May2014web

MAY 2014

www.endeavourmagazine.com

Maryse Liburdi

MAKING AN IMPRESSION

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EDITORIAL Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com

I

nnovation, invention and curiosity

To make use of the analogy of aiming

are the pillars on which humanity

for the stars and landing on the moon,

stands. Our entire evolution has

the common method used by the

been based upon innovating what

leaders appearing in the May Issue to

we have to make our lives easier and

keep their companies as competitive

we’ve developed this skill to a fine art.

as possible is through modelling.

Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com

It should then be easy for us to accept

They simply model themselves on the

then that business in whatever form

leaders of their industry and set the

Sales Director James Martin jamesmartin@littlegatepublishing.com

will follow a similar pattern. Despite

very best of their competition as their

what your job title is, you are not in the

base standard.

Sales Manager Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com

business of making your work harder,

Some took control by investing in

instead you are be in the business of

the latest technology and training to

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

making your job easier and your work

provide their employees the tools to

more efficient.

match their experience. Others took

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com

There is a simple reason for this.

hold of their companies in both hands

Darwinist Evolution. What is not

and shook them until everything that

Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

efficient will be consumed by what is

was no longer of use simply fell out.

and realizing this for your business

One of the things that is glaringly

is the first step to two things. One,

apparent

rampant success and two de-stress.

environment is that Darwinism is as

The companies featured in our

active today as it has ever been and if

May Edition have proven this by

you are not able to change to suit the

diversifying and evolving themselves

environment, that same environment

to embrace the latest trends and

will batter you to death. Concurrently,

technology. They have identified

if you strive, day to day, hour to hour

niches for them to develop their

to stay relevant, if you are not afraid

footprints;

Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007 343 City Road Kings Lane London Norwich EC1 V1LR NR1 3PS Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2014

they

have

in

today’s

business

capitalized

to be curious, to innovate and reinvent

on the strength and importance of

yourself then you will become the

making full use of social networking

apex-species of your industry. Survival

and have looked to the most modern

of the fittest should be a term that

models to develop revenue at the cost

holds promise and merit for you. The

of anything and everything redundant

question you should ask yourself is

and old.

how fit is your company?

A continuous pursuit for innovation has kept these companies relevant and I’ve yet to discover a company that has suffered from updating themselves and endeavouring to stay modern.

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

FEATURES 24 Shreeji Enterprises

Anything You Need 28 National Petroleum Marketing Company Ltd

Basically The Best 34 Furness Group of Companies

Great Grouping 40 Guardvant

Staying Up 46 Mantrac Nigeria

Building A Nation 52 Ansa Technologies Ltd

Expansive Business growth 58 Hž Infrastructure

On The Right Track 64 Tiroler Rohre GmbH

Ductile Cast Iron Success 70 (Modern Industries) AH and L Kissoon

A Story Of Courage, Growth And Success

The Genesis Of The Kissoon Group 76 Radio St Lucia

Bringing Radio Into Social Networking 82 Wilmar

Integrity, Excellence, Passion, Innovation,

Teamwork and Safety 88 Kulim

Keeping Production Prosperous 94 Shin Yang Shipping

Sails Up

Mantrac Nigeria 4 | Endeavour Magazine

ARTICLES 6 Maryse Liburdi: Making An Impression

The Story Of The Mind Behind Pokeware 10 The Generations War 12 Feng Shui Your Office

For More Productivity 14 The Grand Cherokee 18 Gadgets 20 Business Headlines 22 Become A New Yorker 98 Nora Dunn

Professional Hobo 102 Florida Tattoo Artist

Jeff Covell 104 Book Reviews

34 Furness Group Of Companies

40 Guardvant

Endeavour Magazine | 5

MARYSE LIBURDI

Making An Impression

THE STORY OF THE MIND BEHIND POKEWARE

BY DONNIE RUST

I

t took me longer than I expected to get the chance to interview

important online businesses on the internet but she has also held a

the CEO/Chairman and Founder of Pokeware the beautiful

pilot’s licence for the past five years and does most of her own flying,

and brilliant Maryse Liburdi. And it’s not through lack of trying,

when she can. Typically, NY to DC, or MSP to ORD. Hands-on in the

in all fairness she was very busy with meetings at the White House

office, outspoken about her beliefs and gifted with the seemingly

with Vice President Biden, Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator

impossible ability to arrive at every meeting immaculately dressed,

Orrin Hatch discussing patent reform and innovation protection.

fresh faced and confident.

Nevertheless she kindly made some time for me.

Described as one of the world’s leading disruptive figures in technology, Maryse’s $44 million company Pokeware keeps her travelling across the world to offices in New York, Madrid, Paris, Milan and London it was a humbling experience to speak with her.

Still in her thirties not only does Maryse run one of the most

6 | Endeavour Magazine

Yes, it was a very humbling experience speaking with her.

Maryse’s company Pokeware, the visual search capability software, was conceived when she was still in college.

“I had spent days trying to find a dress that I had seen on television,” she says, “And the idea was conceived as a means to make this easier,” A lover of high-fashion and an infamous advocate for keeping

users in control, she went to

were not as technically inclined

ourselves as a pioneer in a

to keep her creation up to date

work to create a concept that

and the forward thinking New

culture of innovation.”

and relevant, Pokeware made

would

process

Yorker and her vision proved to

What this means is that

history in 2005 by teaming up

of locating specific pieces of

simplify

the

be too much for many of them,

Pokeware in many ways provided

with musician Pras Michel of The

clothing. So, instead of having to

the headstrong beauty explains,

a significant contribution to

Fugees who launched a remix of

think of the right keywords to

“I had just completed a degree in

the speed at which the internet

U2’s “I still Haven’t Found What

use thanks to Pokeware a user

biology and computer science at

infiltrated every level of business

I’m Looking For”, to produce

could simply “poke” an object in a

the University of South Carolina,

since then to today and with this

the first ever interactive music

video to create search results for

but this was entrepreneurship

in mind, the innovative potential

video related to the solutions

that object.

and they don’t teach courses for

that

Pokeware could offer.

However, this was in 1997,

that so we had to diversify the

provides all of us can be directly

a time where many companies

Pokeware offering and anchor

linked back to her. Always striving

the

world-wide-web

And, more recently in 2012, Pokeware

was

selected

by

Endeavour Magazine | 7

the World Economic Forum as a Global Growth Company in acknowledgement of their development trajectory and the client list using Pokeware include the Olympic Games, National Basketball Association (NBA), Gucci and Elle magazine.

Approach To Business Known as someone who can shake things up, Maryse is quite candid about her approaches to business and the importance of self-reliance.

“I get asked a lot about who

“

my role models were as I grew up,”

she

reflects,

“But it always strikes me as a peculiar question

because

I guess you could say that the internet was my inspiration.”

Embracing Who You Are

I really didn’t have one. I think

experience or a sharper mind.

what I had instead was a deep

Having been at the forefront

enjoyment of learning and trying

of the digital era since 1997

new things so there was never

Maryse’ approach to business

one person that I’d look up to,”

has always been ahead of her

modern-day

businesswoman

the persecution of femininely

time

on

Maryse doesn’t shy away from

confident women in the office

of the internet, it can inspire you,

leading by example. She says

her femininity. Always a breath-

poses a direct threat to women

so I guess you could say that the

that it’s important as a leader to

taking vision, she received her

striving to climb the corporate

internet was my inspiration.”

demonstrate a good work ethic

first lesson in fashion from

ladder.

She adds, “That’s the beauty

and

concentrated

The embodiment of the

want to be addressed.” Taking this to heart she encourages other career women to fully embrace being a woman and believes that

Now, when it comes to

and that people working with

her father, who was a doctor,

business, you’d be hard pressed

you and around you will navigate

who strongly advocated the

sexism and her support for the

to find someone with more

towards that behaviour.

importance of “Dressing how you

multi-billion

8 | Endeavour Magazine

Highly

outspoken pound

against fashion

“

tential,

uch po m o s e v a h e eings w

As human b

sed.

and be focu rd a h rk o w to d e e n e but w

”

industry she feels that women

This approach, of listening

need to respond to it, because if

a proper vacation without a

should feel free to express their

first, and not assuming, has

you don’t you’ll end up with a big

computer or phone in sight.

fashion sense as an integral part

proven significantly important

pile of things that will never get

of their brand.

in creating the brand that has

done.”

While

Maryse

may

have found role models and

“When we dress we adopt

become Maryse Liburdi. It is

Enjoying tennis, basketball

inspiration in the internet, found

a uniform and our appearance

because of her tendency to listen

and running outside of the office,

direction more thanks to her

is key to how we are perceived.

and gather facts before making

Maryse does acknowledge that

incredible mind than someone

Fashion is a multi-billion pound

decisions that have made her

she hasn’t enjoyed a proper

else’s guidance, she has still

industry on which millions of

a formidable element in the

vacation in a long time and that

become an outstanding model

jobs depend, it should not be

business world.

She started

doing so is one of her goals for

for future generations of female

undermined or undervalued,” she

her own company straight out

this year, “Every place I have

and male business people. An

says.

of college with her own money,

travelled, has been a business

icon of innovation, free thinking

However, while making a

overcoming the same financial

destination,” she says, “There are

and ambition:

physical impression is important

troubles that all entrepreneurs

some wonderful places in the

“We all are creatures of

it is not the only tool that she

endure, to becoming one of the

world that I have researched,

GOD. As human beings we have

believes

people that Vice Presidents and

like Mauritius and the Seychelles

so much potential, but we need

Senators call for advice.

Islands, that I would like to visit

to work hard and be focused.

one day.”

During the centuries, we have

is

essential

to

be

successful and goes on to add, “To make a great impression

It has also made her one of

you first have to listen to what

the most balanced and happiest

other people have to say and to

of people around. A career

try understand the environment

woman by choice, Maryse is

you are in and never be quick to

looking forward to starting a

judge,”

family with her husband (Italian

always been innovative, and

What Will She Be Doing For The Future?

today technology is part of our evolution—a future that I am trying to contribute to, every day.” she concludes.

entrepreneur, Mauro Liburdi),

While “business as usual” is

“When someone tells you

to think that one knows what’s

but has some key tools for

a term that really doesn’t apply

it can’t be done, it’s more a

going on with someone else and

keeping herself both happy and

to this jet setting entrepreneur,

reflection of their limitations, not

successful:

2014 is still going to be an

yours.” ~ Dr Andy Baldwin

“It’s irresponsible and selfish

what is going on in their head.

Five people can be looking at

“One, get enough sleep as

exciting one for Maryse. She will

the same image but all can be

we don’t make good decisions

be going to the World Economic

looking at five different objects

when tired. Two, make time for

Forum in Nigeria, running the

within that image. One person

your family and friends, because

New York marathon, something

can be looking at a handgun, one

they’ll keep you sane and make

that she has done before to raise

at a lamp, one at the table, one at

you happy,” she says, “And three

funds for children born with

the nail polish and someone else

don’t leave things for the last

pediatric AIDS, with a number

could be looking at the dress a

minute, if you’re going to open

of her running pictures floating

character is wearing,”

an envelope or an email, you

around online, and enjoying

Endeavour Magazine | 9

THEGenerationsWAR WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

W

ar time competition is the birthing ground for the

created by too many countries

most important technologies that we take for granted.

being too afraid to be the first to

Computers, GPS, Duct Tape, and JEEP, super glue,

pitch a rock into the other’s pond,

microwaves and even cargo pants are just some of the life-essential

Or rather has been revealed.

if not for war.

This

particular

war

has

The desperation of all-out War creates an environment with

always been around but now the

varying degrees of insanity, namely “the possible”, “the impossible”

enemy has too much power at

and “the unthinkable” and the manpower to make all three. When

their hands, too much strength.

failure is tantamount to death- it’s amazing what a room filled

They’ve rallied, they’ve grown

with insane geniuses can produce given pressure and a smidgen

and they are very, very hungry.

of budget.

I am of course talking about the And whatever is produced, no matter how blindingly bonkers, will be used if it promises even a small

war between parents and their children.

advantage over the enemy and if it works it

While I have no kids myself

will be patented and later be stripped apart

this is as much out of choice as

into individual patents that will later be used in

design. I’m not married, I have no

completely unrelated areas.

children and my life is brilliant.

Sophisticated technological leaps that take us by

Don’t think that I don’t know

surprise, like rocket ships, hover cars; teleportation and

what I’m talking about because

3D printers are linked together by bridges of patents

while I’m not a parent, I have

and small developmental steps that have to be

friends who are and they love

invented by the scientists as they go along.

telling me about how raising a

As an example in 1945, an American scientist

family is less about unconditional

accidentally realized that the radar transmitters used

love and more about finding

by the U.S. Army throughout WWII actually released heat

ways to distract the little animals

in the form of microwaves, this revelation of: “Oh look if we use this

before you throw them out the

shielding to protect ourselves from the microwave weapon we won’t cook our hands…” lead to other questions like, “If this cooks our hands shall we use it to cook this chicken? I’m hungry,”

10 | Endeavour Magazine

the war zone has evolved.

products that we use every day that would never have been invented

window.

The process is still the same. In the desperate, life-

For a long time, technological development required the

or-death situation of keeping

sort of competitive desperation seen only in times of war. It

your teenagers occupied and

was the war in the 1940s that supplied the mechanical and

quiet between the hours that

scientific understanding that allowed the development in

they come home from school

the 1960s for America to put a man on the moon. Unlike

to the point when they return

sporting events which are held by rules (Formula 1

there, the desperation leads to

aside), war has no rules (Okay the Geneva Convention

insanity and insanity leads to the

does count as a rule… but that really doesn’t help my

most impressive and inspired

argument), no boundaries. Not to sound like a war

inventions.

monger, but while we count and gather up the years

These inventions, while being

upon which we totter precariously upon a peace

able to trace their lineage back

to the computers developed during war time, the programming we’re

And furthermore, the entertainment industry feeds off the

speaking about was developed as toys, entertainment and it has come

conflict. From toys to video games it does not exist just to entertain

full circle and evolved to serve a darker purpose.

well-adjusted and innocent adults but relies on the screaming

The American Secret Service learns combat tactics by playing

demands of teenagers and young kids who don’t want to go outside

video games. Not special, government video games developed in

because they want to continue shooting things, blowing things up and

some military research and development academy, but run of the mill

hearing people onscreen scream.

XBox and PlayStation games like Splinter Cell, World at War and Halo.

It has become one of the biggest industries in the world and

These games, aimed at children, actually teach these professional

it is driven by the ceaseless battle fought between parents and

soldiers the tactics to infiltrate a heavily armed facility and take out

their children for the remaining tatters of control and order in the

the bad guy. And, when these professional soldiers can’t get through

households that they co-inhabit.

a particular level because they keep dying or being out classed by the

And the same geniuses who would be locked in a bunker with all

game’s programming- they just watch one of the millions of YouTube

the nation’s resources at their fingertips are in charge of supplying

tutorials uploaded by teenagers

the weapons to this war. And too

every day to find out how to do it.

many people are afraid of the

A chunk of the training involved in

consequences of losing this war

developing soldiers comes from the

which could fall anywhere upon

playful minds of grubby teenagers in

a range of horrors, with stony

their pestulant bedrooms.

indifference

Writer, predicted

Orson this

Scott

exact

Card

on

one

side

and

cannibalism on the other.

scenario

The war of the generations

when he wrote Ender’s Game in

has been around forever, but it’s

1985. Decades before XBoxes and

only becoming apparent now. Kept

PlayStation were even a thing he

behind closed doors and shuttered

proposed that war would eventually

windows it has started leaking

be won by children who believed

out into the air, more kids in super

they were playing a game and

markets screaming at the top of

that military forces would value a

their lungs for their new toys and

child’s lack of compunction as the

parents being unable to leave them

ultimate ammunition. The same

there. We’ve just never been in the

lack of compunction that will see a

position to appreciate the soldiers

toddler punch a pregnant woman

of this war. The brave men and

in the belly translates well into their

women who enter into this battle

indifference at sending troops to

unknowingly, brain washed like

their deaths in aid of a quick victory.

Americans into believing that having

I’m not digressing here, I’m

kids is a good thing. Convinced by

proving a point. Wars employed weapons that later evolved into toys,

social conventions that adding to the drain of resources created by

today war employs toys that evolved into weapons.

seven billion people is a good thing, these poor people, these brave

An example is the recent invention by an engineer in Norway who invented a robotic ball for his son to play with. The ball rolls

fools. These statistics in the generation wars. Okay now I have digressed.

about as you would expect a normal ball to be able to do, but it can

So in future years attacking enemy troops are suddenly frozen

also segment itself into a vaguely insectile robot that can scuttle and

in bubble wrap cocoons with surprised, comical expressions on

walk around like something out of Star Wars. It’s meant to present

their faces, or when at a push of a button soldiers, war mongers and

a toy that can play back with the kids but it won’t be long before

politicians simply curl up onto the floor and fall asleep or even better,

that becomes a walking, controllable, rollable bomb or a robot with

when with one pull of a trigger every enemy available will suddenly

guns hidden inside- either to further occupy the child’s time or to

evolve an irresistible urge to mow the lawn and clean their bedrooms

merrily roll into an enemy camp, entertain the soldiers before going

- you’ll know where these weapons came from.

completely Malcolm Tucker on them.

