Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. 60th Anniversary Feature

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Sunday, April 18, 2021

A 16-PAGE FEATURE

APRIL 18, 2021

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A genuine beacon of black success A BEAUTIFULLY LIT UP Royal Bank of Canada on Broad Street, Bridgetown, a testament to the high quality work produced by Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd over the past 60 years. (GP) Message from Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, to mark the 60th anniversary of Everson R. Elcock & Company Limited.

I

n a world where so many speeches and commentaries are replete with overworked clichés and superlatives that do not stand up to scrutiny, it is my absolute pleasure today to be able to hail Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd, on their 60th anniversary, as a genuine beacon of black Barbadian success.

From a humble beginning in 1961, this company, which bears the name of its founder, stands out today as a fitting representation of the postIndependence path our country has travelled – leaving in its wake a legacy

that can be used as a guide by anyone of today’s generation with the thirst for entrepreneurship.

Sixty years ago, when Everson R. Elcock, now chairman, at the age of 23, decided to give up “certain for the uncertain”, he was demonstrating the same faith that the founders of our nation placed in our country and people back then that culminated in political Independence in 1966.

Just as Mr Elcock walked away, no doubt with feelings that ranged from anxiety over the unknown to excitement about the opportunities that an emerging nation would offer his fledgling company, Barbados stepped from behind the coat-tails of the British Empire to place its trust in the pride and industry of its people —

people like Everson R. Elcock.

Just like the nation, it has not always been a smooth ride for the company, but visionary leadership, hiring of the right people, building strong business relationships, daily demonstrating trust in partnership, and always exhibiting a never-say-die spirit, together created the winning formula.

To the Chairman, Managing Director Antonio E. Elcock, Managing Director of Exclusive Lighting and Electrical Supplies Limited, Adrian M. Elcock, and the entire team of the Everson R. Elcock Group of Companies, I wish you well on your 60th anniversary and pray that the journey ahead brings you all even greater success.

– MIA A. MOTTLEY, Q.C., M.P.

Mia A. Mottley, Q.C., M.P.

(GP)

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“I sincerely believe that my sons will work hard to preserve my legacy and ensure that it benefits a third generation of our family.”

Reflections of our chairman T

o see my company grow from a simple registered electrical contracting firm to a group of companies that have been the source of employment for hundreds of young men and women over the years is humbling.

The electrical contracting industry has changed considerably since my foray into the industry six decades ago. This has impacted us greatly as all of the contractors I once worked for are no longer in the business.

Fortunately, we have been able to diversify over the years and this has helped our survival to this point.

However, the global recession, the debt restructuring programmes and economic challenges, and then the COVID-19 pandemic we now face, have made the last decade the most difficult in our history, with every company in our group facing challenges.

I am confident we will weather the storm, but it means that we will have to reinvent, recapitalise, and reposition ourselves to survive.

There are many people who worked hard and played a significant part in our success and I want to recognise and thank my entire staff both past and present, especially my first executive secretary and now director and company secretary, Patricia Boyce.

Pat has stood by my side and has been a loyal and faithful member of our team and played a significant role in our development.

My fellow director Melvin Toppin was my first employee and although now retired, he still contributes actively to pricing of jobs. I have lived long enough

to see many of our staff retire and benefit from our pension plan that we put in place many years ago. That is a special achievement for me that gives me great pride.

I also want to thank my loyal customers and business advisors, many of whom have become my friends.

Finally, I want to thank my family. My wife, Maureen, has been by my side for 56 years as a wife, mother, and director.

All of my siblings have played a role in the company with my brothers Noel, Tadore and George, and my sister Ordene being founding directors of the company, and my sister Eucene worked with me for a short while.

Unfortunately, my sister Ordene passed away last March. Her death was unexpected and difficult, and I miss her.

I thank her for her contribution to the business for our entire history to the point of her death.

Maureen and I lost our daughter, Joy, at a young age but we are blessed to have Antonio and Adrian support me in this idea of building a multi-generational black business in the country I love.

I hope that my two sons will work together to reshape the future of the business. My daughter-in-law Ann and my grandchildren Justin and Sanaa also make me proud that they show an active interest in the businesses.

I am thankful that God gave me the strength, courage, and wisdom to make that step 60 years ago to leave my then employer and branch out on my own.

I do not have any regrets about that decision as it has helped me to feed many families and to play a significant role in the development of this country.

EVERSON R. ELCOCK, Chairman (GP)

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Founded from humble beginnings Mesasage from Antonio Elcock, managing director of Everson R. Elcock & Company Limited to mark the company’s 60th anniversary.

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verson Robinson Elcock is a man of great determination and philanthropy to this present day who I am ever proud to call my dad.

This milestone event for the company and its founder, imbues a sense of humility, yet exuberance, to be around an institution such as this one. I say institution as Dad has immortalised himself and this, his company, in the field of electrical contracting and, to some extent, into nation building.

The company was founded from humble beginnings by my father at the age of 23. He was an electrician from St George, who learnt the trade with the late electricians Gregory Hope, Maurice Parris, and Seymour Niles.

He then honed a series of skillsets while working at Manning Wilkinson and Challenor, which continues to this day, to uphold the same principles embedded in it by Dad. These are: customer service, fairness in all areas of business, and employee satisfaction.

I came to work here with the company at the age of 17 in 1984 while still in the sixth form at Combermere School, at the insistence of my mother. I have not left since then, other than to pursue my BSEE Electrical Engineering Studies at the University of South Florida in 1986, and then to do my MSc in Building Services Engineering in 1990.

As such, being around for this

lengthy period has allowed me to witness the evolution of the company and to be a major part of the changes.

I was made a director of the company for my 21st birthday and from then I had an immeasurable opportunity to see and understand the business from the ground to boardroom.

I never anticipated, from the time of joining the company, that today, as managing director, a post I have held for the past 17 years, I would be writing this letter to herald in 60 years of unbroken service to the staff of the company and its customer base and business community in Barbados and afar.

