing Supplies has impacted my life in such a way that I now understand more about selling plumbing items than doing servicing. I have gone from being a sales representative to an administrative assistant. Mr and Mrs Neil always motivate you in such a way that, even when you do not believe in yourself, they encourage you to try. Thank you, JPSL. – Miriam Neil I have been with Jamaica Plumbing for the past five years, after being a plumber for several years. The company has been
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The sales area. very reliable and we are able to supply all kinds of customers with their plumbing needs. I know God will continue to bless this business. – Hugh Forrester I have been a part-time worker with Jamaica Plumbing Supplies since 2012. The assignment was an answer to my prayers and I give God thanks. I have gained as much as I have given; to experience a business run in a faith-based manner, as well as employ good business practices. The staff is welcoming and the directors are instructive for life and business. The person I admire most is Miriam Neil – her commitment and dedication embodies the company’s attitude to its customers. The company recognises its strengths and weaknesses and consistently tries to improve on both. With God’s help, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies will continue to serve with honour. – Antoinette Forrester I have watched Jamaica Plumbing grow and I have grown with it (being with the company for more than 20 years and loving it, I would not trade it for anything). The interaction with customers makes my day very interesting and exciting. When customers return for a second purchase or simply call to say thanks for prior assistance, it gives a sense of satisfaction and encouragement to go on. We at Jamaica
The sales manager Ena Dallen researches information for a customer. Plumbing Supplies will continue to serve with love. Thank you all, for your support over the years. – Ena Dallen I have been a member of the Jamaica Plumbing Supplies team for the past four years. I enjoy coming to work each day, associating with my co-workers and interacting with customers. Jamaica Plumbing Supplies is not only a business place but it is also a training centre for people like me. My co-worker, Mrs Ena Dallen, is a tremendous help in teaching me what I know now, even though we sometimes disagree, but she is a great mentor. I am grateful to work at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies and I would encourage everyone to shop there. – Joy Ramsey I enjoy working at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Ltd. Some of my most interesting days are Mondays and Fridays when we have our devotion. We pray together, we rejoice, and we laugh together. – Camille Hutchinson.
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when knowing a customer is thoroughly satisfied with the service you have offered makes it well worth it. In some ways, I feel as though I have grown up at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies. I have learnt how to work and to do it well. I have the learnt that going the extra mile to ensure that a customer leaves satisfied is important for the continuity of any business. The experience of working at the company helped me to be more responsible and to respect the function everyone played in the organisation. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that working at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies was a fulfilling experience. – Anjell Bryan
Jamaica Plumbing showroom. PAST EMPLOYEE
Thane Powell, warehouse supervisor.
The sales area.
I started my journey with Jamaica Plumbing Supplies as a summer intern in 2010. I learnt a lot during this period, not only about the plumbing industry, but also the importance of punctuality and doing quality work. This two-month journey was extended when I was asked to work on my days off from school. I continued to grow as an employee through the expert tutelage of Mr and Mrs Neil. As a part-time worker, I learnt the intricacies of plumbing, built relationships with overseas suppliers, and did much research on how to satisfy our customers. At the end of my tenure in uni-
versity, I was offered a job as a full-time member of staff. The journey got even more exciting as time went by. My responsibilities varied from purchasing to secretarial to managing the company’s online presence, via the website and Facebook. One of the best things about being employed at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies is the camaraderie among staff members. The friendships built over time made it a relaxed and comfortable environment in which to work. As a rookie, my coworkers not only helped me to learn the various plumbing parts but they even taught me how to assemble/install plumbing fixtures. Even
when I encountered challenges, I had adequate support and, as a team, there were always resolved. The customers also made working at the company quite rewarding. The feeling one gets
In 1999 as a schoolboy only 17 years old, I went on a job experience programme, working with Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Ltd. During those days, only Ms Ena, who is here today, was on staff. I found pleasure from being on the road with the plumbers and learning the trade. It was the best work exposure I could have gotten. That job experience eventually turned into my first full-time job! Jamaica Plumbing helped me to be where and who I am today, a self-employed plumber. – Doneal Vassel
Jamaica Plumbing on your Achievements
of continuous service to Jamaica from Total Knowledge, Commitment & Quality Manufacturers & Suppliers of Industrial Chemicals / Suppliers & Distributors of Janitorial Products & Equipments 139 Maxfield Avenue, Suite 19-20, Kingston 10 / P.O. Box 160, Kingston 11, Jamaica W.I. Phone: (876) 920-5855 / 929-7586 • Fax: (876) 926-2268 E-Mail: biodenchem@gmail.com
American standard commercial products.
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Winston (left) and his son Brendon Neil.
Winston Neil and his administrative assistant, Verika Gordon.
PLUMBING CONTINUED FROM C7 just a few short years. A notable addition to the top management of the company is Brenton Neil. As son of the directors, he brings youth, dynamism and ingenuity to the business – making him well-positioned to take it to the next level. Taken as a whole, the hardworking team is knowledgeable, resourceful, dedicated and customer-centred, thus creating a
welcoming atmosphere for transacting business. Not only does Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited cater to walk-in customers, but the company’s website, arguably the best in the local industry, facilitates online shoppers. Customers save time and money by viewing and buying their plumbing supplies via the website. Jamaica Plumbing Supplies continues to change the face of plumbing by using Facebook and Twitter to meet the needs of its customers. The company also invites orders via email at j a p l u m @ j a m a
i c a p l u m b i n g j a . c o m that make it easy and convenient for shoppers. The use of technology in the business has created endless opportunities for the business, even in difficult financial times.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS Despite the challenges, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited has continued to offer affordable plumbing solutions to the varying plumbing problems that exist. The Neils are firm Christian believers and have operated the business on strict Biblical principles. They credit the business’ success
Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Ltd th On your 5
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to God’s continued faithfulness over the past 25 years. In accordance with their faith, the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations began with a commemorative church service in May. Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited carries the world’s best brands such as American Standard, Franz Viegener, Delta, Sayco, Briggs, Vado, Premier and Moen. The company remains committed to offering affordable, quality plumbing supplies and delivering excellent customer service to all its customers. Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited takes this opportunity to thank all its customers over the years for their continued support and patronage. They acknowledge that their doors could not have remained open without the business of their loyal and growing customer base. The company is now embarking on a massive expansion project by opening a plumbing superstore outside of Kingston, to further satisfy the needs of the market. In continued celebration of 25 years, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited is offering discounts of up to 25 per cent from June 10-29, 2013. Visit us at our offices or our website at w w w . j a m a i c a p l u m b i n g j a . c o m. Contact us via telephone at 937-3116, 937-5882, 619-1195 or by fax at 757 3882. Let’s save water.
Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited showroom.
Kitchen products.