And you will be grateful.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

WRITTEN BY ANDREA HUDSON

FENG SHUI YOUR OFFICE for more productivity I

f you are a believer in the energy of Feng Shui then you already know that this philosophy is all about right placement of items in your home or office in order for them to ‘stimulate’

the energy of universe to bring you prosperity and all else you are striving to.

Most of us associate office success with the amount of money we’ll get from the business we are running from that office. So, here are some of the best tips that will not only put food on your table but will make you such wealth that you’ll never again worry about your funds.

The Wealth Star Based on Your Office Period and Direction This information is not that known and it’s not that easy to apply, either. If you are familiar with your office period, you can find out where your wealth star is located. Each office has a wealth area that is built-in; this area is based on when the office was either built, renovated or when you took ownership of it.

The Most Active Corner Close to Your Main Entry You already know that in feng shui corners are those that retain energy. These corners can be either vibrant or stagnant, depending on your efforts. Strong corners will draw in the incoming Chi (Chi is known to contain all the various qualities of energy, according to feng shui – and this includes wealth).

Corners closest to the main door absorb and retain a big portion of Chi. Therefore, it is important to apply feng shui to and express the energy or welcoming abundance.

12 | Endeavour Magazine

Colors play a big role: Purple, Green, Gold, & Red If you want to stimulate prosperity and wealth, go with Purple as this is the best color

If they bear fruit, it’s even better! The important thing is to make sure there are no thorns on this plant! If your office has a room that is designed as a bedroom for you or your colleagues to take a nap, don’t put the plant in the bedroom because prosperity corner is in your bedroom.

Another color that, according to feng shui will bring you money is – Gold.

to increase your abundance.

It is pretty easy to conclude why gold. So, make sure you put some

In historical terms – this was

gold coins, gold frames with photos of people whose success you

the hardest color to make, only

admire, gold jewelry or figurines of golden-laced guardian angels or

royals were to have it and wear it

saints in your prosperity corner to stimulate energy flow next time

and show off their wealth.

you remodel your office space. If your space is organized in such a

An idea: Place a purple

way that placing ornaments or figurines is impossible, then decorate

blanked on a piece of furniture

with some decorative tiles in proper colors. They can also draw good

that you have in some corner.

energy in.

Hang purple curtains on your windows. Even, have a purple vase that will work as your Prosperity Vase – you can put

Dream Home, Dream Boards, and Symbols of Goals

money in it everyday and in such

You can put a dream board someplace in your office that is easily

way stimulate the constant flow

approachable, i.e.that you can see it from your desk. Put some symbols

of your wealth, while you are

that remind you of success and wealth on it, some luxurious items and

imagining this money growing

all that stimulates you towards success.

like magic beans.

The Color of Money If you want to stimulate flow of money, go with Green.

Decorate your office with plants that have rounded-leaves.

Free-Flowing Money Make sure that your office and your wealth spots are sparkling clean and free of clutter. You don’t want to stop the flow of energy in your money corner. Always keep your front door area clean and clear of anything physically blocking it so that it is easy for you or energy to come in and out without tripping over anything.

Endeavour Magazine | 13

THE GRAND CHEROKEE

BY JACK SLATER

C

onsidering the flavours that the Grand Cherokee comes in

Low-end grunt is the most noticeable trait of this engine. Torque is

with, from a mild V6 to a meaty 6.3 litre V8 it’s good to see

a strong-point for any diesel, and Chrysler’s 3.0-litre is no exception.

that for this year a diesel engine will be joining the list.

Even at highways speeds, the motor always seems to have accessible

Noisy with excessive vibrations and bad smells are usually

power.

associated with diesel engines and all of these lamentations are absent. There is more noticeable unwanted engine noise than with the V6 or even the V8 HEMI-powered Grand Cherokee, but it isn’t

Gears Making sure that the power is used in the most efficient manner

overly intrusive. Starting up after sitting outside through a cold winter

possible, an eight-speed automatic transmission and the gearing

night, the engine clatter is the loudest, but that mostly fades away

setup never misses a beat when it comes to shifts. Fuel economy

once it warms up. It’s also worth mentioning that we faced average

benefits too. The EPA pegs the Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel at 24 mpg

temperatures between 14 and 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the engine

combined for four-wheel drive models, and our time with this Jeep

never took longer than three or four seconds to start up predawn

returned an average of 23 mpg which is good considering the power

when we started our test drives.

involved.

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Lots Of Toys One of the coolest new things is an air suspension system that not only allows the driver to choose from a range of suspension settings and heights, but the system will also lower the vehicle to improve aerodynamics at higher speeds. The drop is not noticeable and the system works well in the background while providing a solid suspension feel that allows the Grand Cherokee

Even at highways speeds, the motor always seems to have accessible power.

to offer reasonable handling and

to haul a caravan somewhere.

a comfortable ride, which I found

Setting the Select-Terrain system to “Snow,” I found it could

very useful because I really didn’t

tackle a solid two feet of the white stuff in some spots along with

notice at the time.

some shallow water crossings. Throttle calibration is controlled well,

Rated to tow 7,200 lbs in

allowing you to crawl along at a slow and steady speed, while the

all-wheel drive, the GC diesel is

torque of the transfer case combined with the diesel engine feels

fitted with a 3.45:1 rear-end axle.

strong enough to uproot a tree.

Towing won’t feel the same in a

Eventually, or inevitably, as I do like to push the cars, I did get stuck,

unibody crossover as it does in a

which exposed a weakness in the air suspension. Once immobile,

body-on-frame truck of course,

I switched it out of snow mode to try and get more top-end power

but the engine power will remain

into the wheels. The issue is, when the wheels are freely spinning in

strong and it’s good to know

the stuck snow, the air suspension decides to drop out of its off-road

what’s available if ever you have

height setting, which meant that the body of the GC was now sitting Endeavour Magazine | 15

on the snow like a mechanical walrus.

Yes, this is the most luxurious version of the Grand Cherokee which will probably spend most of its time on pavement, but any

it simple to understand. Likewise, the seven-inch screen in the LCD gauge cluster is intuitive and makes pertinent information easy to access, which judging by the way I drive, is a good thing.

vehicle equipped with drive modes like “Snow” and “Mud” should

Actually, things to complain about on the diesel-powered GC are

include easy to access recovery hooks. We ended up hooking the tow

few and far between, until it comes to the price. The diesel engine is

strap to a part of the axle, which meant crawling underneath, in the

only available with the Limited, Overland and Summit trimmed Grand

freezing snow, to hook it up and eventually we freed ourselves and

Cherokee, which means that the cheapest diesel-equipped model you

left the inside thoroughly soiled...

can starts at $41,890. Just to get the oil-burner, you have to drop an extra $4,500 over a V6-powered Grand Cherokee or $1,305 over the

Worth Its Money My girlfriend made a pleasant comment, that the Grand Cherokee is luxurious beyond its price point with as much style as vehicles

V8 HEMI motor.

So In The End

twice its price. The car we had to test was outfitted in Summit trim,

Buying this really depends on how you want to use it. Honestly,

which includes a seven-inch LCD gauge cluster, wooden tones and

the V6 is a brilliant motor when hooked up to the eight-speed, and will

comfortable stitched leather that covers just about every surface,

return comparable fuel economy and a pleasurable drive experience.

including much of the dashboard. It dripped comfort.

However, if you’re like me and torque and fuel economy are absolute

Finding the centre console to be laid out sensibly and simply, while the 8.4-inch touchscreen found there runs Chrysler’s fantastic UConnect infotainment system. It is intuitive and the graphics make 16 | Endeavour Magazine

priorities, then the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee is going to be the one you jump for.

The air suspension system not only allows the driver to choose from a range of suspension settings and heights, but will also lower the vehicle to improve aerodynamics at higher speeds.

Endeavour Magazine | 17

GADGETS

BLUFFWORKS WRINKLE/ WASH-FREE PANTS

BluffWorks has taken the two things guys dread most about pants— laundry and ironing—and thrown

them out with the wash water. Crumple these into a ball in your backpack or suitcase, and when you put them back on, they’ll be wrinkle-free. The pants also include cool innovations like iPhone/Galaxy-friendly side-pockets, and are extremely lightweight and fast-drying. Above all else, you can wear them at the office or on the trail. Urban jungle meets actual jungle. (£40, bluffworks.com)

The PenAgain Story

THE DETENTION INVENTION

Roche found himself in all

a pen that used the natural weight of your hand instead of pressure

day Saturday detention due to

In 1987 while a young Colin

arriving late for class, he came

from a grip, making it easier to write for long periods of time.

up with a plan to revolutionize the

pen industry and formulated a

business idea that would haunt him for the next 15 years.

Thirty years old, and working with a friend they each invested $5,000 in startup capital and began their business adventure.

Borrowing a lighter from another student, he reconfigured a

A slow starter with many upsets in the 2002 the company landed

novelty robot pen that he had picked up at a flea market when the

its first major round of investments from some high profile private

school briefly let the detained students out for lunch. The result was

investors and started manufacturing the product in China.

what looked like a Y shaped crutch for your index finger with a pen at its tip.

Through grit and guts the popularity of the pen grew, and they were featured in the Wall Street Journal. They managed to attract

“I felt like a mad scientist” reflects Colin today (a notable statement

the attention of WalMart and after selling millions it was the game

as his father actually worked for NASA), “I had this idea and I didn’t

changing Twist ‘n Write children’s version that was launched in 2008

know where it would take me”.

that has been hailed by parents, teachers and occupational therapists

Although nothing really happened for fifteen years Colin never

as one of the most significant breakthroughs ever in children’s

forgot about his pen idea but it wasn’t until 2001 when working with

educational tools. The Twist n’ Write is now called the Rockyt Writer.

a friend that it began taking shape. The basic premise was to design 18 | Endeavour Magazine

FRONT RUNNER

SPARE TIRE MOUNT BBQ GRATE California-based Front Runner Outfitters has kicked your road-

NO KEYS. NO TRANSMITTERS. NO LAUNCHING APPS. ALL YOU NEED IS THE SMARTPHONE IN YOUR POCKET OR PURSE

trip experience up a notch by allowing you to bring your barbecue

With Viper SmartStart, Viper was the first to give people complete

with you wherever you go. Its stainless-steel BBQ grate attaches

connectivity between their smartphone and vehicle to start, unlock,

like a hub-cap to your spare tire, whether you drive an outie (Jeep)

lock and track their cars from virtually anywhere in the world. Today,

or an innie (under that flap in the trunk). Save the

the 30-year leader in vehicle security launched Viper SmartKey,

extra space in the back for beer. (£70,

which provides hands free, keyless entry and exit from a vehicle

frontrunneroutfitters.com)

using Bluetooth technology, controlled from the Viper SmartStart smartphone app. The Viper SmartKey system is available beginning today for $149.99 at Viper authorized dealers nationwide.

Viper SmartKey creates a wireless perimeter around a vehicle that responds to a smartphone without pushing any buttons or launching any apps through the cloud-connected technology of Viper SmartStart. Compatible with any Viper security or remote start system, the phone simply needs to be within a given range of a car when entering and exiting to unlock or lock the door.

Viper SmartKey is controlled through the latest version of the Viper SmartStart smartphone app (Viper SmartStart v3.2), which is available now for free download on iTunes. The app includes one-

FINIS NEPTUNE

touch range programming for passive entry, interactive range display and an advanced system to manage automatic locking when a vehicle is being loaded or unloaded.

“Our mission is to provide people with complete connectivity to their vehicles while enhancing safety, functionality and piece of mind,” said John Durbin, Director of Product Management at Viper.

“Viper SmartKey represents the next evolution of Viper products, delivering an intuitive hands-free vehicle entry system that works seamlessly with a smartphone.”

To find your local authorized dealer, please visit viper.com.

Music is a powerful motivator. If you don’t agree imagine watching Rocky’s infamous training montage without the Eye of The Tiger in

Viper SmartStart systems are sold separately.

the background. This is the case for gym goers, runners and even gymnasts however not so much with swimming- until now. Like Sportiiiis, the Finis Neptune is secured onto the user’s eyewear, in this case, swimming goggles and uses bone conduction audio to relay music to the user’s ears, without the need for ear buds.

The device also makes music louder and clearer when submerged underwater. It also comes with a built-in 4GB of storage space, a rechargeable battery that lasts 8 hours and an OLED screen with music controls. [$159.99]

Viper Smartkey HANDS-FREE, KEYLESS VEHICLE ENTRY AND EXIT FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE Endeavour Magazine | 19

HEADLINES

BMW X5 MOST FREQUENTLY STOLEN CAR FIVE YEARS RUNNING

A

ccording to the latest figures from TRACKER, the leading

does, which takes equal eighth with the Range Rover Vogue.

stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, the BMW X5 remains

“It’s clear from our latest figures that thieves continue to target

top of the car thief’s shopping list. The BMW X5 was the

prestige models with the most expensive car recovered being

car most frequently stolen and recovered in 2013, making this the

worth £90,000,” says Adrian Davenport, Police Liaison Officer for

fifth year in a row that it has topped the table. Last year TRACKER

TRACKER. “The average value of the cars we recovered in 2013 was

recovered nearly £8,500,000 worth of stolen vehicles and returned

just £23,600, down on the average for the year before. This proves

them to their owners. With the average value of cars stolen in 2013

that you don’t have to be a luxury car owner to be at risk from thieves

being £23,600, savvy owners invest in a TRACKER unit to increase

looking to make a quick profit.

the chances of their BMW or any other vehicle being recovered.

“The best way to increase the likelihood of your vehicle being

TRACKER’s 2013 figures shows that the BMW M3 is the second

recovered, if it is stolen, is to invest in a tracking unit. Using our award-

most stolen and recovered vehicle, moving up from third the year

winning technology, our trackers emit a signal, which leads police to

before and sixth place in 2011. In 2012, the number two spot was

the stolen vehicle and reuniting owners with their cars.”

occupied by the Land Rover Sport and Vogue, but in 2013, they sit in

TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic

seventh and eighth place respectively. The Mercedes C Class makes

homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen

its first appearance on the table, taking third place, whilst the Porsche

places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t

911 reappears in ninth for the first time since 2011.

even know it’s there. Unlike other tracking systems, the device works

BMWs dominate in 2013, with the 5 Series, X5, M3 and 3 Series

even if the vehicle is hidden in a garage or taken abroad. TRACKER is

all making the table. However, the Audi A4 has leaped from ninth

the only vehicle tracking system operated by all police forces in the

position in 2011, up to fourth in 2013, showing even thieves have

UK, offering car owners the ultimate in security

trends. This year, the Audi RS4 doesn’t appear at all, but the Audi S3

THE END OF DOORKNOBS?

V

ancouver’s decision to phase out the doorknob may signify the beginning of the end of this most simplistically effective tool. The Canadian city passed a law banning doorknobs

on new buildings, arguing that the elderly, infirm and disabled can struggle to grip them. The knob, officially invented less than 150 years ago, will be replaced by the lever - simple, sleek, and just plain easier to use.

This anti-doorknob movement is not limited to western Canada, with some groups in the UK advocating for a doorknob purge, similarly citing the needs of the elderly and disabled.

“We need to look at why doorknobs are not suitable for disabled people,” Alan Norton, chief executive of Assist UK, an organisation that provides products and equipment to people with disablities, told The Independent.

“When you look at people with arthritis or those who have little movement of their hands, a lever is easier as you push down on it.

However, automatic doors would be the better solution. I agree that we should ban doorknobs in the UK.”

20 | Endeavour Magazine

Are you a bit stiff?

COULD BE STONE MAN SYNDROME

K

nown to doctors as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), this disease is better known as Stone Man Syndrome. This condition causes the body’s repair

mechanism to malfunction. Basically, whenever tissues such as muscle, tendons or ligaments are damaged, they undergo ossification for sufferers of this disease.

Early symptoms come in childhood and are very apparent.

Misshapen toes, swelling that appears and quickly disappears, and painful, difficult to move joints are red flags. From there, things set about on a downward course. Victims of Stone Man Syndrome continue to grow new bones within their bodies, some of which attach themselves to the original skeleton. Ultimately, the addition of new bone makes it nearly impossible to move as it locks the movement mechanisms- joints, in place.