The company, in its uniqueness of being a boutique operation performing specialist activities in the field of electrical contracting, has been privileged to undertake several projects not only in Barbados but also in St Vincent, Montserrat, Guyana in both the design and build and maintenance operations; as well as consulting work in Haiti, and St Kitts and Nevis over the years.

Working in collaboration with the Apprenticeship Scheme; Skills Training; SJPP; many secondary schools; Government agencies, and of course any parents from St George who wanted their child to be an electrician (inside joke), we have been able to become an institute for many electricians on the island.

Dad, by nature, is a very gifting person who believes to this day in self-empowerment. “Teach them,” he always says. And his other mantra, “if you don’t know, buy the resource, learn from the resource, and teach

them more!”, whatever the field and he will try his best to help promote such. I speak of him in the present tense largely because he is still around and participates actively at the policy level. We are truly blessed to have him and his self-styled leadership qualities within the environment to lean on and to bounce scenarios off of him. This work is his hobby, and his hobby is his work.

This last ten to 12 years have been the most trying of the 60 years since the inception of the firm and company so far and our team has had to utilise every single skillset they could muster and then resurrect some of the older business nuances from yesteryear to provide the steely armour for us to continue unabated.

The spotlight is now gracefully being angled towards Justin (son of Antonio) aged 25 and Sanaa (daughter of Adrian) aged 15 as this is where the vision for the future rests. They have benefited from the same training that Adrian and I had. Working in the family business; looking at company documents from as early as ‘forever’, sitting at my mother’s dining table on Sundays for family lunch, interaction and lively discussion; socialising with family friends and the benefit of education.

For myself and my brother Adrian our tasks are entwined in continuity, diversity, and sustainability.

Congratulations to all who have allowed this journey to meander onto the course laid out and prescribed by the Great Architect.

Sincerely – ANTONIO E. ELCOCK

163 Atlantic Shores, Christ Church Telephone (246) 428-6463; Cell (246) 230-2072 Email: samueltaylor@caribsurf.com

“The company . . . has been privileged to undertake several projects not only in Barbados but also in St Vincent; Montserrat; Guyana in both the design and build and maintenance operations”

Antonio E. Elcock, Managing Director (GP)

stanton@caribsurf.com

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“All that Antonio and I can do is to ensure that the foundation laid by our father . . . will be further strengthened to create opportunities for his son Justin and my daughter Sanaa.”

ADRIAN ELCOCK, Director of Finance and Marketing(GP)

Passion to preserve the family legacy Mesasage from Adrian Elcock, director of finance and marketing at Everson R Elcock & Company Limited, to mark the company’s 60th anniversary.

“

I absolutely love my family and I absolutely love the business and legacy that my father built, and I see it as an honour and a privilege to continue this legacy with my brother Antonio”, Director of Finance and Marketing, Adrian Elcock explained when asked what drives him.

Since joining the business in November 1994 after returning from studying and working in New York, Adrian has played an integral role in the diversification efforts of the business, since he “didn’t have a technical bone in his body!”

Early on, Adrian recognised that his skillset, though not technical, had a role to play in helping the business to evolve from solely an electrical contracting company. He further understood that it was important that the business needed to transition if it was to be multigenerational.

Adrian explained, “My father always believed in structure and processes. He has an incredibly sharp mind and is able to distil complex situations into the lowest form of simplicity. By doing this, he would figure out the end game quickly, and the energies would then shift to the point of how we could get to the end. It is by leveraging the skills of the management team, collaboration,

and collective decision making, that the company embraced opportunities in retail, technology, and real estate, to reduce its risk of being dependent on one business.”

Upon Adrian’s return home, the company opened Exclusive Lighting as the first residential lighting showroom in Barbados. This pioneering decision allowed any Barbadian to access internationally recognised lighting brands without having to ‘fly to Miami’.

This investment was timely, as the directors recognised that the pending imposition of the new Value Added Tax regime as promised in the manifesto of the new Government could potentially lower the cost of importation of lighting due to lower customs tariffs.

The company went on to make significant investments in real estate in commercial properties such as Welches Plaza, Manor Lodge, and the Spirit Bond historical building in Bridgetown and some residential properties, providing rental solutions to commercial and residential tenants.

The company also became one of the early investors in AT&T Wireless with Adrian serving on the Board of

Directors of that company and was a member of the team that negotiated the ultimate sale of the shares to Digicel after AT&T Wireless made the decision to refocus on the North American market.

As the company embarks on its 60th year of operations, it is now eyeing further opportunities to provide badly needed property solutions to the Barbadian middle class with its newest residential project ‘Rowans Meadow” in St George soon to be launched. The company is also exploring opportunities in the alternative energy sector with investments in the rapidly growing photovoltaic energy industry.

In a moment of reflection, Adrian said “Things are very challenging now and it is difficult to know what the future holds. All that Antonio and I can do is to ensure that the foundation laid by our father with his vision to start his own business, will be further strengthened to create opportunities for his son Justin and my daughter Sanaa, to find a place that their passions can be realised within or through the structure of our group of companies.”

– ADRIAN ELCOCK

CGI congratulates

Everson R Elcock & CO LTD

for their extraordinary work and service on this remarkable milestone.

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Boyce more than worthy of emulation E

verson Elcock always sought out professional guidance for the skills he didn’t have, so from early days he brought in an accountant/auditor Hallam Price, (now deceased), and he retained Henry Forde (now Sir Henry) to give him legal guidance.

These advisors were responsible for advising Elcock on two important decisions that changed the course of his business.

The first was that he needed to prepare the company for incorporation and the second was that he needed to bring on board an all-purpose young lady who could type and do bookkeeping to maintain his books, as the business was growing fast and taking on larger and riskier contracts.

So, it was this advice that led the 19-year old Pat Boyce, née Bennett, through the doors of the company’s new Baptist House office in Constitution Road in August 1972 as its accounts clerk/typist and secretary to Elcock.

While Elcock got the jobs done, Boyce worked hard to put a structure in place to support Elcock’s ideas and vision.

She worked hard and her efforts were rewarded by Elcock, who made her a director and corporate secretary, and gifted her shares in the company.

