We recently connected with Desmond Nicholson and have shared our conversation below.
Desmond , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
It all started as a sales man at Tropical Battery company Limited in Jamaica West Indies, they were the leading manufacturer and distribution company in the country I had the privilege of becoming one of their leading sales person, the opportunity of being able to service the market opened my eyes to a lot of things needed, so during sales meeting we were asked to share ideas of what is needed to enhance our market. I shared one of my ideas was to manufacture engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and design a battery stand that could hold up to 20 batteries. The older version was only able to stock about 6- 8 batteries depending on size. After working with the company for 4 years I decided to start my own manufacturing and distribution business under the brand Hi-Tec Star , which was Deionized water, Battery Electrolyte, Windshield washer Fluid, Engine coolant ,Tire Shine and shortly after I added Battery Terminals ,Engine Oil of different brands ,Brake Fluid ,Grease and motor vehicle chemicals , I was able to supply the entire island of Jamaica. Trying to discover growth I started looking for more opportunities so I bought out an Auto Parts Business in Ocho Rios , Saint Ann which is currently in operation and 2 other stores one in Saint Elizabeth and another in Kingston which I had to close due to Family Matters. I had to move to Florida because of this where I now am currently the Distributor for an Authentic Product Named Spicy Hill Farms. We supply Ram Goat Soup (Mannish Water , Ram It Up Curry Goat Booster and Scotch Bonnet Pepper Powder.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Desmond Nicholson was born and raised in Kingston Jamaica I got into the automotive and lubricants industry in 1982 until 2007 because of me migrating to the United States Of America my discipline was always to be reliable and be ahead of my competitors my main products were antifreeze, deionized water ,electrolyte water , and windshield washer fluid with my own label Hi-Tec Star ,I am currently into a total different field of business as I have switch to the food industry I am currently the distributor for The Authentic Spicy Hill Farms Products , which is Ram Goat Soup ( mannish water) Ram It Up Curry Goat Booster and Scotch Bonnet Pepper there’re other products on the shelves but nothing to compare to this brand these are the Real Ram Goat Taste they add a total and complete flavor to the pot my main customers are Bravo/ Key Foods Supermarket Chains in Florida, Broward Meat and Fish Company ,Food Town Supermarket , Distributors are Kingston Miami Trading, Royal Montego Trading , Jamicah International Trading In Atlanta our Distributors are Bak Foods LLC & Caribbean Farmers Market, I am looking for more Distributors across the world except New York State based on our contractual agreement this Brand is very well known and stands to meet and surpassed all expectations
Our Email address is onecaribbeandist@gmail.com
Website:www.onecaribbeandist.com
Tel: 754-702-7701
Cell: 561-255-8082
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
When I was working as a sales person my intention was to start my own business and so from my salary I would save every month while I was still working at the company then I started buying raw materials that would be needed to produce the antifreeze windshield washer fluid and electrolyte Fluid after building up enough then I resigned from the job as a sales person and started to persu my dreams
We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.
I sold one of my auto parts store which was located in the parish of Saint Elizabeth Jamaica West Indies, because of family obligations I had to sell due to my leaving for the United States auto parts is a lucrative business and if is properly stocked and managed you will realize great returns on your investment
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.onecaribbeandist.com
- Other: Still in the process of creating a Facebook and Twitter page
Image Credits
Desmond Nicholson