Fortunately, it is very rare with only about one in every 2 million people living with it. The International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association is dedicated to informing the public about Stone Man Syndrome because one of the problems with rare diseases is that they are difficult to diagnose, and so people often go without seeking treatment, assuming that any exist.

Over 500 people with this condition have offered up blood, DNA, and tooth samples. By studying those things, scientists hope to make breakthroughs and change the lives of people who live with FOP for the better.

May Books

Coherus Biosciences Appoints Michael A. Fleming as Senior Vice President, Commercial Strategy

C

oherus Biosciences, Inc. (“Coherus”), is pleased to announce the appointment

of Michael A. Fleming as Senior Vice President, Commercial Strategy.

Mr. Fleming joins Coherus with more than 25 years of experience in strategic and operational leadership roles

at

preeminent

biotech

companies.

“Michael is a vital addition to the Coherus team at this time,” said Denny Lanfear, President and CEO of Coherus. “Our pipeline is now sufficiently advanced to begin evaluating our strategic options for commercialization.

Michael’s

experience in building commercial operations and his knowledge of markets and health systems are of immediate importance. He will play a key role in defining strategies that effectively maximize the commercial potential of our products.”

Mr.

Fleming

has

extensive

experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including senior leadership This move is backed by both The British Standards Institution

or executive management roles

and The UK Design Coucil, champions of “inclusive design” -

with Elan Corporation, Nuvelo, Inc.,

meaning buildings designed for access of everybody.

Genentech, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline,

Some elderly support groups, however, have spoken in favour

SmithKline

Beecham,

and

of the doorknob, suggesting redesign rather than removal. Simon

inVentiv Health.

Bottery of Independent Age said: “We know that square of oval

been instrumental in the launch,

knobs are easier to grasp than round ones.

commercialization, and business

“We do need to equip homes properly so that people can

Michael has

development of numerous products

remain independent as they age. If developers really do want

in

to get a handle on things, we say, don’t scrap doorknobs - just

including HIV, infectious diseases,

reshape them.”

diabetes, CNS, multiple sclerosis,

Over in Vancouver, this doorknob prohibition is surely a sign

various

therapeutic

cardiovascular,

and

areas

oncology.

of things to come nationwide. The Vancouver Sun observes that

Michael earned a Microbiology

the city’s independent building code often sees it at the forefront

Specialist Degree (BSc) from the

of building design - pioneering the exclusive use of low-flush

University of Toronto, Victoria

toilets, and energy-saving fluorescent lightbulbs.

College, and an MBA from the

But just as the door lever makes it easier for people to enter and exit buildings and rooms, it also helps the bears.

Rotman

School

of

Business,

University of Toronto.

Endeavour Magazine | 21

BECOME A

New Yorker

WRITTEN BY SHANNAH LAUREN

M

ajority of movies that are based out of the United

such as Sleepless in Seattle, you can reminisce whilst watching the

States are usually filmed in New York City, and why is

movie about the trip you made there yourself. Next, Times Square

that? Well, it’s one of the most magnificent places in the

of course! You will see this in almost every movie based in New York,

world. It’s what New York does to the people in it that can literally

such as Friends With Benefits or Date Night. You may even see a

transform someone from average Joe to Brad Pit; that may be a slight

movie being filmed while enjoying yourself in Times Square, but I can

exaggeration. However, it does make you feel like you are a star, and

promise you that you will find the famous Naked Cowboy (and don’t

that’s what counts!

worry, he’s not really naked). Strolling through New York, you can find

You may be one of those people who would like to avoid the

your way to Central Park, enjoy a New York Hotdog and watch the

tourist attractions all together, or you are the first in line to go up the

New Yorkers live their daily lives. You can find the locations of which

Empire State Building. I highly suggest you to experience both genres

were filmed in movies such as When Harry Met Sally, Enchanted and

of New York, as they are both worth your time. You should plan a day

Home Alone 2. The Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from France

completely wrapped around all of the tourist attractions, and see all

in 1886, a landmark full of history in New York. You are able to

the landmarks. Make sure to bring your camera, and take those goofy

reach to the top of the statues crown, but it will take you 354 stairs

cliché pictures. When you look back upon them year after year, you

to get to it. Originally, the statue had represented the freedom to

will remember how lovely that experience truly was. Reaching the

immigration, as over 9 million immigrants had moved to the United

top of the Empire State Building is worth the waiting cue, because

States in the second half of the 19th century. I’m sure you can imagine

the views from the top are just so extraordinary. You must take a few

the incredible feeling they must have had seeing the Statue of Liberty

photographs while you on top of the building, and capture the beauty

as the first piece of the USA. There is no admission prices to get to

upon the city on that day. Although many people do this (as you will

the Liberty Park, however you will need to pay for a ferry to get there

see around you), it’s that day that the city was looking back upon you.

which will be $11.50 for an adult, $9.50 for seniors, $4.50 for children

Many films have based their story around the Empire State Building,

from four to twelve, and children under four are free. The ferries are

22 | Endeavour Magazine

available to go to Liberty Island

between Bayard St and Driggs

us English enjoy finding those old-time pubs! The Brooklyn Inn was

from 8:30am to 4:30pm, where

Ave, Greenpoint, Brooklyn. They

transported to the Kings Country from Germany in the 1870’s, which

the island will close at 6:00pm

are cheap, not over crowded

is found at 140 Hoyt St at Bergen St, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. This

and returning the last ferry to

and have all the amenities. Now

pub is a cash-only business, which stocks solid beers and the interior

Battery Park at 6:30pm.

ladies, I understand you want

design of dark wood, cozy layout and large windows to take in all the

Now onto the alternative

to shop till you drop, but take

views. Keep on enjoying yourself in the city, and let’s say you have a

ways of New York City, this is

my advice when I say you don’t

dream of becoming a rock star. Instead of having a private karaoke

where you can become a true New

need to go to Saks Fifth Avenue,

room at The Pulse, which would cost you $50 each, you can go free

Yorker yourself. It’s important to

or Tiffany & Co. Brooklyn Night

to Metal Karaoke at Saint Vitus. Every Saturday at midnight they host

always keep that camera with

Bazaar is where its at! It’s at a

a karaoke night, where you can out leash the beast in you. Even if it’s

you, because you were a tourist

new location, open Friday and

just for a laugh or you actually want to be the next Linkin Park, you are

yesterday, but today you are

Saturday nights all year long. You

bound to have a good time.

a photographer. Head on over

will be able to find anything you

Last but not least, it’s always very important to stay safe in any

to Sunset Park, at Fifth Ave

want there, the true New Yorkers

city, especially New York City. It’s highly advised to not dress like a

and 41st Street, Brooklyn, and

know the secret of how great it is,

tourist, and dress the closest to a real New Yorker as possible. This will

you’ve got yourself the perfect

and now so do you! You will find

not only keep you safe from the scammers, but anyone who believes

cityscapes. Let’s say you want to

Brooklyn Night Bazaar at 165

you’re an easy victim. Also, wear comfortable shoes as walking is the

go ice-skating, but Rockefeller

Banker Street, between Normon

normal to these people, and you will be doing tons of it. And most

Center is over crowded and you

and Merserole Aves, Greenpoint,

importantly, make sure you find a local pizza parlour, and have a slice.

aren’t looking to get trampled.

Brooklyn. It’s always a desire

New York is known for having the best pizza, but you will have to find

Well, then there is McCarren

to go to some of the oldest

that out for yourself and thank us later.

Park, which is at 776 Lorimer St

landmarks in the cities; especially Endeavour Magazine | 23

SHREEJI ENTERPRISES 00254 202207000 WWW.SHREEJI.CO.KE

24 | Endeavour Magazine

With its base in Nairobi, Kenya, Shreeji Enterprises LTD is one of the largest transportation logistics company in the East African region. Providing the safest and most reliable long haulage, warehousing and logistics services for specialize and general cargo to a range of diverse customers as well as a stock of variety of building materials for wholesale trading within the same area. Founder Haresh Soni spoke with us with regards to the growth and ambitions of his business. WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Anything YOU NEED

Endeavour Magazine | 25

SHREEJI ENTERPRISES

An ambitious and inspiring individual, Haresh started his business in 1987, with just one truck and a goal to grow his company to be the very best in the industry.

Today they have a fleet of over 425 trucks and over 485 employees.

“W

e’ve grown significantly over the last three decades,”

Haresh

explains,

“Our

road

transportation sector has grown heavily and

excelled the targets given to it while our hardware trading, which started on a similarily small scale has equally grown up to the level it’s at today.”

Favouring a strong organic growth Shreeji Enterprises is now heavily involved in a number of industries, most of which are independent organisations including areas such as building material trading, GPS tracking, aviation, leasing manufacturing, clearing and forwarding and construction development. If one was to follow the lineage of each of these focusses backwards they would see it leads directly to that single truck and one man’s dream.

With almost five hundred employees working for Shreeji Enterprises, the company has placed itself as an example of legitimacy, ambition and innovation with a keen approach to staff development as the source of the company’s day to day successes.

“We look at staff development and loyalty concurrently,” Haresh explains, “There are several statutes legislated by parliament on such things as contractural obligation, environment impact, safety and risk management and fidelity. Internally however, training is based on Industry segmented under craft, National examination programmes and internal capacity building and succession.”

Staff Development is on-going and well-articulated to facilitate succession, diversity, and dynamics due to improved equipment at Shreeji, especially of vehicle technology and infrastructure utility.

“We are able to counter adverse staff mobility and retention challenges while considering the financial offers from competition and the statutory based rate of remuneration,” he adds.

“With our industry expertise, innovative technology and a modern approach to the real world of cargo transportation and logistics,” Haresh tells us, “Our customers are assured that their cargo is in safe hands. We also offer a vast variety of building materials for wholesale in the East African Market which include reinforcement bars, steel

26 | Endeavour Magazine

pipes, wire products, cement and interior finishing products.”

But one of the most important elements to attribute to the

the road network is overhauled. However they, like us are facing their own challenges.”

high levels of customer satisfaction comes to the almost obsessive

Despite these challenges, 2014 and onwards is looking to

attention to detail, something that has been inherited from the

be a fantastic year for Shreeji Enterprises with fresh investment

founder himself. The accumulative force of punctuality, accuracy

opportunities and projects such as a new real estate development

and accountability have made Shreeji Enterprises a dominant force

under Delta Holding and a company rebranding expected for this

in this industry with a powerful reputation for highest and most

upcoming year.

immutable levels of professionalism. Strategically situated close to

“This is going to benefit the whole group by creating a new

the port, Shreeji Enterprises provides haulage services directly from

structure that comes under Shreeji Group of Companies with the

the anchored ship via its Warehouse situated in Shimanzi – Mombasa

rebranding of Shreeji Enterprises,” Haresh tells us.

that allows them a direct route to the client.

He goes on to add that the Manufacturing company will be

With their products and services made available not only to the

entering into a period of expansion as it involves itself into the glass

locals in Kenya but also the neighbouring countries in the East African

industry and that after acquiring more aircrafts after an investment

Region, Haresh explains that the simple approach to managing the

into aviation, they will open up the potential for both regional and

hardware division has been to build strong workable relationships

international leasing.

with major manufacturers in Kenya to be able to provide the best quality building materials at the most affordable rates.

Haresh states that the industry is currently buoyant but that there

In the same field Shreeji Enterprises will also be starting a new leasing company that is linked to Delta Auto to provide a one stop solution to leasing or buying vehicles with maintenance contracts.

are a number of hurdles to be faced such as stringent government

“Delta Holdings holds a lot of prime land which will be developed

policies and insecurity, poor implementation of weighbridge systems

by Shreeji Construction,” he continues, “And in 2015/2016 we are

and a poor infrastructure, “This is due to the bad roads we have

looking to invest in Agriculture as Kenya imports a lot of grains and

though at the moment the government is trying hard to ensure that

food products. This will in turn boost the Kenyan economy.”

Endeavour Magazine | 27

NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY LTD 001 868 6251364 WWW.NP.CO.TT

28 | Endeavour Magazine

One of the most important companies on the islands, the Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) was created in 1972 with the assets the government purchased from the then BP Caribbean Ltd- which was the local arm of the British Petroleum Group. With a long line of stringent business decisions this company has validated its position for over forty years and shows signs that the next forty will see them in an even stronger position. Regards to this we caught up with Acting Chief Executive Officer Kevin Motilal. WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

BASICALLY

The Best Endeavour Magazine | 29

NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY LTD

“NP’s early development came about thanks to the Government investing and purchasing into a number of large conglomerates who had positions on the island,” Kevin opens up, “This including such things as a fifty percent of the inland marketing assets of ESSO Standard Oil in 1973 and the marketing assets for the Trinidad and Tobago Oil Company- formerly Shell Trinidad Limited, in ’76 which was followed a year later by the local marketing assets of Texaco Trinidad Ltd.”

T

hese purchases put NP into an enviable position, for when

Texaco and Mobil,” he explains, “They all came together and then

NP acquired the assets of Shell Trinidad Ltd, it also inherited

recruitment was pushed locally. This has meant that National

its Lubricant Blending Plant at Sea Lots, on the outskirts of

Petroleum has always had the expertise from the multinationals and

Port-of-Spain and under this license, it continued to produce a range

has managed to use this to our advantage since then.”

of lubricants, blended according to the Shell formulations, until the

Although National Petroleum has had its fair share of challenges

National Petroleum Brand of lubricants. This new brand was launched

like any company, Kevin relates that they have been able to increase

in 1981.

their revenues every year and he explains that the key to doing so is

To further compliment these decisions, NP invests a great amount

about taking every situation as and when it comes along which has

of effort into improving its product rating and into keeping itself

created the opportunity for them to become talented at problem

abreast of all significant technological advancements occurring in

solving.

the lubricants industry. Thanks to this rigorous pursuit of the highest standards of quality NP has been recognized by such organizations as the American Petroleum Institute (API), and the Trinidad and Tobago

Customers “Our customer service is specialized and powerful,” Kevin attests,

and Caribbean markets can be counted along some of the most

“We service customers’ needs and trouble shoot for them. We also

advanced in the world.

have training courses and technical seminars throughout the chain

Staffing Excellence

to ensure the best quality work from our staff, and this includes the people on the floor to the managers at the top.”

Having joined the company in 2000, Kevin explains how NP has

He goes on to explain that thanks to them having their own

always been blessed by an abundance of experience and the highest

blending plant, they sell the basic products that are most needed and

standard of professionalism from every one of their employees.

that it is easy for them to tweak the front product or their formulations

“When the company was bought from the nationals they also

to match their customer’s needs.

brought over the people, so we found we had the experience straight

2014 has already promised a lot of potential for NP, “The market

from the start from people who had worked extensively with Shells,

is good,” Kevin relates, “We are looking to further develop our twenty

30 | Endeavour Magazine

NATIONAL PETROLEUM MARKETING COMPANY LTD

four hour Quick Shops, which have been supplementing our service

we will be consolidating the

station business since the late 90s. These have always provided a

developments and exposure from

“On the lubricant sides we

direct access point for many of our customers because we can sell our

these. The market is growing

are getting back into rallying

own brand of lubricants as well as other essentials,”

while we, over the last couple of

and boat racing to get image out

Trinidad is very industrialized with a wide customer base and NP

years have not been keeping up

there,” he tells us, “The Boats

have created their own grease plant, which will be the only one in the

with it. We’re focussed on getting

Name is “Rush” and it’s a local

region and will supply product to various industries such as oil rigs,

back into new business with

vessel. It’s important to not only

refineries, small manufacturing plants and the transport industry. The

aggressive marketing. Of course

get the name out there but also

aviation fuel business is a thriving one and is growing in strides thanks

there is a limited budget so we

to support local talent to help

to the two busy airports of Trinidad and Tobago and they also own the

use it wisely, making sure we get

license to sell LPG gas in Trinidad and Tobago.

our bang for the buck.”

“We ensure that LPG- liquefied petroleum gas- is available

“There is the same effort

to all customers,” he says, “And we police and monitor our own

needed for a small sale as a big

manufacturing chain to ensure the best product and service for our

sale,” he continues, “So we aim

customers.”

for bigger customers in bigger

With self-sufficiency being high on their priorities, NP supports its LPG business with its own LPG Cylinder Filling Plant.

This year will also see NP making full use of their marine bunkering

markets to see greater financial results.”

And

importantly

is

the

rather than the gas side.

build the buzz. This will help us in our expansion plans where we want to use our expertise to get into the other islands. This is in progress through Tahiti, Jamaica and Panama.”