Over the years, it is Boyce that can be credited with putting the administrative infrastructure that has made the company quite efficient. Boyce took charge of all of the administrative special projects including computerising the accounts department, developing job estimation systems with Elcock, internal controls, inventory management systems, and human resources or personnel matters as it was called then.

She also ensured that Elcock’s plan to have all senior staff and directors trained at BIMAP was executed. In time, Elcock took the bold step and made Boyce his general manager. This deliberate step by Elcock established Boyce as one of the few female executives in medium- or large-sized companies in Barbados.

Boyce was also tasked with mentoring Antonio and Adrian and guided them through their father’s way of doing things. To this day, both Antonio and

“Boyce worked hard to put a structure in place to support Elcock’s ideas and vision. She worked hard and her efforts were rewarded by Elcock.”

Adrian work closely with Boyce and leverage her considerable expertise to help them manage their respective portfolios.

Having reached her age of retirement during the last year, Boyce continues to show her commitment and loyalty to Elcock and the company she helped to build by graciously consenting to stay on with the company for an agreed period.

Boyce credits her family for giving her the strength to do her job well, especially her husband Andrew Boyce.

She is especially proud of the fact that the experiences she has gained in business have been transferred to her children Tricia and Andre, who continue to respect the standards set by Elcock and emulate them in their own business.

Boyce knows that her success is due in no small part to her team, but she can never forget Everson Elcock for taking a chance with her. As a woman of God, she always asks for God’s guidance for the chairman, board, and staff, as they all work towards stability and continued growth for the company.

Patricia Boyce, Director Of Administration And Corporate Secretary (GP)

TOGETHER THROUGH THE YEARS

We have had the pleasure of working with

for many years as both of our companies have contributed significantly to the quality of life in Barbados.

We wish the Management & Staff continued success as you celebrate your 60th anniversary.

www.peslconsultants.com

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Loyalty takes Toppin to the boardroom

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elvin Toppin was the second employee of Everson R Elcock & Co. and rose to become a director in 1973 and subsequently a shareholder, positions he still holds today after his retirement in 2012.

Toppin and Douglas Maynard worked side by side with Everson Elcock in the early days of the company, installing television antennas, residential wiring, and odd jobs. As the company grew, Toppin grew with it, ultimately reaching the position of director of operations, overseeing the full team of electricians.

Despite many offers for alternative employment over the years, Toppin remained loyal. He says, “When you have a boss who looks out for your welfare and those of others, you remain loyal to him.” This loyalty shines through today despite his retirement. Whenever there is a major job to be quoted, Toppin volunteers his time and experience to ensure that the final project bid contemplates all eventualities.

Melvin Toppin, Director (GP) With the construction industry changing rapidly since his retirement, after 48 years with the company, Toppin expressed concern with what he calls “too many shortcuts” by workmen who seem not to take pride in their work. He believes that the customer will suffer at the end of the day. He is clear in his mind that once ‘Elcock’ is on the job there will be no compromise of quality workmanship. He says, “We may not be the cheapest, but our work speaks for itself and will stand the test of time!”

THE successful execution of Everson R Elcock & Co Ltd. Sandridge Hotel in the late 60s She worked steadfastly and and the Mannings building in diligently utilising the education Fontabelle 1972 became the and skills gained at the Modern turning point for Everson R. High School to make her mark Elcock & Company, and was in the company. Through her the catalyst for the company 45 years with the company she to become incorporated on moved up the ranks to play June 1, 1973, as a limited an integral role of estimating liability company. contracts, managing contract This also required an materials for each project, expansion of office space and managing the movement of as such the company moved its materials from the duty-free bond, full operations to Baptist House and being responsible for purchasing on Constitution Road. and pricing inventory bought both DENISE MOORE With the correct offices, a staff locally and imported. of 30, and many jobs on the Quiet and unassuming but horizon, Everson Elcock decided to increase always smiling. These are the traits that his administrative team, and this laid the help her to thrive in the company that she way for a young lady from his hometown once described in this way, “We work as a area in St George to join the team in team – as a family. I feel a sense of pride June 1974. That young lady was Denise when I look back over the years and see Yvette Moore. how much the company has grown, even to She was 18 years old when she walked the point of becoming landlords. into the office as a storeroom clerk. The “It’s great to see a black-owned company company was in the throes of the Caribbean come this far, and I hope to see it grow from Development Bank headquarters building strength to strength. Everyone at Everson contract and the administrative work was R. Elcock is like family. I congratulate the becoming too much for Pat Boyce and company for reaching this milestone and I Gloria Smith to handle. hope that they will continue in God’s grace,” Elcock had also begun importing most she said. of the electrical materials required for the Through her help and commitment, projects and needed someone to manage Moore can look back and be proud of her them. Elcock always understood the role in the company’s history and success. importance of a good team and he offered Her commitment is so steadfast that even Moore the job, and fresh faced and straight after retirement on January 30, 2020, she out of school, she accepted! Since then still finds the time to come in and commit until her retirement on January 31, 2020, a few hours a week when the company Moore’s fingerprints have been on every has to bid on a big contract. If that’s not single job that passed through the doors of commitment, we do not know what is.

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www.tridentins.com TridentInsuranceBarbados #TridentCares

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Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd has made it to 60 years by embracing a culture of conservative and prudent financial management and reporting. Monies have always been reinvested into the business to allow growth and expansion of the businesses and their balance sheets.

Nicole Marshall is the youngest member of the management team and she joined the company as accountant on January 15, 2018, after spending a few years at one of the island’s large auditing firms.

As accountant, Marshall is responsible for financial reporting, financial management, inventory, and accounting IT systems for the various companies in the group and she reports to the directors of Finance and Administration.

Since joining the company, Marshall has applied her experience to better utilise technological solutions to manage the department and improve processes.

She recalls that when she started working three years ago, the chairman would take the time to share the history and background of the company and he would also take the time to explain the rationale behind any report that he needed.

She stated, “I like the people I work with. I have been able to grow personally and professionally through my interactions with the directors as each of them have their unique style and attributes, which allows me to constantly learn. I also love the fact that although I was the new kid on the block, my colleagues made it really easy for me feel like part of the family.”