Green Focus NP

have

been

tinkering

license, with which they do contract blending for companies such as

ongoing thrust on promotions

Petcom and BP.

specifically for their convenience

around for a long time with

stores, which is the main focus

green initiatives, on the liquid

“We did a lot of promotions last year,” Kevin says, “So this year

32 | Endeavour Magazine

fuels they make use of CNG

be disposed of in a certain

compressed

gas

fashion to keep them safe

which has less emissions, “We

and to make it convenient we

actually have three refuelling

offer to take back used oil and

stations on the island and we

we pay for disposal.”

national

supply CNG to eight stations

Finally,

Kevin

explains

and are looking at building

that the main driving force

a Shell station that would

of NP, something that is

include CNG as option.”

ingrained into their culture

Cars

can

be

easily

as a business is their ongoing

modified with a kit to make

mission to ensure the safe,

use of CNG as a primary of a

reliable,

hybrid method of fuelling and

economical

the government is currently

quality petroleum products

looking into giving tax breaks

throughout

for petrol and diesel cars that

Tobago, “This is how we will

have a CNG kit.

continue for the next

Another push, both in

two years.”

media and in action is the recovery

of

convenient

lubricating

oils, “Lubricants need to

and

availability

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Endeavour Magazine | 33

FURNESS GROUP OF COMPANIES 001 868 625-1131 WWW.TSTT.NET.TT

34 | Endeavour Magazine

Furness Group of Companies was founded in 1891 and started as a Branch office called Furness Withy & Co Ltd, a British company, whose business was primarily shipping.

Today, the Group is global and operates in a wide variety of sectors: distribution, insurance, cold storage operations and car rental. Katie Richardson speaks to Chairman and CEO William Anthony Ferreira about the company’s vast and varied history, and future plans.

WRITTEN BY KATIE RICHARDSON

GREAT

Grouping Endeavour Magazine | 35

FURNESS GROUP OF COMPANIES

The conglomerate giant Furness Trinidad Group of Companies has its financial fingers in many a pecuniary pie: from import and distribution, short and long-term car leasing providers and operators, general sales agents, real estate operators, and general insurance, to underwriting property, motor, engineering and bonding providers, industrial and domestic cleaning and manufacturers and distributors.

F

urther to this plethora of activity is cold storage operation, personnel and general service provisions to the Group, manufacturing of doors for residential and commercial

buildings, shipping agency operations, and it also acts as a credit union for employees.

The Companies’ large holding portfolio consists of Furness Trinidad Ltd, (Holding Company), Furness Shipping and Marketing Ltd (importation and distribution), AVIS/Budget (General Sales Agents), Furness Anchorage General Insurance Ltd (general insurance providers), and Furness Rentals Ltd (long term care leasing operators in Trinidad and Tobago). There is also Furness Chemicals Ltd (manufacturers and distributors), Furness Personnel Services Ltd (general service providers of the Group), Furness Withy Ltd (shipping agency operators) I & E Investments Ltd (parent holding company), WAF Resorts Ltd (property owners and operators), and Willview Inc USA (USA residential property owners and operators).

Furness Properties Ltd, (property owners), Furness Investments Ltd (investment company), Furness Re St Lucia (consultancy/management providers), and Furness Trinidad Group Staff Credit Union Cooperative Society Ltd (Credit Union) complete the substantial assemblage.

Rich record The 1960s were to see a marked upsurge of activity for the Furness Withy interests in Trinidad. At the turn of the decade, Furness Engineering (Trinidad) Ltd was formed to consolidate the ship repair interests and a new office and showroom was planned in 36 | Endeavour Magazine

Port of Spain (occupied in 1963), while in 1961, Furness Withy were given the management of two ships being built by Canada as a gift to the Federal Government of the West Indies. Delivered the same year as Federal Maple and Federal Palm, the two ships operated a regular service between the Federated Islands and although the Federation was dissolved the following year, the ships continued to serve their intended route.

When reports started to circulate that the United States Navy was planning to vacate part of the naval base at Chaguaramas in Trinidad, and release it to the government of Trinidad and Tobago, keen interest was taken by Furness Withy. The site to be released included two substantial deep water piers, plus buildings, and had previously been employed for ship repair. In 1964, a partnership was formed with Smith’s Dock Company Ltd, part of the Swan Hunter Group, to lease the facility and under Smith’s Dock management to undertake marine repairs and the construction of small craft for use in local waters. Furness Engineering (Trinidad) Ltd was absorbed into the new undertaking. Furness-Smiths Dock (Trinidad) Ltd which was formed to lease the yard and became operational in May 1966.

“

We are very much customer-focused and this is reflected in the growth of our leasing operation.

After sales, customer commitment is one of the most important areas that we focus on.”

A second joint company, Dockyard Investments Ltd was established to order and own a tug and a floating dock to lift 11,200 tons. These were delivered in 1966, and named Maraval and Iere respectively.

Endeavour Magazine | 37

FURNESS GROUP OF COMPANIES

Furness Withy also held an interest in Metalock (Trinidad) Ltd, which

consider all suppliers/partners essential to our business operation,”

served the needs of the ship repair facility.

he says.

The Furness Withy agency and trading interests were consolidated

The 400 employees with the Group are also considered a priority.

in a new organisation, Furness Trinidad Ltd, considered to be the most

Constant training in all areas of the business is provided to the

experienced shipping agent in Trinidad and Tobago. With the country’s

employees in their respective fields.

government promoting a policy of local investment, coupled with

“Individual staff development is a very important factor to the

taxation legislation to discourage non-residents, shares in Furness

continuance of the company,” says Ferreira. “Staff members are

Trinidad Ltd were accordingly made available in 1976 to enable to

promoted within the group before seeking employees from outside.”

Trinidad nationals to participate in the capital of the company. This

The latter half of 2014 will see Furness Group focus predominately

policy was continued until, in June 1979, control passed to Trinidad

on its property development empire and expand the present business

interests with 49% remaining in Furness Withy hands. Thereafter,

it has into 2015.

Furness Trinidad Ltd ceased to be a subsidiary and became an

“One of the most exciting new developments which is now

associate company and advises many overseas and local authorities

happening is the development of 300 gated residential apartments

on shipping and maritime matters.

consisting of four, three and two bedrooms which we plan to develop on four acres of land situated in San Fernando,” says Ferreira, “Our

Personal touch

aim is to target middle to higher income bracket homeowners.”

“Our motto is ‘Furness, Symbol of Quality and Service,” says

Construction of a new head office will also commence. The

Ferreira, “We are very much customer-focused and this is reflected

planned 10-story building will house the Holding Company, Furness

in the growth of our leasing operation. After sales, customer

Trinidad Ltd, Group centralised accounting and Furness Anchorage

commitment is one of the most important areas that we focus on. For

General Insurance Ltd, allowing for more spacious surroundings as

example, in our car leasing business, the vehicles are kept no longer

well as offering office space to prospective commercial tenants.

than two years, even though they may have a four-year lease attached to them.”

Special attention will also be paid to the insurance portfolio, with plans to expand and grow it by way of acquisition. “The improvements

The vehicles are cleaned as a courtesy to long-term customers

of these will be developing a greater portion of the insurance business

at least twice monthly, and serviced at intervals suggested by the

offered in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean islands,” says

dealers. “In the case of insurance, prompt and courteous claims

Ferreira.

settlement and in distribution timely deliveries and stringent good quality control is one of the key areas that have kept the growth.”

Ferreira stresses the company regularly looks at creating additional leverage to its supply chain and encourage long-term

With a successful buy-out of South African company Oblique Engineering Ltd completed at the end of 2013, the future looks secure for the Furness Group and its many lucrative holdings. It looks like its rich history will be continued to be made.

partnerships. “We keep assessing and evaluating the portfolio. We

“Individual staff development is a very important factor to the continuance of the company. Staff members are promoted within the group before seeking employees from outside.”

38 | Endeavour Magazine

GUARDVANT 0027 783 875 534 WWW.GUARDVANT.COM

40 | Endeavour Magazine

There is an old saying that action is better than re-action and this couldn’t be truer whenever it comes to mine safety. Across the board, mining is an industry relying on heavy machinery that is often gargantuan in size that nevertheless needs to be manoeuvred with an incredible level of precision and skill on a minute by minute basis. An accident, even a small one can trigger a domino effect that can halt or stop production, destroy important machinery and worse cost lives. WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

STAYING UP

Endeavour Magazine | 41

GUARDVANT

In situations like this, prevention is far better than cure, and with the industry providing state of the art machinery and equipment the preventative measures have to be levied around the one element that cannot be replaced but does not evolve as fast as the equipment they use. People.

M

ining employees are some of the most skilled people in the world, and their tasks range from miners working hands on in the mines to the transport and logistic

drivers who transport the raw product to processing plants. Long hours, with often monotonous routine is a mainstay of their position and one of the leading causes of mining accidents is driver fatigue.

We spoke with Jacob Khumbane regarding the manner in which Guardvant is looking to stem this problem at its source to keep mine workers safe.

“Today more than ever our lives are impacting our sleep patterns,” Jacob explains, “Via the internet we have access to information, communication and entertainment at all hours of the day. This also brings the reality of longer working hours. The average person sleeps one hour less than they did ten years ago which is an hour we need,” When considered, an hour less a night adds up to over thirty hours a month that should be used for the mind to recuperate. Combine this with longer working hours, rotating shifts, longer commutes to the site and the stress brought about by sleep deprivation, that can, ironically, disrupt sleeping patterns further and anyone would find it difficult to stay alert throughout the day and night.

Long haul truck operators are of course at risk of fatigue during any time of their shift, however research has shown that the majority of fatigue-events are likely to occur during the long periods of inactivity and driving during long hauls and during the naturally occurring low periods of brain activity that occur over a twenty four hour period.

In the Western world, falling asleep can sometimes be considered a sign of weakness, especially by employers and people would rather

42 | Endeavour Magazine

try to push through rather than take a moment to rest, “However, when you’re on the clock and have a deadline to reach this is often simply not possible and micro-sleeps, when a person may lose consciousness for only a handful of seconds, can occur at any period and are beyond the control of the driver, fatigue management is finally being addressed as a critical part of mine safety.”

Guardvant is the leading source of fatigue management solutions and have found that an important part is making use of available technology to monitor operators for signs of fatigue and distracted driving.

“For our operator fatigue monitoring and collision avoidance systems we make use of the most advanced technologies to help improve operator performance, creating a more productive working environment, and protect the assets of our clients,” Jacob says.

He goes on to add that their impressive record of successful system design, implementation and support in the mining industry can be credited to their customer-centric approach that allows them to deliver specific products that are right for their goals and objectives.

These products, like OpGuard is a non-intrusive operator fatigue and distracted driving monitoring system that can integrate with ProxGuard, a collision avoidance system that uses radar, cameras and GPS for proximity awareness and object detection. This technology is

“

We make use of the most advanced technologies to help improve operator performance, creating a more productive working environment, and protect the assets of our clients.”

Endeavour Magazine | 43

GUARDVANT

not new but Guardvant has adopted it innovatively to address unique

and Guardvant’s approach is to create safety and security systems

mining challenges with advance functionalities, “By integrating

that are not to monitor for the sake of penalizing, but ardently to

OpGuard and ProxGuard addresses two leading causes of accidents

improve operator performance and create better productivity.

in one, operator fatigue and blind spots.”

Keeping mine employees safe is the number one priority for

With a mission to create innovative solutions to improve

all mine managers and by removing the damaging effects of fatigue

productivity, safety and security at mining, plant and port operations,

and fatigue related accidents and stress has made systems such as

anywhere that operators in charge of machinery may suffer from

OpGuard a valuable tool to any mine’s safety program.

fatigue or distraction, these products are continuously adapting and evolving as monitoring technology improves.

“We tailor systems to meet the unique performance metrics and safety goals for mines,” Jacob says, “And augment our technologies

Acting like an ever present driver’s friend, the GuardvantOpGuard

with training, education and change management programs to make

system is designed to awaken the operator, alert supervisors and

sure that the systems are in place for continuous safety and security

provide managers data to implement their fatigue prevention

improvement.”

programs. Prevention is better than cure and the immediate benefit of these systems is that operators avoid accidents and get to go home safely; it also reduces costs of accidents and damage repairs. Fewer

The People A deep understanding of mining and the accompanying operational

accidents and incidents will increase operational efficiency, cut down

challenges is required to develop safety and security systems that

on shutdown time and the time taken to investigate accidents.

work and the success of their product can be credited back to the

How Does It Work?

Using non-intrusive technology that monitors head and facial

team of engineers at Guardvant Inc based in Arizona Tucson USA who bring decades of mining industry knowledge and expertise in the development and deployment of innovative mine systems.

movements in 3D, PERCLOS (percentage eyelide-closure) and

On site technicians are on hand to offer support to the clients as

micro sleeps that are the main red flags of fatigue and tiredness, the

well as training throughout the system installation to ensure that the

GuardvantOpGuardhas been well received from clients and drivers

systems work properly and will continue to do so for the long term.

alike.

“Thanks to the contributions to the industry in terms of new

“If the OpGuard algorithm detects fatigue or distracted-driving

technologies, software and systems that our engineers have designed,”

events,” Jacob says, “The system provides an alert to the operator, and

Jacob says, “Mines have been able to instigate improvements to their

at the same time sends event notifications in real-time to the mine

management of safety and operations.”

control room where oversight and management of risk takes effect.”

With applications not only in the mining sector the proficiency of

These personnel may include the mine site dispatcher or

Guardvant’s systems is such that one can see them being implemented

supervisor, who are notified through an exception notice to the fleet

in all driver reliant machinery until vehicles across the globe have

management system (FMS) display in the dispatch office, or via SMS

OpGuard protecting all drivers as standard.

or email. The dispatcher or supervisor is then in the position to contact

Preventing accidents may not be dramatic, however when

the operator according to the mine’s procedures for addressing

considering the damage that can occur during the five or six seconds

fatigue or distracted-driving events.

that a driver may nod off during a micro-sleep you can appreciate the

“The result of this preventative action is clear,” he adds.

importance of the system looking after you.

A rapidly growing number of mines have a “zero harm” safety goal

“We tailor systems to meet the unique performance metrics and safety goals for mines and augment our technologies with training, education and change management programs to make sure that the systems are in place for continuous safety and security improvement.”

44 | Endeavour Magazine

MANTRAC NIGERIA 00234 7034111417 WWW.MANTRACNIGERIA.COM

46 | Endeavour Magazine

BUILDING A NATION

Mantrac is the sole dealer of Caterpillar products across the length and breadth of Africa reaching their audience through country specific branches such as Mantrac Nigeria. For sixty years the Nigerian hub has been involved in the vast majority of construction projects across the country and we spoke with Business Director James Agama regarding it. WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Endeavour Magazine | 47

MANTRAC NIGERIA

Offering a variety of products and services, like the sales and rentals of Caterpillar products, the inherited maintenance of the machines and the servicing and onsite training to use the machinery, Mantrac Nigeria has dominated the construction and earth moving markets by being the best at customers service. Their presence has also additionally been proving crucial for the power generation needs of the country’s busy oil and gas sectors.

H

aving just experienced a momentous 300% growth as a

available.”

company, Mantrac Nigeria has expanded themselves to

As the leading provider of the machinery best suited to solving

over ten separate branches around the country and due to

this crisis Mantrac Nigeria has placed itself as a resource in correcting

Nigeria’s growing needs for an infrastructure redevelopment they are

the infrastructure deficit in the country. He goes on to say that as

needed more than ever.

partners in developing the infrastructure of Nigeria that they are

“We are experiencing a severe infrastructure deficit in our country with regards to power and construction,” says James.

Infrastructure, such as road, rail, bridges and other utilities are the base line foundation that a business needs to function smoothly

always looking for new ways to improve the situation, “We are doing everything we can to help the country,” he says, “Partnering with major players in the most significant projects. Partnering is the only way to improve things for our country.”

and grow. Poor infrastructure affects all elements of a business from

If anything Mantrac Nigeria has demonstrated that its commitment

the ability to deliver products, to security, to even making employee

to the developing and investing into Nigeria’s national infrastructure

commutes to and from work harder and longer.

is stalwart and focussed on the long term. Actions speak louder than

“The infrastructure can be very challenging,” James tell us, “It pushes up operating costs and places limits on the resources that are

48 | Endeavour Magazine

mere words and it is clear that they are in it for the long haul.

“We are the largest company in the field,” James relates, “We have

MANTRAC NIGERIA

become the standard for quality in this country and it is important to

importance of employee focusses

system that has proven results

set an example.”

is felt throughout.

in making relationships stronger

For the foreseeable future the company is looking ahead to

“We have a highly selective

expands its coverage across the country, while maintaining the best

recruitment

value for money from its brands and supported by the intimate and

relates,

engaging relationships they share with their customers.

advantage

The future is very exciting, and the company has been building an

process,”

“And

we of

James

take

full

Mantrac’s

comprehensive product training.” a

mix

has become synonymous with this company.