In reflecting on her work experience at the company, she noted that, after working in Audit first and coming to a private sector family-run business, she has learned so much in all areas of business and this cannot be taken from her, no matter what her future holds. Despite the challenges of the times, she is confident that the company’s legacy will continue and she hopes to remain an integral part of the future success of the group of companies.

Marshall supervises Avonda Kirton who has been with the company for 23 years, having joined as a contracts clerk.

Since then, Kirton has been promoted to be responsible for all aspects of inventory management, supervising the daily operations of Exclusive Lighting & Electrical Supplies Ltd, and performing certain functions to assist the accountant.

Kirton often says, “I do a little bit of everything and help out wherever necessary to ensure that the job gets done.” She has found the experience to be one where she is always learning and she reflected on the last 23 years stating “I have watched the company grow over the last 23 years and I have seen the challenges it faces in the market, and I hope it will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

BRIAN WHITEHALL, Electrician (GP)

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EDWIN BECKLES Edwin Beckles joined the company 45 years ago as an apprentice electrician fresh out of the then Garrison Secondary School (now Graydon Sealy). He rose through the ranks to electrician, then chargehand in 1988 with responsibility for three workmen, then foreman in 1990.

It was in his position as foreman that he was requested by the directors to take on an overseas assignment to do works in Guyana in 1992. This was a critical time for the company as Barbados was in the midst of a deep recession and the series of contracts in Guyana from 1992 to 1996 allowed the company to thrive during that period.

Beckles was at the forefront of the significant works in Guyana including projects such as Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry, Demerara Bank, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Cheddi Jagan Airport apron lighting in Timehri and other jobs. His hard work was rewarded by his promotion to supervisor on July 27, 1994. Beckles has continued to function in this capacity after returning to Barbados in 1996 and he has added responsibility for property management.

TWO PROJECTS successfully undertaken by Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. At top, pitch lighting at Kensington Oval. At left, Republic Bank, Broad Street. (GPs)

NICOLE MARSHALL, Accountant (GP)

AVONDA KIRTON, Inventory Control Officer (GP)

Fabian Sealy, Electrician (GP)

FROM ITS INCEPTION as a company, Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd made a promise that no matter if the job was big or small, it had to be carried out to the highest standards, fully compliant with international and local electrical codes.

Therefore, to ensure this promise was kept, he created the maintenance department as the company became focused on larger contracts.

His thinking was that as a separate department you would be able to separate the ‘forest from the trees’ and better manage the smaller jobs and routine maintenance calls from customers to ensure quality standards of service.

It is for this reason that this department still

thrives today with loyal customers such as Sylvia Goodridge, Louis Moore, Bill Mallalieu and the Newhaven Realty team, and many others who call Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd to ensure their electrical system at home or in offices are in tip-top shape.

The company maintains a fully stocked maintenance vehicle with senior electricians to respond to customer calls for service. Jobs are logged by the service coordinator and electricians are dispatched to solve the problems or do smaller residential and commercial contracts. So if you are in need of any electrical service, the Elcock Maintenance team is just a call away!

CARVON DAVIS When Carvon Davis left Princess Margaret Secondary School he joined the Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd as an apprentice electrician in 1979. He moved through the ranks and was promoted to the position of assistant supervisor in 2002 and then supervisor in 2014.

His rise through the company saw him working on some of the largest jobs that the company executed including Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (Phase 1 and Phase 2), Julie N’ Supermarket in Haggatt Hall, and the Hilton Hotel.

He saw these as challenging experiences where he learned a lot and he is on record as saying that it is a great place for an apprentice electrician to gain experience and work. He stated, “My 42 years with the company have been enjoyable. That’s why I am still with Everson R. Elcock. The company has made a great contribution to the country’s economy.”

ANITA HAYNES joined the company in 1994 as the administrative assistant to Pat Boyce and Adrian Elcock.

Her loyalty and commitment has seen her grow within the company to become a secretary and recording secretary to the Board of Directors.

Anita has also opened her mind to learning different roles within the company including cashiering, maintenance, and HR. “I tried a short stint in Accounts but realised that isn’t for me,” said with a chuckole.

“I have been fortunate to work my way through the company, continuing to work with each of the executive directors and I even had the opportunity to work with the chairman as his secretary before his retirement. As their secretary, I see first-hand the resilience of the company as it weathered numerous storms,” she said.

“The directors put a lot of energy and personal resources

to protect the staff and the companies, and I am proud to see how far the business has come despite the odds,” Haynes shared in her reflections on the anniversary of the company.

Haynes believes that black businesses play an important part in reinforcing to our Bajan young people what is possible with hard work and sacrifice, and who may think only certain businesses can thrive in Barbados.

As for what’s next for her, “I don’t know how much life will change after what we are going through, but the Elcock family has made me and many of the other staff feel as if we are part of their family, so as long as they will have me I will always remain committed and loyal to the business, and hopefully be able to reach retirement and enjoy the pension plan they created for me!”

ANTONIO ELCOCK leads the engineering department and it is the engine room of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. This is where all of the bidding for contracts occur, through the work of Kevin Leach as estimator and draftsman with assistance from the chairman and retired director Melvin Toppin.

Once jobs are won, the contract execution and administration is also coordinated from this department in collaboration with Pat Boyce who becomes the point person to coordinate purchasing and administration, and further collaboration with Nicole Marshall to do project financial analysis.

Every job, win or lose, is a team effort and all hands are on deck to make the bid successful and ultimately the job successful and to satisfy the customers.

KEVIN LEACH, Estimator (GP)

Edwin Beckles, Supervisor (GP)

Carvon Davis, Supervisor (GP)

Anita Haynes, Secretary (GP)

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Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd has made it to 60 years by embracing a culture of conservative and prudent financial management and reporting. Monies have always been reinvested into the business to allow growth and expansion of the businesses and their balance sheets.

Nicole Marshall is the youngest member of the management team and she joined the company as accountant on January 15, 2018, after spending a few years at one of the island’s large auditing firms.

As accountant, Marshall is responsible for financial reporting, financial management, inventory, and accounting IT systems for the various companies in the group and she reports to the directors of Finance and Administration.

Since joining the company, Marshall has applied her experience to better utilise technological solutions to manage the department and improve processes.

She recalls that when she started working three years ago, the chairman would take the time to share the history and background of the company and he would also take the time to explain the rationale behind any report that he needed.

She stated, “I like the people I work with. I have been able to grow personally and professionally through my interactions with the directors as each of them have their unique style and attributes, which allows me to constantly learn. I also love the fact that although I was the new kid on the block, my colleagues made it really easy for me feel like part of the family.”

In reflecting on her work experience at the company, she noted that, after working in Audit first and coming to a private sector family-run business, she has learned so much in all areas of business and this cannot be taken from her, no matter what her future holds. Despite the challenges of the times, she is confident that the company’s legacy will continue and she hopes to remain an integral part of the future success of the group of companies.

Marshall supervises Avonda Kirton who has been with the company for 23 years, having joined as a contracts clerk.

Since then, Kirton has been promoted to be responsible for all aspects of inventory management, supervising the daily operations of Exclusive Lighting & Electrical Supplies Ltd, and performing certain functions to assist the accountant.

Kirton often says, “I do a little bit of everything and help out wherever necessary to ensure that the job gets done.” She has found the experience to be one where she is always learning and she reflected on the last 23 years stating “I have watched the company grow over the last 23 years and I have seen the challenges it faces in the market, and I hope it will continue to grow from strength to strength.”

BRIAN WHITEHALL, Electrician (GP)

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EDWIN BECKLES Edwin Beckles joined the company 45 years ago as an apprentice electrician fresh out of the then Garrison Secondary School (now Graydon Sealy). He rose through the ranks to electrician, then chargehand in 1988 with responsibility for three workmen, then foreman in 1990.

It was in his position as foreman that he was requested by the directors to take on an overseas assignment to do works in Guyana in 1992. This was a critical time for the company as Barbados was in the midst of a deep recession and the series of contracts in Guyana from 1992 to 1996 allowed the company to thrive during that period.

Beckles was at the forefront of the significant works in Guyana including projects such as Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry, Demerara Bank, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Cheddi Jagan Airport apron lighting in Timehri and other jobs. His hard work was rewarded by his promotion to supervisor on July 27, 1994. Beckles has continued to function in this capacity after returning to Barbados in 1996 and he has added responsibility for property management.

TWO PROJECTS successfully undertaken by Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. At top, pitch lighting at Kensington Oval. At left, Republic Bank, Broad Street. (GPs)

NICOLE MARSHALL, Accountant (GP)

AVONDA KIRTON, Inventory Control Officer (GP)

Fabian Sealy, Electrician (GP)

FROM ITS INCEPTION as a company, Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd made a promise that no matter if the job was big or small, it had to be carried out to the highest standards, fully compliant with international and local electrical codes.

Therefore, to ensure this promise was kept, he created the maintenance department as the company became focused on larger contracts.

His thinking was that as a separate department you would be able to separate the ‘forest from the trees’ and better manage the smaller jobs and routine maintenance calls from customers to ensure quality standards of service.

It is for this reason that this department still

thrives today with loyal customers such as Sylvia Goodridge, Louis Moore, Bill Mallalieu and the Newhaven Realty team, and many others who call Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd to ensure their electrical system at home or in offices are in tip-top shape.

The company maintains a fully stocked maintenance vehicle with senior electricians to respond to customer calls for service. Jobs are logged by the service coordinator and electricians are dispatched to solve the problems or do smaller residential and commercial contracts. So if you are in need of any electrical service, the Elcock Maintenance team is just a call away!

CARVON DAVIS When Carvon Davis left Princess Margaret Secondary School he joined the Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd as an apprentice electrician in 1979. He moved through the ranks and was promoted to the position of assistant supervisor in 2002 and then supervisor in 2014.

His rise through the company saw him working on some of the largest jobs that the company executed including Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (Phase 1 and Phase 2), Julie N’ Supermarket in Haggatt Hall, and the Hilton Hotel.

He saw these as challenging experiences where he learned a lot and he is on record as saying that it is a great place for an apprentice electrician to gain experience and work. He stated, “My 42 years with the company have been enjoyable. That’s why I am still with Everson R. Elcock. The company has made a great contribution to the country’s economy.”

ANITA HAYNES joined the company in 1994 as the administrative assistant to Pat Boyce and Adrian Elcock.

Her loyalty and commitment has seen her grow within the company to become a secretary and recording secretary to the Board of Directors.

Anita has also opened her mind to learning different roles within the company including cashiering, maintenance, and HR. “I tried a short stint in Accounts but realised that isn’t for me,” said with a chuckole.

“I have been fortunate to work my way through the company, continuing to work with each of the executive directors and I even had the opportunity to work with the chairman as his secretary before his retirement. As their secretary, I see first-hand the resilience of the company as it weathered numerous storms,” she said.

“The directors put a lot of energy and personal resources

to protect the staff and the companies, and I am proud to see how far the business has come despite the odds,” Haynes shared in her reflections on the anniversary of the company.

Haynes believes that black businesses play an important part in reinforcing to our Bajan young people what is possible with hard work and sacrifice, and who may think only certain businesses can thrive in Barbados.

As for what’s next for her, “I don’t know how much life will change after what we are going through, but the Elcock family has made me and many of the other staff feel as if we are part of their family, so as long as they will have me I will always remain committed and loyal to the business, and hopefully be able to reach retirement and enjoy the pension plan they created for me!”

ANTONIO ELCOCK leads the engineering department and it is the engine room of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. This is where all of the bidding for contracts occur, through the work of Kevin Leach as estimator and draftsman with assistance from the chairman and retired director Melvin Toppin.

Once jobs are won, the contract execution and administration is also coordinated from this department in collaboration with Pat Boyce who becomes the point person to coordinate purchasing and administration, and further collaboration with Nicole Marshall to do project financial analysis.