Leading

its

employee

strategy is a world class staff

increasingly significant presence in the power generation sector. Here,

Using

direct

development programme, “We

James believes, is where the greatest potential for the future will be

recruitment

agencies,

pride ourselves on providing

found and the company’s consistent support of new infrastructure is

according to what position needs

a training programme for a lot

sure to pay off as the demand for more industrial equipment continues

to be filled, as well as their own

of people. The Mantrac group

to grow and draws in fresh business.

precise recruitment processes

runs training across the many

and

of

and cementing the loyalty that

Behind being the sole provider of Caterpillar products to the

Mantrac Nigeria looks both

different countries in which we

region and having some of the best customer service ratings in Africa,

nationally and internationally for

operate,” James was quoted, “Our

are the employees and staff of Mantrac Nigeria. People management

the best skills.

courses are tailored towards

is the company’s primary focus and without them they would not be able to take advantage of their position or maintain it.

Also, in keeping with the

improving the person as well as

times, they are acquiring new

what they bring to the business.

Without the experience of their staff, offering their exemplary

platforms to make it easier for

We also work hard to ensure that

service they do or without the common focus of every member of

their staff and their customers

we are offering the best in terms

the team, they would not be able to maintain their current position.

to interact, such as the newly

of benefit and welfare packages,

Running down from the very peak of the Mantrac Empire the

launched

so that after we’ve invested in

50 | Endeavour Magazine

SalesForce

CRM

our staff they want to stay with the business.”

Along with this, Mantrac stacks a great deal of importance on local knowledge, and James explains that as a global practice they rely heavily on the strength of local knowledge and prefer to hire staff that live or have lived in the country and understand the local environment. There is after all no such thing as useless information and with the Nigerian markets being in a constant state of flux and competition always fighting to get a purchase in the country, this local intelligence becomes ever more important.

With the competitive landscape changing over the years and with new brands constantly appearing and vying for their space, James is having to stay on his toes, “There are a lot of Chinese brands in Nigeria now,” he explains, “To keep ourselves competitive we’ve taken to looking at our processes, how we engage with customers and how we can save the customer money.”

As far as strategies are concerned, looking at way to improve the customer’s experience is always a good move, even in times of noncrisis. It is in the way that this company keeps their edge sharp and their approach keen that has made them the main player for the last six decades.

“

Our courses are tailored towards improving the person as well as what they bring to the business. We also work hard to ensure that we are offering the best in terms of benefit and welfare packages.”

Endeavour Magazine | 51

ANSA TECHNOLOGIES LTD 001 8686577151 WWW.ANSAMCAL.COM

52 | Endeavour Magazine

The petroleum industry in Trinidad and Tobago has entered into a high point with the Government improving fiscal structure to help encourage investment and corporate activities and an improved tax regime for companies to help improve the expansive growth of businesses. At the crest of this wave of development is ANSA Technologies Limited. I spoke with Managing Director Aleem Hosein regarding some of the ways his company is getting stuck in. WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Expansive

BUSINESS GROWTH Endeavour Magazine | 53

ANSA TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Founded in 2000, ANSA Technologies Limited was born from the acquisition and merger of two separate companies Hardware and Oilfields Limited, itself founded in 1931 and H.J. Gransaull Limited formed in 1941.

“I

nitially these companies focussed on supplying pipes, valves and fittings as well as electrical instrumentation services to the Energy Industry,” Aleem explains, “The scope of supply

and services have broadened since then to include the utility industry as well as the manufacturing sector.”

Standing at the helm of the company, ANSA Technologies could not have a better captain. A 1972 petroleum engineering graduate he has over four decades of experience in the energy sector, working for extended periods for such notable companies as Petrotrin and British Gas he has held positions of every capacity within the industry and is now in the position to add his experience into supplying invaluable services into the sector.

Belong to the Ansa McAl Group of companies, which is one of the largest conglomerates in the Caribbean. ANSA Technologies supplies goods and services to the Upstream and Downstream Energy and Utility Sectors as well as the Trinidad and Tobago and Caribbean manufacturing industry. With a presence in other Caribbean Territories like Barbados, St. Lucia, Guyana, the Dominican Republic and Grenada their expansion has been bolstered by the support of the recent government reforms.

“We have two warehouse facilities and are one of the largest stockists of pipes valves and fittings on the island,” Aleem explains, “ANSA Technologies also provides instrumentation and electrical design and construction services and represents a number of well recognized brand names like Invensys, Thermo-scientific, SOR, Ford, Viking Johnson, Neway and Polyken amongst other brands.”

54 | Endeavour Magazine

There has been a considerable improvement in employment statistics across Trinidad & Tobago where unemployment has dropped to only 3.7 %, “We are doing well,” he says, “Certain areas have dropped unfortunately, such as the medical industry which still requires a lot of outsourcing of the people with the skills but Trinidad and Tobago is predominantly a country that relies on the petrol industry up to 90% of the foreign exchange earnings coming from it.

This being said there are a number of key industry sectors that are being taught in schools currently to further enhance and develop the employment stats.”

With ANSA Technologies, who employ a total of 80 permanent staff and hire additional staff on a project basis a fair amount of training is provided, “Educating your staff is always an investment,” Aleem attests, “In house training on safety is very in-depth as we work with a lot of safety and environment products.”

Fully ISO 9001:2008 certified and STOW certified, Aleem elaborates on how important individual staff development is to himself and the company, “It’s crucial for the development and sustainability of the Business and in addition to job specific training, a lot of emphasis is placed on safety training and refresher safety training which is done periodically. There is also an active Succession Planning programme in place.”

Endeavour Magazine | 55

ANSA TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Customer

satisfaction

is

another element that Aleem takes particular pride in, “As part of our accreditation we receive a lot of customer feedback via questionnaires which highlights any issues that need to be sorted and any dissatisfaction is promptly dealt with and follow up action is taken to prevent repetition.”

“

One of the key strategies we employ is that we source goods of the appropriate quality and standards at competitive prices from global suppliers including the USA, Canada, Europe and China.”

“One of the key strategies

“Corksorb and Munox SR,” he elaborates, “Corksorb works for the reclamation of oil spills, it is a cork-based product that absorbs the oil from inside the water and then floats to the surface of the water where it can be collected. Stopping the oil from saturating marine life and forming sediments. It also absorbs oil from contaminated sand,”

we employ,” he adds, “Which has

“Munox SR, is for oil spill areas

proved very important is that we

and can clean up on water and

source goods of the appropriate quality and standards at competitive

on land. On land it absorbs the oil and then the product converts into a

prices from global suppliers including the USA, Canada, Europe and

natural fertilizer and in water the product them becomes fish food.”

China.”

Aleem reveals that although his sector has hit a highpoint ANSA Technologies has had its fair share of hurdles to overcome with fluctuating oil prices in 2008 which only began improving in 2010.

These are only some of the pioneering initiatives that ANSA Technologies have been pushing into the industry to establish a foothold in the niche industry of clean up and supply.

“Marine engineering is also an exciting area,” he reveals, “The

“Trinidad has been in the petrol industry for more than a century,”

company is interested in embarking on coastal improvements

he adds, “And we’re perfectly located on the hub on South America

works, it is a new area that we would like to expand in. Whilst on

that puts us in a good location geographically to work with both the

the service side of the business we have focussed on electrical and

north and south.”

instrumentation services, we are seeking to partner with other

And, taking full advantage of the above, and after they managed to stem the decline in upstream production the company has started to

service providers whose emphasis is on civil and mechanical services so that together we can offer our clients a better overall service.”

climb back up, “This is encouraging for the government to see because

Aleem admits that it is good to be in the position, after a couple

as the revenues for oil are greater than gas we are pushing for success

of years of worrying, to be getting exciting regarding the prospects

in oil.”

of the future, “As a subsidiary of the Ansa McAl Group of Companies

There have been some particularly important developments

they have strong financial resources that have enabled investments in

within the company in the areas of safety and reclamation. Two in

these key areas which puts us not only in a stable position for growth

particular stand out in the crowd.

but also the confidence to make it work,”

56 | Endeavour Magazine

Technology Solution Company The leading supplier to the oil & gas, petrochemical, process and utility sectors in the Caribbean

P.O. Box 10, 40 Cipero Road, San Fernando Tel.: 868-657-7151, 652-3571, Fax: 868-652-6407, 652-5575 Email: ansatech@tstt.net.tt

www.ansatech.com

HŽ INFRASTRUCTURE 00385 13783300 WWW.HZINFRA.HR

58 | Endeavour Magazine

Undertaking crucial modernisation work of the Croatian rail network, HZ Infrastructure is no stranger to performing under intense scrutiny and to tight deadlines. Company President, Darko Pericic, speaks to Endeavour about surpassing expectations and what the future holds.

ON THE Right TRACK WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Endeavour Magazine | 59

HŽ INFRASTRUCTURE

Started as an independent company in 2012 after the division of Croatian Railways, HZ Infrastructure has been charged with the task of renewing and modernising the Croatian rail network. Potentially a daunting task to lesser organisations, HZ Infrastructure have risen to the challenge of creating a transport network capable of welcoming both domestic and foreign operators, explains Darko Pericic.

S

uitably experienced in his field, Pericic is the ideal guiding hand

inherent importance of maintaining expert levels of competence,

for the company. Having completed a degree in Traffic Science

comprehensive educational plans are made at the beginning of

Engineering, he began his career at the Railway Transport

each new calendar year. Employing a two-pronged approach, the

Company, Zagreb in 1977 before progressing to hold impressive

management team ensures that all employees are given access to

positions at Croatian Railways. Becoming a regional office Director

both vocational, practical training and exam-based qualifications.

in 2009, he continued to impress his superiors, with the Croatian

Supported by a unique mentoring system, which sees older staff

Government finally appointing him as President of the management

members transferring their knowledge to younger team members,

board of HZ Infrastructure in 2012, a position he still holds. Proud

the continued development of expertise within the HZ Infrastructure

to be an ambassador for the company, Pericic explains how they have

team is a top priority. In the spirit of continued learning, the

become a major player in the Croatian economy.

management team is keen to encourage open dialogue and feedback

Having invested in the region of €200million into it’s current projects and with 70% of this investment being used to instruct

regarding personal development and as such have initiated annual feedback forums between employees and their supervisors.

Croatian contracting firms, Pericic notes that HZ Infrastructure

Clearly a forward thinking and supportive employer, Pericic

are keen to “become the backbone of the Croatian economy”. With

highlights that finding new team members can be difficult, due to

plans to invest a further €350million this year, this dream looks set

the exacting standards that they seek to maintain. Any new team

to become a reality, an added bonus to the promised provision of a

member would be expected to have commensurate experience within

reliable transport service which itself will naturally impact positively

the industry, impressive communication skills and the ability to work

on domestic industry.

within an exceptionally pressured environment. With this in mind, HZ

With such an enormous task on their hands, HZ Infrastructure

Infrastructure, despite big plans for the future, will not be seeking to

are naturally dependent on their team of close to five and a half

dramatically increase their employee numbers, choosing instead to

thousand highly trained and dedicated employees. Recognising the

organically replace those that leave with fewer, but higher qualified

“Bearing in mind our pursuit of sustainable business operation, we have a long-term strategic commitment to electrify all the lines which were not electrified so far.”

60 | Endeavour Magazine

Ranging from the core business of construction and maintenance of railway superstructure and electric traction to civil works, private building and technological plant, SALCEF is a leading construction company with over 60 years of experience gained through continuous and effficient work.

General and railway construction Design, construction and maintenance of railway, tramway and metropolitan railway superstructure and the connected civil works, electrical power distribution installations for railway, tramway and metropolitan railway traction and signals (UNI EN ISO 9000 quality certification)

www.salcef.com

SALCEF is focussed on strengthening its presence in Croatia and consolidatong successful and fruitful cooperation with HĹž Infrastruktura through the new projects planned in the area.

Endeavour Magazine | 61

HĹ˝ INFRASTRUCTURE

individuals

that

will

allow

competitively placed within the industry.

of

significant

restructuring

cost-saving

Pericic explains that two elements have been addressed when

already planned, in line with

measures to be implemented.

considering ways to remain ahead of competitors; intramodal and

proposed changes to the Railway

This planned injection of a

intermodal competition. Intramodal refers to rail network-specific

Act. Making the decision to

younger

should

issues, such as seeking to modernise, improve and streamline

invest not only in railway lines,

the

transportation routes, allowing for faster speeds, increased frequency

but also IT systems and asset

company and allow for a fresh

of goods loading and timetable flexibility. Intermodal refers to the

management

provision of a far better transportation option than offered by other

company

modes, such as road or airfreight.

restructuring, through a process

streamlining

effectively

and

workforce ‘rejuvenate’

approach to future endeavours.

Dealing

primarily

with

technology,

will

find

the

planned

who

With a definitive understanding of the competitive nature of

of employee streamlining, far

facilitate goods and passengers

transportation infrastructure provision and a large, harmonised staff

easier. Despite amendments to

transportation, a commitment

body in place, a well-integrated supply chain is vital for continued

the Railways Act not having been

to client satisfaction comes as

success and growth. Working alongside the Croatian Public

clearly defined yet, the company

standard, with core services

Procurement Act and similar European directives, HZ Infrastructure

has

being maintained to the highest

offer open tenders in order to select contractors for large-scale

business plan for 2014-2018

levels

means

projects. European companies that are successful in procuring

that details goals and subsequent

keenly observing the effective

a contract will often use Croatian companies as their chosen

acquisition strategies, in line with

and

subcontractors, allowing for further local economy support and a

anticipated policy changes.

railway

operators

possible. efficient

This

timetabling

of

trains and remaining flexible

compiled

a

mid-term

Naturally, any organisation

genuine personal investment in the success of projects.

when supplementary support

Looking to the future, HZ Infrastructure have some exciting new

that has a deep connection

is called for in order to remain

developments to implement with a new investment cycle and a period

to both its industry and local

voestalpine VAE Leading in turnouts and signalling solutions

voestalpine VAE group, a subsidiary of voestalpine AG, is the global market leader for railway turnout system solutions. Numerous well-known references for High Speed and Heavy Haul applications from all over the world demonstrate our comprehensive competence.

This experience is basis for our longstanding supplies to Croatia and supports the activities of HZI to modernize the Croatian Railway network. voestalpine VAE GmbH Rotenturmstrasse 5-9, A-1010 Vienna Roland Diess, Vice President Sales Ph.: +43 50304 12 8230 roland.diess@voestalpine.com www.voestalpine.com/vae

62 | Endeavour Magazine

economy will be able to demonstrate impressive levels of corporate social responsibility and a commitment to green initiatives. Supporting a number of railway appreciation and sports clubs, despite a limited budget due to the state-owned nature of the company, in excess of one thousand young people benefit every year. In addition to cultural support, educational programmes warning of the dangers of railways are actively promoted with around two thousand children being spoken to by HZ Infrastructure employees last year alone.

Understanding the importance of green awareness and adoption of environmentally friendly procedures, HZ Infrastructure has given focus to sustainability. Pericic commented, “Bearing in mind our pursuit of sustainable business operation, we have a long-term strategic commitment to electrify all the lines which were not electrified so far.�

Though this project will be costly and relatively non-profitable, the company is committed to a greener and more responsible future.

Coupled with significant investment plans and a continued promise to develop the skills and promotion prospects of employees, the awareness of green issues demonstrated by HZ Infrastructure is indicative of a future-proof, responsible company determined to remain at the forefront of their industry.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

TIROLER ROHRE GMBH 0043 5223 503-0 WWW.TRM.AT

64 | Endeavour Magazine

Continually making huge strides in their industry, Tiroler Rohre’s passion for effective water provision and waste water management is matched by just one thing; a deep seated commitment to developing environmentally progressive technology for a more sustainable future. WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

DUCTILE CAST IRON SUCCESS

Endeavour Magazine | 65

TIROLER ROHRE GMBH

Founded in 1947, Tiroler Rohre has enjoyed in excess of 60 years at the forefront of its industry. Originally a family business, drinking water supply and waste water disposal were the only services offered, but thanks to year-on-year organic growth and impressive technological breakthroughs, more products have been added to the incredibly specialist repertoire. Two niche market enterprises that have enjoyed success are ductile cast iron piles ---the TRM Pile System--- and artificial snowmaking pipes joining the offered services list being introduced in 1986.