Every job, win or lose, is a team effort and all hands are on deck to make the bid successful and ultimately the job successful and to satisfy the customers.

KEVIN LEACH, Estimator (GP)

Edwin Beckles, Supervisor (GP)

Carvon Davis, Supervisor (GP)

Anita Haynes, Secretary (GP)

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FROM LEFT, Christopher Austrie, Sales Assistant, Debbie Scantlebury Sales Associate, and Randolph Weekes, General Worker.

(GPs)

Lighting the way on land and online E

xclusive Lighting opened its doors in Welches Plaza in November 1994 as a division of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. It became the first fullservice lighting showroom in Barbados. This accomplishment speaks to the continued innovation of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd to identify opportunities to diversify its operations and to fulfil critical needs for Barbados.

In June 1999, Exclusive Lighting & Electrical Supplies Ltd was founded and the doors of its mega store at Manor Lodge opened to the public. Since then, the company has been able to build its brand to become a household name in lighting, fans, and electrical materials, powering and lighting in some way almost every house in Barbados; but it has also supported projects in St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, St Lucia, Tortola, and Dominica.

As Barbados further developed, it was inevitable that Exclusive Lighting would face increased competition from new entrants in the residential lighting market. Therefore, the company continues to innovate and diversify its product lines to offer the widest range of lighting and fans in Barbados and it has also now added to its marketing arsenal its new website built to international standards and featuring the widest selection of major lighting manufacturers from North America.

Exclusivelightingandelectricalsupplies.com began its beta testing during the recent national pause and it will be fully launched in a few weeks. This cutting-edge website allows for customers to make lighting selections from the comfort of their home or office. It further allows for personalised quotations on selected items, and also allows architects, designers, and consumers to create wish-lists of products that would bring alive their projects.

So, from its first showroom in Welches Plaza to the biggest online presence in lighting in Barbados and indeed the Caribbean, the Elcock Group continues to be innovative and respond to the needs of its customers.

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his year marks the 60th anniversary of Everson R. Elcock and Co. Ltd a company that has risen to become one of the leading electrical contractors in Barbados and the Caribbean.

It was on April 18, 1961 that a young 23-year-old electrician, Everson R. Elcock, bade farewell to his employers at the then Manning and Co., where he worked for $20 per week, to establish his own business.

For the past 60 years, the company has quietly placed its stamp on many large Government, commercial, and private buildings across Barbados and in various Caribbean countries such as St Vincent, Montserrat, and Guyana.

Operating from a private residence in the early years, the company grew and obtained larger premises as the workload increased, leading eventually to the acquisition of the spacious Bandstan Manor in the Garrison, and then the Manor Lodge complex at Lodge Hill, St Michael. Under Elcock’s astute leadership, the company has kept pace with the changing technological developments in the field.

Elcock started his enterprise with one employee and part-time electricians. Thanks to Leon Phillips, a building superintendent with the then Public Works Department, and Victor Jones, Elcock’s uncle, he found jobs around the island wiring houses and conducting maintenance at various police stations.His reputation for excellent work got him many recommendations and he therefore found it necessary to employ several other electricians.

The rise of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd is one of the epic stories of courage, hard work and dedication. It is a story in which a top-class electrician forsook a comfortable job to launch out to build an enterprise which would be first-rate in the electrical contracting industry.

The company was incorporated under the Companies Act of 1910, as a Limited liability company, thus changing its name from Everson R. Elcock & Co., to Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd on June 1, 1973.

Having its genesis as a family business, Everson R. Elcock Co. Ltd has evolved not

From sole proprietorship to a group of companies only to become a business with major family interest, but managed and run by loyal employees. It has become diversified to the extent that it can be categorised as a Group – the full Group being – Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd, Exclusive Lighting and Electrical Supplies Ltd., Everson R. Elcock Holdings Ltd. and Bandereco Holdings Ltd., the parent Company.

Much of this success has been attributed to Elcock, who set the stage by offering quality service to his clients, securing vital referrals, which propelled the company’s growth in the 1960s. It was Elcock who established the ethos of the company which is centred on quality and efficiency.

In addition, the rise of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd from the position of a small electrical wiring operation to a respected medium-sized family business, managed by blacks, refutes the long-held myth that black Barbadian entrepreneurs cannot create and sustain their enterprises over the long run. Everson R. Elcock and Co. Ltd has also contributed significantly to the island’s foreign exchange earnings as a result of its overseas projects in Guyana, St Vincent, and Montserrat.

Over the years, Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd has set and maintained high standards in an industry in which safety is of paramount importance. In 2002, Elcock stepped down as managing director, but remained as chairman. He passed the baton to his eldest son, Antonio, who is now managing director.

His other son, Adrian, is director of finance, sales and marketing of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd, and managing director of Exclusive Lighting and Electrical Supplies Ltd. With 60 years’ service to Barbados, Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd has been able to successfully diversify its business to what can now be called The Elcock Group of Companies with interests in property

THE LLOYD ERSKINE SANDIFORD CENTRE, one of the largest projects undertaken

by Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. (FP) development, real estate, retail, and of course what started it all- electrical contracting.

– Adapted from the book Switching on with Elcock for 50 Years by Dr Henderson Carter.

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Pension plan a stroke of genius

My, how things have changed!

E

verson Elcock constantly sought ways to improve the working conditions of his staff. He ensured that all staff were paid fairly and on time every week.

His was one of the first electrical companies to introduce shirts and safety equipment for electricians on site, maintain insurance policies for workplace injuries, and ensured all of his supervisory staff underwent training at the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP).

Elcock’s longstanding colleague Melvin Toppin pointed out that he remained with Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd throughout the years, because of his boss’ kindness. “When I came to work with Mr Elcock, he would make sure I got paid, even if he himself did not. I had the opportunity to work elsewhere, but I stuck with him. When you have a boss who looks out for your welfare and those of others, you remain loyal to him,” stressed Toppin.

Elcock strongly believes that if you treat your people fairly and train them well that the customers would benefit from good quality work. He feels that if he had to choose one decision he was glad he made, it would have been his decision in the early 80s to invest in an employee pension plan.