„When it comes to personal protective equipment we rely on Austria’s biggest technical equipment supplier.“

Karl-Heinz Zündel/ Anton Schwendinger Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH, Wolfurt

S

peaking to Max Kloger, Vice President of Tiroler Rohre and Erich Steinlechner, Head of Pile Systems Endeavour asked the question, what is the secret to the company’s success? The

refreshingly honest answer that followed, “without progress there is no future”, spoke volumes about the organisation as a whole; nothing is extraneous, everything is essential and as a collective, the staff and processes work cohesively to meet desired standards and deadlines.

With a core staff body of 180, a small percentage of the original 1,000 strong workforce, Kloger explains that fewer people does not indicate a decline in quality or production, but rather a more streamlined process that allows for cost-effective savings to be passed onto clients, “There are less people in the company now, due to technological developments. Strides forward in engineering mean that machineoperation now requires less staff. Previously we employed 1000 staff but now 180 staff complete better work and at higher levels of productivity, while incurring smaller salary costs for the company.”

Keen to retain a highly skilled workforce, Tiroler Rohre offer an enticing incentive scheme whereby all staff members are given a monetary target that, through submission of at least two ideas a As the largest supplier of technical equipment in Austria, we stock 100.000 articles and offer expert advice as well as innovative service packages. Contact our customer advisers or visit our E-Shop. www.haberkorn.com

66 | Endeavour Magazine

year, they are asked to translate into cost savings for the company.

Those that are able to identify a process that could benefit from further streamlining are eligible for a financial reward if their idea

Ductile iron under the scanning electron microscope

TIROLER ROHRE GMBH

is implemented and successful.

proclivities for certain tasks and from there, opt to specialise.

relationship

This scheme, called ‘innovation

‘Apprentice camp’ assists with this decision making process, allowing

Offering

management’,

students to change their area of interest for something more suitable.

guarantees for all products and

and

Joining the company from school, most trainees are placed into

services supplied, Tiroler Rohre

development initiatives. Kloger

an initial three-year training programme, educating them not just

has

commented that,

in the use of task-specific tooling, but metalwork as a whole. With

customer base, which looks set

an overarching sense of the material they work with having been

to increase dramatically with

ingrained, staff are then cherry picked for focused areas, depending

new developments and outside

on their abilities.

the box thinking.

sits

comprehensive

alongside

training

“Tiroler Rohre is a typical ductile

cast

iron

process

company in that all of our workers are specially trained and developed to become highly

Interestingly, no two development programmes are the same at Tiroler Rohre, as Kloger comments:

secured

management. comprehensive

an

impressive

Determined to demonstrate a

genuine

affinity

for

skilled in liquid iron procedures.

“There are no standard programmes. Individual development

Other business critical skills

programmes are created for every person, with demonstrable talent

technological

including

maintenance

of

being identified easily due to the small workforce. Each department

Kloger draws attention to the

machines,

marketing

environmentally

sound developments,

and

has a number of development programmes running simultaneously,

company’s underlying ethos of

business development are also

with identifiers of potentially incredible staff members in situ.

‘sustainable and conscious action

supported.”

Weaknesses in skill sets are actively identified, as well as strengths,

is our duty’. Utilising considered

allowing for proactive skill maintenance, personalised productivity

design techniques the company

reports and extra training, where required.”

strives to create new products

Apprenticeships play a key role in the development of staff at Tiroler Rohre, allowing team

Diminutive in size only, the staff body is geared towards industry

that will directly impact on

members to identify natural

excellence and customer satisfaction through effective customer

the economic and ecological

68 | Endeavour Magazine

sustainability within the water industry. An already established

services to include environmentally sound technology. A decidedly tall

Tiroler Rohre procedure is the recycling of scrap iron to make new,

order for lesser or inadequately prepared companies, Tiroler Rohre

high quality pipes and fittings. Impacting on the local environment

has taken it entirely in its stride. Supported by a bank of continually

significantly, last year saw the organisation salvage 5% of all Austrian

developing industry specialists, a desire to invest in new technologies

scrap iron.

and an underlying commitment to living up to the highest standards of

Looking to adopt greener processes wherever possible, the company is excited about its foray into Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) projects and the use of hydroelectric turbines. Focusing on the intended results of such diversification, Steinlechner commented that, “We, as an organization with the unique TRM Piling System, are always seeking to increase sustainability. To this end, most of our new Concentrated Solar Power projects are located in remote regions, where we are helping to reducing the carbon footprint. There is an inherent need for us, as a species, to do something global. What Tiroler Rohre has decided upon is the support in more green energy and less reliance on fossil fuels.”

So what is the secret to the incredible success being enjoyed by Kloger and his team? The answer is not as simple as it first seemed, with ‘progress’ being made through a series of expertly planned and executed streamlining phases and diversification of products and

corporate social responsibility, the future potential of the company is as limitless as the solar energy that looks destined to power it.

“

There is an inherent need for us, as a species, to do something global.

What Tiroler Rohre has decided upon is the support in more green energy and less reliance on fossil fuels.”

Endeavour Magazine | 69

(MODERN INDUSTRIES) AH AND L KISSOON 0059 22250045 WWW.KISSOON-FURNITURE.COM

70 | Endeavour Magazine

The Genesis Of The Kissoon Group

A Story Of Courage, Growth And Success

A prominent feature in Guyana and one of the most epic business stories we’ve featured. Endeavour Magazine speaks with Managing Director Hemraj Kissoon regards the company his late brother established.

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER Endeavour Magazine | 71

(MODERN INDUSTRIES) AH AND L KISSOON

The genesis of the Kissoon Group of Companies can be traced to a small village at the unassumingly named, Number 60, Nurney Village on the Corentyne Coast of Berbice, British Guiana. The founder and visionary Alston Kissoon grew up here and was schooled by his uncle, George Sookhoo, a successful general store owner and bottling of rum merchant who had no children of his own.

T

he genesis of the Kissoon Group of Companies can be traced

Robb &Camp Street in 1950 and would grow from a small dry goods

to a small village at the unassumingly named, Number 60,

store to one of the largest groups responsible for importation and

Nurney Village on the Corentyne Coast of Berbice, British

distribution of merchandise throughout the country.

Guiana. The founder and visionary Alston Kissoon,grew up here and was schooled by his Uncle, George Sookhoo, a successful General StoreOwner and Bottling of Rum Merchant who had no children of his own.

Furniture Furniture came into being by importing and selling locally and these activities resulting in Kissoon Group taking a greater part of the

From a young age Alston worked and learned everything that

market, “An important aspect to take into account is the imposition

would set the background for his future success and even though

of high rate of duties and taxes which stand at 45% on imports while

his education was at primary level his ambition would become such a

freight on furniture was almost 100% of the cost of the goods,”

powerful feature as to make up for it.

Hemraj explains, “It was therefore logical to manufacture the same

The business blossomed after they moved to Georgetown the

type of goods locally.”

Capital City where business and commerce flourished and in 1951

This coincided with changes in the country that, for the time,

he married Lyla Sankar, from one of the most influential families in

encouraged industrialization and gave all concessions necessary,

Guyana. The Sankar’s were the owners of a number of businesses

including the land, tax holiday, free entry of plant and machinery and

including a Sugar Plantation in Suriname, several coconut estates,

raw materials. This was the birthing ground of Modern Industries

cinemas, hardware stores, dealers in General Motors, Mercedes and

Limited.

Volkswagen Vehicles.

Together, as each of them were well established in the business world, worked together and opened their Store at the corner of

Modern Industries Limited Modern Industries Limited was formed to handle all the

“The people who buy from us are not our customers; they are our family.”

Hemraj Kissoon, Managing Director 72 | Endeavour Magazine

“

This entire operation presently provides employment for approximately two hundred and fifty men and women; and it has been management’s policy over the years to keep abreast with the latest technology.�

(MODERN INDUSTRIES) AH AND L KISSOON

manufacturing in 1961 and between 1961 and 1974, the company

has since continued to operate as one of the largest furniture

grew by leaps and bounds. It was a period however marked by a

manufacturing outfits in Guyana and the Caribbean. The factory itself

number of tragedies. However, in 1966 the founder and head died

has the installed capacity to produce wooden, upholstered and metal

on an Air India crash over the Alps and in 1974 another tragedy saw

furniture to suit the varied tastes of Guyana households and offices as

the entire plant destroyed by fire.

well as many of their customers in the Caribbean.

“It was a real disaster,” Hemraj describes, “And the same night the

Concurrently, the foam plant manufactures polyurethane high

then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham offered us additional sites to

density foam and some of this is used in the furniture plant for making

have the factory established as early as possible to accommodate the

upholstered goods such as mattresses, pillows, cushions, and other

700 odd workers.”

soft furnishings. The remaining portion is sold to other merchants and

However, within weeks, the Kissoons were back in operation by

manufacturers.

making use to several buildings that had been purchased previously

The metal plant operates in conjunction with the furniture factory

but not used and after the fire, a new Foam Plant, Carpet Plant and

in the production of office and outdoor furniture, beds and cots,

Lamp Plant were added.

restaurant and auditorium seating.

“Within a year business was running as usual,” he adds, “And the

“This entire operation presently provides employment for

200,000 sq. ft. Complex was rebuilt with better showrooms and

approximately two hundred and fifty men and women,” Hemraj tells

machines.”

us, “And it has been management’s policy over the years to keep

Three separate and distinct operations make up Modern

abreast with the latest technology.”

Industries Limited, unique in their own right they all complement

With this in mind, The Furniture Plant is constantly upgrading its

each other. Specifically these are the furniture factory, foam plant and

machines and future capabilities. It has its fully equipped workshop,

the metal plant.

assembly plant, finish plant, humidifying and solar dryer and a lumber

The furniture factory was established in the early 1960’s and

yard and saw milling complex that are now being upgraded

Abary Cattle Ranch Company Limited In 1977 the group acquired the Abary cattle Ranch Company Limited which had originally been established in 1915 by the British Government. With an area of 18,000 acres, about four thousand heads of beef cattle.

During this very busy period, Kissoon Group acquired an office, high-rise building and built a housing complex. Unfortunately, these were confiscated in 1983 at the far lesser 1939 prices. This was a real blow to the company, but the Kissoon Group by this stage had a reputation for overcoming every obstacle put in front of them.

“During the 1990’s the Government favoured low cost housing and we went into a joint venture with a Cuban Company to build houses that were factory made,” Hemraj says, “It was established, but did not work out because of the change in the Government’s land policy. So we continued building the traditional way. A model expected at the Good Hope Housing Scheme.”

“We are seriously involving ourselves in forestry and aquaculture,” he continues, “A hundred thousand acres forestry concession is being developed. The Abary Cattle Ranch Company Limited is where we will enhance our cattle breed, aquaculture and rice products.”.

Leadership The company’s Chairperson, Mrs. Lyla Kissoon and Managing Director, Mr. Hemraj Kissoon are still highly active in the business.

Hemraj Kissoon, a keen fisherman, hunter and golfer, joined the firm in 1952, brother of Alston Kissoon and another brother Churchill Kissoon became the Plant Manager in 1964. With them there are several other family members in different sections of the business.

74 | Endeavour Magazine

A fine example of personal and business development, Hemraj is also a Director and one of the founders of Demerara Bank Limited, Vice Chairman and Director of Trust Company (Guyana) Limited (formerly Royal Bank Trust), Director of Small Business Development Finance, Life Member of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association Ltd, Founder Member of GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin), Founder Member of the Indian Commemoration Trust.

“All our Managers are trained from the bottom up,” Hemraj explains, “The office complex is managed by the Secretary of the Company and able staff. It has the sales, showroom, delivery section, stock room, staff facilities.”

Staff members are trained in house, making use of the latest techniques including seminars and the use of computers, all of which is funded by the Kissoon Group. Lyla Kissoon takes care of the charitable organizations and education..

With products all over the country through wholesalers and their

Come

GROW with

US

www.demerarabank.com

own branches, Hemraj is very proud of their quality and service, “Most of what people would call complaints are actually queries and we look to solve them immediately. The people who buy from us are not our customers; they are our family, so to speak.”

Endeavour Magazine | 75

RADIO ST LUCIA 001 758 4522 337 WWW.RSLONLINE.COM

76 | Endeavour Magazine

Sometimes you have to step in and shake things up. This is especially true when taking a flagging product that is being left behind by competitors because the historic value of its name is proving to be the deadweight pulling it down, “Radio St Lucia is one of the oldest radio stations in St Lucia,” General Manager Claude Emmanuel opens up, “And I was given the appointment as GM in October 2012 to not only increase and revitalize the listening audience but change the consciousness of the radio station itself.” WRITTEN BY DONNIE RUST

BRINGING INTO SOCIAL NETWORKING

Radio

Endeavour Magazine | 77

RADIO ST LUCIA

The youngest General Manager in the history of Radio St Lucia, Mc Claude Emmanuel has enjoyed a diverse career that has not always been involved in radio. With his formal education being in economics and business management he admits to always having had an active interest in social media marketing, managing Facebook pages for company websites and developing an intrinsic understanding of the online topography which has been crucial for the new direction that Radio St Lucia has taken under his leadership.

“I

served as a director at Radio St Lucia prior to being appointed

to sacrifice them for the purposes of being seen as a purely young

as the general manager,” Mc Claude explains, “Which allowed

station,” he explains, “The shows we have now include programmes on

me the chance to get a very solid impression of where things

youth, health, policing and policies, social securities, live guests and

stood and what needed to be prioritized in terms of taking action.

Since then we’ve undergone a much needed transformation.”

interviews and entertainment news.”

He goes on to add how one of the important moves was to change

As with all media, there is a life cycle for radio stations. Historically

the on air personalities and in doing so brought a wealth of new

they have always served as a voice for the listeners and has, as a

talent, experience and potential to the radio station, “We revamped

medium, seamlessly joined with the internet, standing its ground in

the entire manner in which we reach our audience,” he continues, “We

popularity. However, Mc Claude explained that lack of a fresh update

redid the website turning it into something that was engaging and

has seen Radio St Lucia falling into decline for a couple of years now.

attractive and we established a new Facebook Page and Twitter Page

“Radio St Lucia is known for information,” he elaborates, “And a lot

for us to directly engage our listeners. It’s important to them that

of young people have gravitated to more youth friendly stations. If we

they are able to link directly with their favourite personalities, which

were going to bring listeners back to Radio St Lucia we would have to

encourages stronger loyalties to our station and programmes.”

start with what we could offer people to listen to.”

The changes were not purely to the airwaves alone. Understanding

A series of new programmes has been implemented to revitalize

that people always become a product of their environment over the

the product. Since Feb 2013 a total of fifteen new, fresh programmes

past year, over $300 000 has been invested into refurbishing the

have been launched catering towards all demographics.

plant, “The station had become a bit of an eyesore,” Mc Claude says,

“We have always had dedicated listeners and we were not going

“As a building it had not been looked after, which had a significant

“We have always had dedicated listeners and we were not going to sacrifice them for the purposes of being seen as a purely young station.”

78 | Endeavour Magazine

RADIO ST LUCIA

effect upon the radio personalities themselves, after all how can

Claude says, “But in 2012 the

Immersion is the key,” he

you feel like a valuable member of the team if your premises are not

station was in a better position

continues, “We get stuck in with

valued?”

and was ranked sixth out of

the crowds with live broadcasts

sixteen on the island. In 2013 we

from events keeping it fun and

were ranked at number three.”

lively. We also interact with

Some of the changes included repair of the studios and a new newsroom. Other aesthetic repairs gave it a fresh feeling that suited the new targets and motives.

Understanding what an employee needs comes naturally to Mc

Much of the success has come

from

combined

encourage everyone to get in

Claude who comes from a human resource background, “Radio St

efforts of hitting social media

touch. The response to our new

Lucia didn’t have any sort of HR policy prior to my appointment. So

like

Mc

format has been overwhelming

one of the first things I did was to create a performance management

Claude relates how the older

and we are very appreciative

system,”

stakeholders simply did not

of the support and want to give

Through this every employee gets personal targets to achieve, to

grasp the power and importance

back as often as we can.”

help them develop and grow and to facilitate the development of an

of social networking for the

2014 will see a continuation

environment where meeting targets is valued they have yearly formal

ongoing and future success of

and a doubling of the efforts to

appraisals for each employee moving up the management chain.

their product:

further expose and enrapture

never

their

listeners online and actively

before

and

These assessments are incredibly important to provide

“They used to feel that it was

new listeners through the media

benchmarks for people to strive to achieve on an individual basis and

social and not professional,” he

of social networking, which will

it keeps everyone working together in the same director direction

laments, “But the two are the

include such developments to

towards a common goal. This has already had a quantifiable affect.

same and now we are big in all

further encourage and enhance

media including

connectivity

“Radio St Lucia had fallen significantly in the popularity polls since the 1980s when lack of major competition had us at the number slot,”

80 | Endeavour Magazine

newspapers,

FaceBook, Twitter and Youtube.

through

the

Radio St Lucia radio app that is

currently being developed.

“The Radio App will make listening to Radio St Lucia incredible easy and convenient and will also keep us on the cutting edge which is exactly where we want to be if we are going to reach this top spot,” The addition of new technology aside there is one key development that will help push this radio station higher up the ranks and eventually beyond the reach of the competition.

“The National Television Network (NTN) and Radio St Lucia will be merging together to form the National Broadcast Network (NBN) and will act as a major influence to the populace of the island,” Mc Claude tells us, “The government feel that this is the best way to create a synergy between the two networks. Bringing them under one operational roof with one board of directors put in place to oversee the day to day activities.”

As many of the other radio stations have forged relationships with TV channels, this merger between the two government owned broadcasters will create a powerhouse of activities that will open up new possibilities and broaden their offering for advertisers and marketing as well as giving them even more scope as far as audience.

“It is going to be a benefit to us all,” Mc Claude concludes.

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Endeavour Magazine | 81

WILMAR 0065 6216 0244 WWW.WILMAR.COM.SG

82 | Endeavour Magazine

Ranked amongst the largest of the listed companies by market capitalization on the Singapore Stock Exchange, with its head quarters in Singapore Wilmar International has been the leading agribusiness group in Asia since its inception in 1991 and recently was credited as The World’s Most Admired Company, ranked 2nd in Food Production Industry, by Fortune Magazine.

WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

INTEGRITY EXCELLENCE PASSION INNOVATION AND Teamwork SAFETY

Endeavour Magazine | 83

WILMAR

Part of their success has been their speedy expansion, for example in 2010 they took their first steps into the sugar industry by acquiring Sucrogen Limited, the largest raw sugar producer and refiner in Australia, and PT Jawamanis Rafinasi, a leading sugar refinery in Indonesia. Immediately expanding their presence globally this led to another acquisition in 2011 of PT Duta Sugar International in Indonesia, Proserpine Mill in Australia and Natural Oleo chemicals, a leading oleo chemicals producer with significant market share in Europe and Asia and a growing presence in the USA.

T

his has been followed in 2014 in Singapore with a new joint venture in Myanmar. Working with Great Wall Food Stuff Company to produce and sell sugar and its by-products.

Holding a 55% stake in the company Wilmar Holdings acquired all the existing sugar-related business, mills and plants of Great Wall and its associates. These include two sugar mills with a total milling capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes of sugarcane per day and a total production capacity of 65,000 metric tonnes of sugar per year, a bio-ethanol plant and an organic compound fertiliser plant.

Diversification, not only of industry but also of location has ensured a solid global presence which is very much the model of corporate giants today.

“In 2012 and 2013 we invested $250 million into the construction of a petrochemical refinery in Gresik East Java,” Jeremy Goon explains, “And $300 million to construct a flour mill and bio-refinery plant in Gresik. “ It appears that a substantial part of Wilmar is setting up shop and laying down the groundwork for future development and growth.

Their business activities include palm oil cultivation, biodiesel and fertiliser manufacturing and grain processing and at the core of Wilmar’s strategy is a resilient integrated agribusiness model that encompasses the entire value chain of the agricultural commodity processing business, from origination and processing to branding, merchandising and distribution of a wide range of agricultural products.

Footprint And Staff With over 400 manufacturing plants and an extensive distribution network covering China, India, Indonesia and some 50 other countries the Group employs a staggering multinational workforce of 84 | Endeavour Magazine

90,000 people. Considering the tidal impact of their presence upon the nature and being the axis around which much of the food industry supply chain revolves it is surprising how so few of the consumers at the end even know of their existence.

With this in mind, Wilmar’s portfolio of high quality processed agricultural products is the preferred choice of the food manufacturing industry, as well as the industrial and consumer food catering businesses. Its consumer-packed products occupy a leading share in its targeted markets. Through scale, integration and the logistical advantages of its business model, Wilmar is able to extract margins at every step of the value chain, thereby reaping operational synergies and cost efficiencies.

RSPO As a member of the RSPO (Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil) who share a vision to make sustainable palm oil the norm, Wilmar comes with the hefty task of conducting themselves in a manner befitting their status as one of the global leaders in this industry. Their approach to this end has included all the major areas of their business.

“As one of the largest oil palm plantation owners in Indonesia and Malaysia,” Jeremy tells us, in explaining the lengths of their corporate approach, “Our oil palm plantations are strategically located in the various regions of Malaysia and Indonesia where the climatic conditions are suitable for planting oil palms.”

“As our spread is so varied with cultures, people and locations it

To best make use of the weather conditions, in Indonesia their

is important for us to maintain a structured mandate of approach,”

plantations are located in Sumatra, West Kalimantan and Central

Jeremy specifies, “To ensure this we have a structured set of values

Kalimantan with is in the southern region while in Malaysia, they are

that are known throughout our workforce and up through the entire

located in the states of Sabah and Sarawak.

corporate structure.”

“The Group, through joint ventures also owns oil palm plantations

Integrity, Excellence, Passion, Innovation, Teamwork and Safety,

in Ghana, Uganda and West Africa,” he tells us, “Approximately

simplicity is the key to managing people. The expectations for every

247,081 a hectare (ha) of planted area of which about 74% is located

employee are easily communicable and easily understood and it’s this

in Indonesia, 24% in East Malaysia and 2% in Africa.”

simple but strong approach which can be directly attributed to the vast expanse of this country.

Under the Plasma Scheme, Wilmar manage approximately 38,021 ha of oil palm plantations in Indonesia. The Plasma Programme is an

Endeavour Magazine | 85

WILMAR

initiative designed for the development of oil palm plantations for

being field planted with commercial harvesting commencing six

smallholders by a developer of plantations.

months later. Although low at first the fruit yield increases as the palm

“We are committed to purchasing all the fruits produced by the small landholders’ plantations,” he states, “And intend to grow our plantation business through greenfield projects and acquisitions to better tap into the ever growing demand for palm oil.”

matures,” it is clearly a long-term commitment, “Fully mature oil palms produce 18 to 30 metric tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per hectare.”

The milling of these fresh fruit bunches takes place within twenty four hours of harvesting, where they are first transferred to the palm

Wilmar is committed to the use of best management practices,

oil mills for sterilisation by applying high-pressure steam, whereupon

which include good field and harvesting standards and timely

the palm fruits are enzyme-deactivated and separated from the palm

application of fertilisers to optimise crop yields. With stringent

bunches.

corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and procedures

After steaming, the palm fruitlets are crushed in a pressing

ensuring their plantations are developed in an environmentally and

machine to obtain crude palm oil and palm kernel. Waste and water

socially responsible manner everything from the cultivation of the

is then cleared and separated by means of a centrifuge. The cleared

seeds to the harvesting of the final product over a palm-oil lifespan of

crude palm oil emerging from the centrifuge is then sent for refining

twenty five years.

while the palm kernel nut is sent for crushing and the liquid waste

“A scientific approach to the cultivation and production is pivotal to reaching maximum yield,” Jeremy points out, “For example once a

material arising from the process is recycled as fertiliser in the plantations.

seedling has spent a year in the nursery it is put into the field and the

As part of Wilmar’s integrated business model, they own a fleet

young palms are planted about nine metres apart resulting in 128 to

of vessels which caters primarily to their in-house needs, improving

140 trees per hectare.

the flexibility and efficiency of their logistics operations. The shipping

“Generally oil palms begin to produce fruits 30 months after

operation is managed by Raffles Shipping Corporation Pte Ltd a subsidiary of Wilmar.

A driving force to every industry leader is research and development and the lengths that this company goes to ensure that they are ahead of the curve in all new movements and changes are remarkable.

“Wilmar’s research and development takes place in China, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Russia and Germany,” Jeremy outlines, “Aiming to improve current processing technology and products and develop green and white biotechnology, creating new product concepts that support healthy living.”

In China, the R&D focus is primarily on edible oils, specialty fats; food technology, oleo chemicals, flavour chemistry, food ingredients and cereal processing while in Indonesia activities include research into agronomic traits of palm oil. The cloning of key oil palm genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, environmentally friendly approaches to controlling or preventing oil palm diseases, bio fertilisers and the use of microbes to improve plant growth and for waste treatment are just some of the areas that are being looked at right now.

Besides supporting Wilmar’s business and brands, their research and development efforts also focus on providing sustainable solutions to optimise resources, reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impact.

“One such example is the rice milling operations in China where paddy husks, a major by-product of the milling process, are used to generate electricity,” Jeremy concludes, “It is through these sort of developments and this innovative thinking that keeps us ahead.”

86 | Endeavour Magazine

KULIM 0060 7 861 1611 WWW.KULIM.COM.MY

88 | Endeavour Magazine

KEEPING PRODUCTION

Prosperous WRITTEN BY KATIE RICHARDSON

As a fervent leader in an industry coping with world-wide criticism and concern, Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad is determined to maintain sustainable initiatives and environmental preservation in its palm oil productions, as well as ‘commit to the highest standards in ethics, integrity and professionalism’

Endeavour Magazine | 89

KULIM

Palm oil production has come under fierce scrutiny in recent years, particularly regarding product extraction. The industry has been linked to serious environmental fears, especially habitat degradation; animal cruelty; indigenous rights abuses; and deforestation in the plantation areas.

“T

he road to sustainability is not always easy, and setbacks

its ISO accreditation obtained by its own and contracted operating

can occur,” remarks Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad’s chairman,

units, reflects its concerns to adhere to extremely high product and

Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim. “But, like our crops, we

plantation standards. A culture of awareness is prevalent across all

continue to grow and increase yields for people and the planet. We

organisations processes, and is designed to achieve both stakeholder

are poised for big changes ahead and we look forward to the new

and customer satisfaction. As a result, Kulim (M) Bhd has received

challenges.”

several awards from international industry bodies, highlighting

Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad started its operations of a 190-hectare rubber plantation in Johor, Malaysia in 1947 under the name Kulim

its corporate commitment towards both sustainable business and quality produce.

Rubber Plantations Ltd. A little over 20 years later, in 1970, the

From planting and harvesting, to sterilisation and pressing,

company starting listing shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE)

Kulim (M) Bhd is dedicated to making the whole palm oil production

under the new name Kulim Group Ltd (KGL). A property portfolio was

process sustainable. The company has made several changes and

next in line for the oil palm company just three years later, and KGL

implemented various measures in the last four years in order to

expanded in the UK and with hotels in the Caribbean.

uphold the fundamentals of its sustainability strategy.

The group was incorporated and made public in 1975, and KGL

“We have divested our oleochemicals [chemicals derived from

started developing into a subsidiary of Kulim (M) Bhd. Over the last

plant and animal fats] business and are in the process of divesting our

30 years, the group has continually expanded in the sector, diversified

foods and restaurants business,” says Kamaruzzaman. “We have also

its operations and consolidated its assets. Consequently, Kulim (M)

acquired additional oil palm estates, allowing us to strengthen and

Bhd averages a five-year yield per hectare of 23.50 tonnes and is now

develop our sustainable agri-business model. Our commitments to

one of the palm oil industry’s most powerful players.

sustainable agriculture are now central to our business strategy.”

Supportable development

With the conviction of such strong corporate responsibility pledges behind it, the group was one of the very first palm oil producers to be

The company has stringent corporate policies concerning

certified to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil standard in 2009.

sustainable development, and its main objective concerns maintaining

The company is also dedicated to its 30:30 initiate which aims to raise

high yield levels while retaining best practice product extraction.

fruit yields to 30 tonnes per hectare and palm product extraction

It is committed to a philosophy of total quality management, and

rates to 30%. Kulim (M) Bhd’s Sustainability Report 2010/2011 notes

“We know from surveys and focus groups that our employees are generally happy to work for us. We have focused on strengthening our decision making and management to allow for a better working climate.”

Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim, Chairman of Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad

90 | Endeavour Magazine

KULIM

that: “A voluntary standard, the RSPO’s international credibility and

Bhd also strives to be an employer of choice at a local level. In 2009,

commitment to stakeholder inclusion makes the certification credible

the company pledged to do more for members of staff at the lower

and robust, though there are always opportunities for improvements.

end of the pay scale. “Since then, most of these employees have been

We believe that it represents the most responsible way to grow oil

given the opportunity to earn additional income and housing and

palm. All our planted areas meet the stringent RSPO Principles and

facilities provided to our employees have also been upgraded,” says

Criteria for sustainable palm oil production.”

Kamaruzzaman. “We are also focusing on end-of-career training, contributing to fulfilling, active and decent retirement for our

Workforce sustainment As well as demonstrating concentrated global efforts, Kulim (M)

employees.”

Alongside improvements to complex health and safety issues and working conditions, another noteworthy endeavour for the company is gender equality amongst its workforce. “Our Women OnWards’ initiative goes from strength to strength, increasing opportunities

“

for women at all levels,” says Kamaruzzaman. “We are also supportive of the recommendations adopted by the Government and Bursa Malaysia that 30% of decision-makers in PLCs should be female.

Our commitments to sustainable agriculture are now central to our business strategy.”

“Perhaps such targets will one day be obsolete, but our experiences show that support and encouragement of women is crucial.”

Although hefty recruitment of oil plant workers is commonplace in fast growing industries in Indonesia and Africa, Kamaruzzaman is confident of retaining a valued workforce: “We know from surveys and focus groups that our employees are generally happy to work for us,” he says. “We have focused on strengthening our decision making and management to allow for a better working climate.”

Recent developments In August 2013, it was reported that Kulim (M) Bhd would raise its stake in associate company New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NBPOL) to a controlling level after an impressive result in terms of yields and palm product extraction. “When there are good business opportunities and the timing is right, you should not miss them or let them go,” Kamaruzzaman said at the time. “The offer to increase our investment in NBPOL represents a vote of confidence. It also represents a vote of confidence in the growth prospects of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the other markets that NBPOL serves.”

However, the Papua New Guinea government has since rejected the bid as it wants to give more business opportunities back to its own people. Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry Richard Maru announced in September 2013: “The government will in the future ask Kulim to sell down some of its shares to the respective provincial governments where the assets of NBPOL are located and the Government will not allow anymore attempt by Kulim to buy anymore shares from New Britain Palm Oil.” However, lucrative prospects do remain on the horizon: as of March 2014, Kulim (M) Bhd turned a particularly successful corner after chalking a net profit of RM3.39m (£626,250) at the end of the fourth quarter in December 2013, from a net loss of RM39.4m (£7.28m) a year ago. The company also reported a 104% hike in net profit for the full financial year in 2013, from RM211m (£38.97m) in 2012 to RM431m (£79.6m).

92 | Endeavour Magazine

Kamaruzzaman says the oil

new

business

opportunities,

palm division will remain Kulim

particularly in the oil and gas

(M) Bhd’s main business activity,

industry as well as selective

but it is actively looking at ways

property

to develop, strengthen and grow

see Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s

operations. “We are continuously

Refinery

exploring new land opportunities

Integrated

from time to time for our oil palm

Rapid project in Pengerang,

business both locally and abroad,”

Johor, as a good platform to

he stresses. Although Kulim (M)

offer support services to the

Bhd dissociated itself from an

oil and gas players there,” says

Indonesian investment in 2007,

Kamaruzzaman. Regardless of

Kamaruzzaman does not dismiss

acquisition or expansion plans,

the possibility of returning, as

it seems the group’s sustainable

Malaysian

development

landowner

prices

development. and

“We

Petrochemical

Development

or

initiatives,

were “too exorbitant” for oil palm

commitment to employees and

cultivation.

high yield levels will continue to

The company will continue

deliver successful results.

ATG is a leading palm oil mill construction specialist with vast experience in design and construct, fabrication works and also an authorized supplier of crucial machines & spares necessary for driving the oil palm industry.

its strategy to capitalise on

AWAN TIMUR GROUP

Innovative • Technology Driven Dedicated Team • Reliable • Experienced

Endeavour Magazine | 93

SHIN YANG SHIPPING 0060 85 6044 99 WWW.SHINYANG.COM.MY

94 | Endeavour Magazine

Up

SAILS

Also known as Syscorp, Shin Yang Shipping was incorporated on 24th February 1983 and this was the birthing moment of Shin Yang’s many sister companies and subsidiaries and marked their growth into the huge conglomerate of companies that they are now. Considering their positioning as the leading corporation with diversified business activities such as construction, shipping both domestic and international, real estate, plantations, quarrying and other small businesses the growth has been unparalleled in just a short period of ten years. WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER Endeavour Magazine | 95

SHIN YANG SHIPPING

Responsible for a seismic shift in the region’s shipping industry and one of the largest family owned groups in Malaysia with footholds in every major industry, SHIN YANG Shipping Sdn Bhd (Syscorp) forms one of the major factions of the corporation. Growing step by step together with the Malaysian Industry we spoke with Chief Executive Officer Captain Ting Hien Liong regarding his company.