“When I saw Ingrid Belle, who was our domestic helper at the office, receive her lump-sum pension cheque and knowing she has a pension to supplement her NIS, that brought me tremendous joy,” Elcock said proudly.

There are people in our lives who leave an indelible mark on our achievements. Their fingerprints, their ideas, their words of encouragement, and it could be as simple as just being there, was enough to motivate me to move on. I sincerely want to express my appreciation to some of these people who have transitioned to be in the nearer presence of the Almighty for the role they played in supporting me, my fellowdirectors, and the company in general.

• Ancora Elcock – July 18, 1908 – February 27, 1980, (Mother) • Joy Angela Elcock – August 21, 1965 – October 5, 1986, (Daughter) • George Kenley Elcock – December 21, 1918 – December 24, 1989, (Brother & Founding Director) • Lilian Hortense Burrowes – April 17, 1911 – September 16, 2013, (Mother-in-Law) • Norman Garnes – December 16, 2012, (Supervisor) • Roslyn Antoinette McClean née Mottley – February 23, 2018 (Executive Secretary to the Chairman) • Wyatt Bennett – October 19, 2019, (Father to Director Patricia Boyce) • Ordene Elcock –May 31, 1980 – March 22, 2020, (Sister & Founding Director) • Cynthia Ometa Toppin – May 6, 2020, (Wife of Director Melvin Toppin)

IN THE EARLY YEARS before the Internet and even the fax machine, business was done with overseas suppliers by a communications tool called Telex and by very expensive long-distance calls.

In an attempt to stay competitive, Elcock devised a cost-effective strategy to use with friends and family in the key markets he was sourcing electrical materials from, to be the point of contact with these suppliers.

His ‘cousin’ Vincent Welch and his sister Glenda Fredericks were in New York and they would do all of the communicating and liasing with the companies in New York and a few other states and gather the information and then send that information on to Elcock in the mail or through their once weekly telephone call.

The same thing happened in the UK with Elcock’s brother Noel doing the same for the British companies.

My, how things have changed.

Sunday, April 18, 2021

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Happy to do it all over again

JENNIFER LEACOCK

JENNIFER LEACOCK started working at Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd in October of 1997 and retired last year. When asked what she did in her tenure at the company, “Everything,” was the reply Leacock gleamingly afforded.

“My title was accounts receivable control officer,” Leacock said. “Service coordinator,” she added, “dealing with contracts and credit checks and creating customer accounts.

Some of everything.”

Throughout her years, Jennifer Leacock dealt with most of the architects that had contracts with Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. “Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes. I enjoyed working with the company. If I had to do it again all over, I would,” she professed.

“I would like to wish them all the best. It was a good company to work for and they were ethical. Mr Elcock cared about his staff, he would direct you where you have to go, he would tell you when you were wrong, and he would commend you when you did something right. Adrian, Antonio, and Mrs Boyce were all very good people to work with and I enjoyed my tenure there. I wish them all the best and many more years,” she concluded.

LIONEL WALCOTT

LIONEL WALCOTT worked for Everson R. Elcock for 34 years before retiring three years ago. “I was the sales manager when we came down to Manor Lodge,” said Walcott, who shared that his nickname was always Wally.

“If you check the records, you will hardly find a day I missed work. Only when I was on holiday or sick leave, otherwise I was always on the job. Part of my work was getting there on time to open up the store,” said Walcott.

Even in the three years that he has been retired, Walcott continually praises the company and is ever their advocate for anyone seeking quotations, conduits, lighting fixtures, and to have their electrical jobs done.

“They’re still number one,” he said.

The airport, the harbour, the rebuilding of the Hilton, and even the QEH are all projects that were, in part, undertaken by the company. “They still have the edge on their competitors. I would advise any young person interested in joining the electrical field and persons who are building to go to Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd,” said Walcott.

starblock@caribsurf.com

Ever s on R. Elcock & Co Ltd. The Board of Directors, Management and staff of The City of Bridgetown Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. wish to extend a hearfelt congratulations to

Everson R. Elcock & Co Ltd.

on reaching a major milestone in business of 60 years.

SAVINGS PLANS | LOANS | INTERNET & MOBILE BANKING | FINANCIAL SERVICES

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A testament to their triumph

W

hen a home-grown company surges past a milestone as monumental as 60 years, it speaks wonders of the work they have done and the relationships they have built within the community that has seen them thrive.

Stanton Gittens— Ideal Homes Ltd. Chairman, owner, managing director of Ideal Homes Whichever title you choose, Stanton Gittens has been building homes in Barbados for over 50 years. Wanstead, Husbands, West Terrace, Golden Mile, Colleton, Pegwell, Callenders, and many more across the island have been enriched

by the touch of Ideal Homes.

“Everson could remember quicker than I. He’s got a very good memory,” Gittens said in regards to the storied duration of their association. The relationship began in the 90s. “I can say that Everson is my friend. It’s been good over the years,” he added.

No matter the politics of the era, this relationship has weathered and grown.

“Under Everson Elcock, because I could identify with him as we were from the older school, we did well,” was the gist of Gittens’ praise of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd.

• Continued on next page.

CHESTER PITT fondly recalls working on the Frank Collymore Hall, Central Bank Building, with Everson R. Elcock. (FP)

info@swiftinsurancebrokers.com

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Sunday, April 18, 2021

THE RENEWED HILTON HOTEL is another project successfully completed by Everson R. Elcock & Company Limited. (FP)

Satisfied clients always a priority • From Page 14C. Chester Pitt— Earl & Earl Engineering Managing Director of Earl & Earl Engineering Chester Pitt has been in association with Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd for over 50 years. “Years ago, I used to help Everson with estimating of jobs,” professed Pitt.

Together, history was made between Everson Elcock and Chester Pitt as they did the renewed Hilton and Central Bank buildings in congruence. “The estimates to get the job for the Central Bank,” Pitt began, “. . . well, that’s another story,” he chuckled before cutting himself off of a tale.

“We did a lot of work in industrial estates,” Pitt added. “In those days, it was novel to Barbados and we did quite a few of those,” he said. “I would say our working relationship has been inseparable; very close. If they have anything that they want advice on, they can call me,” he declared.

At the moment, Everson R. Elcock is doing at least three contracts in association with Pitt. On the occasion of the company’s 60th, he said, “I would like to wish them all the best. I hope they continue to grow from strength to strength through the years.”

Anthony Kent – Kent Construction Kent Construction is a well-known name in Barbados and Anthony Kent professed that his relationship with Everson R. Elcock stretches back “Longer than I can remember.

“We’ve definitely enjoyed a good relationship with the company,” Kent said in a minor break from the dire and hectic situation of aiding in cleaning up Barbados in the wake of the La Soufriére eruptions and subsequent blanketing of Barbados in ash and dust.

Maurice Franklyn – Maintenance (residential) customer For years beyond recollection, Maurice Franklyn has employed the services of Everson R. Elcock for residential purposes.

“I know Adrian, I know Ann, I know

Jennifer,” Franklyn said, “I know them.”

According to Franklyn, this diverse, evolving, and accommodating company takes care of his odd electrical jobs for residences. “Most recently, they came by to look at some fans,” he said before continuing, “They do anything electrical for me; they’re my first point of call.”

Checking fans, air-conditioning, checking various electrical panels, and even exterior lighting, Franklyn has been an Elcock acolyte for over ten years. He specifically remembers Jennifer Leacock as their trusty point of contact. For Franklyn, they’re reliable, relatable, and reasonable.

“When my dad died, I wanted photocells there for my mum and they did that. Brian Whitehall, the guy that comes all the time, asked for my mum when he came after for another job. It’s like a family,” Franklyn shared.

On the occasion of their 60th, Franklyn encouraged, “Keep going, keep going and keep doing what you’re doing. It’s excellent.

The customer is central to everything and Elcock really demonstrates that.”

Sylvia Goodridge – Maintenance (residential) customer Rusyl Court in St James is no stranger to the work that speaks for itself of Everson R. Elcock. Sylvia Goodridge and her record of loyalty to Everson R. Elcock that has been passed on to her progeny, is a testament to the impeccable work of this diamond jubilee empire.

“We’ve always dealt with Everson Elcock,” she professed. “It’s been over 40 years.”

“Most recently, we had a situation with an outage at Rusyl Court,” she informed and assured that Everson R. Elcock was there for their family.

Also recently, the Goodridge family had Elcock address the changing of some second storey bulbs and sockets on the exterior of their apartments.

Goodridge added accolades stating, “They are who we go to for any fittings, including our chandelier. I just want to wish them God’s continued blessing and to confirm that they are a pillar of our society.”

E: events@milestoneeventsbarbados.com W: www.milestoneeventsbarbados.com

Tel: (246) 426-5930 Email: concept@caribsurf.com www.cep.com.bb

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family man that started a family business that has progressed to a fable of success. Everson R. Elcock’s dream of generating a multi-generational dynasty continues to evolve and thrive, adapting through 60 years of strides.

SANAA ELCOCK New tiers of potential are on the horizon for this group of companies as Sanaa Elcock, daughter of Adrian Elcock, already embodies a drive of action that has been a hallmark of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd for over half a century.

Rapidly approaching her 15th birthday, Sanaa is a focused, diligent, and purposeful young mind. A student at Harrison College, Sanaa Elcock shared, “My memory, from the time I guess I was five or six, I remember going to the company. I did a lot of extracurricular activities.

I would always go to school and then go to the office at Manor Lodge.”

Her memories of youth are peppered with touring the buildings and visiting with her grandfather, Everson R. Elcock. In her preteen years, she remembers stocking shelves, and doing what she could to help out around the office as a youngster.

Now, Sanaa has her career sights set on becoming a food scientist or pastry chef. “Obviously when I get older,” she added, “if my father, uncle, or grandfather asked me to help out and join the company – I would drop everything and join.

“From the time I was younger, I always said I wanted to be in the food industry. It’s something I’ve always stuck with. Papa and the family have always been super supportive of it. Papa used to joke that I could have a little café at Manor Lodge,” she said.

“I grew up around the company and I can tell you where everything is,” she admitted. She also shared that, “When I got to secondary school, I started to understand that the company was more than electrical and that it was everything in general.”

For Sanaa, “Going to the company and growing up around the company has always been a great experience for me. Time has flown since the last big anniversary. I’m really happy with how far the company has come and I’m happy to be a part of this celebration.”

JUSTIN ELCOCK Pursuing education with a mind on the future, Justin Elcock, son of Antonio Elcock, is currently tackling his thesis at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. “This is my final year, my thesis year,” Justin Elcock shared.

Finishing up his masters in architecture at just 25 years old, Justin is the forward thrust of the spear into the future of Everson R. Elcock & Co. Ltd. “I wholeheartedly plan on working for the company,” he said. “But am probably going to do it a bit different from my father,” he added.

“When my father graduated from school, he went to work for my grandfather, Everson. Then, he paid for himself to go back to school before returning to the company. When I finish my masters, I want to work in an American firm,” Justin Elcock admitted.

He elaborated, “I want to go between Barbados and America. I want to get licensure in America because once I have that credibility, I can then apply for it easier in the rest of the Caribbean.

“I want to build my own brand, but I also want to help the family and keep everything going. I look forward to working with the company, especially in the placement of things and with design,” he afforded. “I plan to make use of everything I know and what I’m interested in,” Justin postulated with enthusiasm towards sustainability, new tech and materials, and everything the present and future offer.

“I actually did an internship in Barbados at Argo Development Studio. It was a design internship and it was really interesting and I learned a lot,” Justin confessed of a work-related learning pursuit.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of his grandfather’s company, Justin beamed, “I’m super proud. I’ve very proud of everything they’ve done so far.

I still remember the 50th anniversary. The older I get, the more I realise how much work has gone into the company. I know they can keep it going. For the future, my grandfather built it in the 60s and it was really good from that time, but for 2021 and beyond it’s time to consider some changes and try some new things.”

Sanaa Elcock (GP)

Justin Elcock (GP)