D

uring the time of the wooden and metal boats revolution in Miri during the 70s, SHIN YANG Shipping Sdn Bhd took over Piasau Slipways Sdn Bhd at Piasau Industrial Estate.

This Company’s main operation was to build tugboats, barges, small vessels and provide ship repairs services. For economic reasons and growth, Piasau Slipways Sdn Bhd constructed a new shipyard in Kuala Baram to cater for larger landing crafts and hopper barges to serve the shipping needs to its related companies both domestically and globally.

“By 1994, SHIN YANG Shipping Sdn Bhd had expanded their shipping services through the establishment of Shinline Sdn Bhd and subsequently, Thailine Sdn Bhd to serve the international shipping sector,” he says, “With this in mind, the international plying Vessels are mainly for Time/spot Carter, container carrier and bulk carrier under the two companies. To facilitate this several Japanese built vessels varying from 7000 to 10000t were purchased from the Japanese to cater for Malaysia and Japan trade.”

Making your every move count.

Kalmar offers the widest range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to the heavy industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner in terminal automation and in energy efficient container handling, with one in four container movements around the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through its extensive product portfolio, global service network and ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move.

In 1995 SHIN YANG Shipping extended her services to International Shipping with the creation of Shinline Sdn Bhd. At the same time Piasau Slipways also set out her new factories at Kuala Baram which is where the present Piasau Slipways Sdn Bhd located.

Three years later in 1998, Thailine Sdn Bhd., one of the international shipping’s megastars was formed.

CARGOTEC TERMINAL SOLUTIONS (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD Tel: (60)-3-3176 2998

Fax: (60)-3-3176 2996

Website: www.kalmarasia.com Email: collin.swee@kalmarglobal.com

Markets With the aggressive development and advancement of the oil and gas industry especially with technology focussed on welding and

96 | Endeavour Magazine

fabrication, SHIN YANG Shipyard Sdn Bhd was established in the last century in 1999 and commenced its operation in vessels construction, repairs and fabrications for the local and international markets. Due to this, the company is one of the first few companies to achieve and obtain ISO 9002 certification in shipbuilding, maintenance and related metal fabrication activities placing them firmly ahead of any

The UNI-TANK SYSTEM is the most advanced flexible bulk handling system in the world. Its features include:

competition within the region.

“To date, the corporation has a total number of three hundred vessels trading around the Asian region,” Captain Ting Hien Liong tells us, “These include tugboats, a range of barges, coastal cargo vessels, ocean going cargo vessels, chemical tankers, glue barges, piling barges, anchor handling tug, supply vessels, offshore supply vessels and offshore utility vessels.”

He adds that for the international markets, they also build supply vessels, transportation vessel and patrol vessels for navy use in particular for the UAE market.

Symbol of Quality

New Developments Prospects are bright for the Shin Yang Shipping Corp Bhd (Syscorp) shipbuilding and ship-repair operations, as group financial controller Richard Ling said late last year the group’s ongoing shipbuilding contracts were worth RM762mil, with most of them secured in 2013, meaning 2014 will be a period of action and consolidation.

DESB Marine Services, owned by Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd, have already entered into a shipbuilding contract with Shin Yang Shipyard Sdn Bhd for the construction of an offshore accommodation workboat worth RM70mil.

Syscorp group is already currently building twenty five vessels that will add to Shin Yang’s already substantial fleet of supply boats, landing craft, tugs and barges.

“The order-book for new-build vessels can keep us busy for the next two years. The group is constantly looking for new business and bidding for new contracts,” Richard was quoted as saying.

These developments have extended the group’s shipbuilding capacity after major upgrading works to its shipyards and it is due to

“

To date, the corporation has a total number of three hundred vessels trading around the Asian region.”

these same developments that they are now so heavily focussed on building bigger vessels.

In 2013, Syscorp’s ship-repair business grew about 15% as more ships were docked for maintenance and repair works benefitting themselves from a wider array of services from Syscorp. As an example, before the end of June 2013, the group had repaired 390 vessels, including 144 delivered in the fourth quarter.

The shipbuilding and ship-repair segment’s revenue in 2013 surged an incredible 70% to RM304.4mil from RM177.8mil in 2012 and the segment’s operational profit improved to RM7.6mil from RM6.9mil and the credit falls directly on Syscorp’s shipping operations as the main contributor to group revenue. Over and above this the containerised cargo volume had risen more than 20% in the months leading to 2014.

Endeavour Magazine | 97

NORA DUNN Professional Hobo

BY DONNIE RUST

N

ora Dunn introduces herself as a professional hobo, a woman who has travelled the world, visiting some of the most sublime and breathtaking locations in the

world and has been doing so since 2007. An intrepid spirit of the sort that H. Rider Haggard would have leapt at the opportunity to write about Nora is the sort of adventurer and horizon seeker that you cannot come into contact with and not feel inspired.

Proof, in many ways, that you can achieve absolutely anything you want in life Nora has been on the move for over seven years. Travelling across Canada where she lived in the Rocky Mountains for seven months, Hawaii where she lived for six months, Australia and New Zealand for over two years, Grenada, Switzerland, Panama and Peru and to fly in the face of everyone’s first excuse as to why they don’t travel, she has been managing to do so in a financial stable manner.

Originally from Canada the thirty seven year old has no fixed address and has been blogging since 2006. In addition to the locations mentioned above she’s also travelled extensively through and spent up to a month in various European destinations, ranging from Spain to Denmark, Ireland to Russia and many Asian destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal.

Renowned for travelling professionally in a financial sustainable fashion, Nora has single handedly become an icon for travel bloggers across the planet seeking to emulate her simple approach to hitting the horizon.

“I was a certified financial planner in a former life,” she

“I love just about everywhere in the world.”

98 | Endeavour Magazine

explains, “In 2006 I sold everything I owned, which included my practice and combined my experience in personal finance and the skills I had learnt in lifestyle design with a deep passion

and experience in travelling to develop a location independent

Accommodation Around the

experiencing somewhere just

career as a freelance writer.”

World.

as a surface level.

Nora explains that this created a perfect niche for her

Nora testifies to having insatiable

appetite

This

is

also

Nora’s

writing, since you do need money to travel and now she writes

an

for

profession, “I’ve been doing

about travel for many financial publications such as Wise Bread,

travelling, “I love just about

this fulltime since 2007 and it’s

Credit Walk, Care One, Amex, Capital One, and others.

everywhere in the world, but

another reason I like to travel

“I write about finance for many travel publications such as

I like experiencing the world

slowly, it gives me more time

Transitions Abroad, Flight Network, Vagabondish, and many

at a slower pace than just

to experience the local culture

more,” she adds, “I cover topics such as how to travel with credit

another holiday maker. So

and also to help me get my

cards, how to travel indefinitely with carry-on luggage only, and

instead of throwing a dart at a

work done.”

how to maximize frequent flyer miles.”

map and travelling as a tourist

On her site www.theprofessionalhobo.com, Nora combines two main routes to travelling sustainably. Firstly, showing people

I’ll travel to a location for an opportunity,”

Professional Hobo “I run my business as

how to travel full-time in a financially sustainable way both

Most often Nora finds

The Professional Hobo and

through travelling creatively and inexpensively with techniques

there’s an opportunity to live in

international freelance writer,

such as getting free accommodation by volunteering or house-

a place for a while through free

on my own,” Nora explains,

sitting, using frequent flyer miles and exploring slow travel and

accommodation, such as house

“Although

secondly highlighting ways to earn money on the road such

sitting or volunteering and this

some jobs on a one-off basis

as with a location independent career, working holiday visas,

allows her to sample the local

whenever I can.”

teaching English.

I

do

outsource

life in many destinations over

Nora is very honest when

To help others achieve this Nora features regular Financial

time, travelling slowly and

speaking about how Time

Travel Tips, where she offers a free 2-week e-course on how

understanding the daily life

management and life balance

to travel full-time in a financially sustainable way and she’s

and local culture rather than

while

also written a few books, including one on How to Get Free

simply passing through and

one of her biggest challenges

travelling

has

been

Endeavour Magazine | 99

on the road and continues to be. She goes on to highlight that

be done online as well and for researching or creating links.

there is a big different between travelling on a holiday where, as

However, despite this between managing her Triberr accounts

a tourist, you hit all the attractions in a set period of time and

and responding to tweets, Nora spend probably about 15

being a professional traveller who has to work.

minutes per day on Twitter.

“Although my location independent career is very freeing,”

“Social networking is very important to my career,” Nora tells

she continues, “it also requires time and energy and nowadays

us, “Since it’s a platform for not only engaging with readers and

WiFi. Social media and answering emails in particular is a

colleagues, but also a way to promote the articles I write for my

somewhat relentless task that requires almost daily attention.

site and other publications. Editors pay me well for my ability

It’s rewarding, but something that can suck a day away if I’m not

to promote content through my extensive social networks, and

careful.

sponsors and PR reps require strong social networks.”

I try to do my social media work in one spurt each day (taking about half an hour) and then log out of all my accounts. Emails are tackled on more of an as-and-when basis, taking up to a few hours daily I also try to do this in one spurt and not pay too much attention to new emails until the next day,” This leaves time for her writing, much of which needs to

100 | Endeavour Magazine

Some Of The Professional Hobo’s Best Places A traveller through and through, Nora has a unique perspective on the places she visits and lives brought about

by venturing to a place not

including New Zealand, Switzerland, France, and most recently,

only to visit, but to learn and

Peru.”

Once the weather starts getting chilly in the northern

be changed by that place so

However, “Russia did nothing for me, and Norway was a little

hemisphere’s autumn, you can

the question as to where her

expensive for my taste,” she laments, “The Caribbean island of

expect to see Nora hopping

favourite or least favourite

Grenada, which was a former favourite probably won’t be on

back down to the southern

places are, is not as simple to

my hit list again either, since leaving there also meant leaving a

hemisphere either to Peru,

answer as one might think:

relationship and I’m not sure I could see myself living there on

Colombia, or New Zealand

my own again.”

to enjoy the sunshine and

And Where Will The Professional Hobo Be Going In The Future

warmth.

“Travel is very contextual; the most beautiful sunset in the world could be lost on you if your heart was just broken,” she explains, “So my favourite

“I’m waiting for the next opportunity to come knocking,” she

places might not be another

says when speaking about where her next destination will be,

person’s. Having said that,

“I expect that I’ll be spending a chunk of this summer in Europe

there are a few destinations

– possibly house-sitting in Switzerland, visiting some friends in

I’m continually drawn back to,

Italy, and or maybe renting a place in Amsterdam or Corsica.”

“But that’s all far too much planning for The Professional Hobo; let’s see what happens!” she concludes happily.

Endeavour Magazine | 101

Florida Tattoo Artist

JEFF COVELL

BY SHANNAH LAUREN

T

wisted Image Tattoo is an award-winning studio in Port St. Lucie, Florida, approx. one and a half hours North from Miami. The artists of the studio include Jeff Covell, Hiedi

Gotz, Nick Coffinas, Erek Lanier, Faith Helvey, Ryan Stonsifer, Kacie Gauthier, and Angelica Perez. The team covers everything from traditional, complex, black-and-gray, full color, etc. Covell is not only one of the artists, but also the owner of both studios. He has been tattooing for over twenty years, specializing in portrait and realism. His portfolio contains pieces of which he has taken an image and transformed it into a majestically realistic tattoo.

Love is for eternity, and what’s a better way of honoring love than by carrying them with you for the rest of your life. Covell offers this to you, while the studios he runs are very heart-warming and

“

family orientated. You couldn’t ask for a better environment at Twisted Image Tattoo, as they make sure you feel right at home.

I make it a point to have at least one weekend day off a week so that I can do things with my wife, and children.

We were honored to be able to sit down with Covell, and hear his story.

How do you find balancing a family and your job as a tattoo artist?

Balancing the two can often be tough especially since in addition to being a tattoo artist, I run both of my shops as well.

I make it a point to have at least one weekend day off a week so that I can do things with my wife, and children. We often go to the beach or zoo, and just try to do anything that involves all of us spending time together.

What do you find is different about your style or presence than just any other artist?

My style is actually pretty versatile. I pride myself on being able to do pretty much anything the client asks for. I like being able to take their idea or image and transfer it into a tattoo. I really enjoy doing black and grey work as well as wildlife and realism.

102 | Endeavour Magazine

Do you find that the other artists that you’ve employed at your tattoo shops have similar styles to you, or that you all are completely different?

No definitely not. All of my artists have their own unique style, and I am glad it’s that way. I like that a client can come into either of my shops, and actually find an artist whose style they actually “vibe” with. It’s nice to have a variety of styles for clients to choose from.

What inspired you in the first place to be a tattoo artist? And what pushed you even further to open up not only one, but also two shops?

Well I have been an artist my whole life, I always liked to draw.

My aunt Karen taught me art skills at a young age, which helped me become a better artist. I dare to say perfect my technique because even though I have been drawing, and painting my whole life I like to think that I still have lots to learn, and I do continue to learn everyday. When I was young and tattooing became popular for my age group, my friends pushed me to get a machine and “practice” so to speak on all of them. I have a few of those skeletons in my closet but ultimately I got an apprenticeship at a local tattoo shop when I was seventeen, since then it had been my dream to have my own shop one day. Finally after years of

working here and there I took

The most important aspect

a leap with the help of my

when getting a tattoo is

supportive wife and decided

getting to know the artist.

to open my own shop. Our

You look through their

first shop was so successful

portfolio, you see their style,

that we decided to open a

you get inside their mind,

second location and have been

and you connect through art.

growing ever since. Eventually

You trust this person with

we plan to have several shops

imprinting meaning onto

locally in this area.

your life. Jeff Covell and his team are worth looking

How would you describe your feeling right before you start a tattoo?

Believe it or not I feel a little nervous as well as excited. I always feel honored that the person I am about to tattoo has chosen me to transfer their idea into an art piece that will live on forever on their skin.

into if you are in Florida, or will be making your way out there.

You can find Twisted Image Tattoo at 2843 SW Brighton St, Port St. Lucie, Florida, or Twisted Image Tattoo Two 6797 S US Highway 1, Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Endeavour Magazine | 103

BOOK REVIEWS

F

ear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream is a novel by Hunter S. Thompson, illustrated

by Ralph Steadman. The book is a roman à clef, rooted in autobiographical incidents. The story follows its protagonist, Raoul Duke, and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, as they descend on Las Vegas to chase the American Dream through a drug-induced haze, all the while ruminating on the failure of the 1960s countercultural movement. The work is Thompson’s most famous, and is noted for its lurid descriptions of illegal drug use, its early retrospective on the culture of the 1960s, and its popularization of Thompson’s highly-subjective blend of fact and fiction that has become known as gonzo journalism. The novel first appeared as a two-part series in Rolling Stone magazine in 1971, was printed as a book in 1972, and was later adapted into a film of the same name in 1998 by Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro who portrayed Raoul Duke

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

by Hunter S. Thompson

104 | Endeavour Magazine

and Dr. Gonzo, respectively.

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window And Disappeared

By Jonas Jonasson

I

t all starts on the one-hundredth birthday of Allan Karlsson.

Sitting quietly in his room in an old people’s home, he is waiting for the party he-never-wanted-anyway to begin. The

mayor is going to be there. The press is going to be there. But, as it turns out, Allan is not...Slowly but surely Allan climbs out of his bedroom window, into the flowerbed (in his slippers) and makes his getaway. And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. As his escapades unfold, we learn something of Allan’s earlier life in which - remarkably - he helped to make the atom bomb, became friends with American presidents, Russian tyrants, and Chinese leaders, and was a participant behind the scenes in many key events of the twentieth century.

Already a huge bestseller across Europe, The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared is a fun, feel-good book for all ages. Translated by Rod Bradbury.

Veronika Decides to Die Paulo Coelho

V

eronika

young

happy; something is lacking in her

she starts to question all her

and pretty and has

life, and one morning she decides

ideas about life. Soon she comes

everything she could

to die. The overdose of sleeping

to realize that every second of

wish for – yet one morning she

pills she takes does not work, and

existence is a choice we all make

takes an overdose of sleeping

she wakes up in Villete, the local

between living and dying. Against

pills, only to wake up in the local

asylum. There she is told that her

all odds she finds herself falling

hospital.

heart is damaged and she has

in love and even wanting to live

only a few days to live.

again…

Veronika

has

is

plenty

of

boyfriends, a steady job, a

The story follows Veronika

loving family. Yet she is not

through these intense days as

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