BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WIDELY known for his knowledge and ability as a professional welder, Leroy Ponteen is one of the multi-talented small business operators in St. Kitts whose hands are also used to produce very succulent Bar-B-Que.
Owner of Ponteen’s Metal Craft Shop, he operates this aspect of his businesses during the day from Monday to Friday and switches to his other, Grill & Chill, on Friday evenings.
The soft spoken 61-year-old father of three, who has been a welder for 45 years, told SKNVibes Business that he was introduced to the craft when he was 16 years old.
“Well, as a schoolboy, I used to be with my father on a boat called Christina. At the age of 16, when I was ready to leave school, my father sent me to learn a trade with Mr. Stanley Franks Sr. and that is how I’m here as a welder.”
The Metal Craft Shop is located in Pond’s Pasture, a short distance from the Craft House, and is being managed by Ponteen, who is ably assisted by three male employees.
Expressing his love for the profession, Ponteen said: “I love the metal work and the art…and I just keep on doing it.”
On a serious note, Ponteen told this publication it is unlikely that any of his children, especially his son, would follow in his footsteps since they do not have a liking for the trade.
Ponteen also said that the Craft Shop was established and owned by Stanley Franks Sr., but after he (Franks) had taken ill in 1995 he took over the operation and ownership.
He noted that like any other business establishment, his is faced with challenges but he has learnt to cope with them.
“To be honest, business would not be the same all the time. Sometimes it’s slow and another time it is fast! There is nothing you can do but to just hang in there and try to adjust to situations.”
The businessman however declared that in addition to welding services, the venue is also used on Friday evenings to prepare and sell his tasty and succulent Bar-B-Que side dishes.
This venture, he explained, started some six years ago and it was the idea of several of his friends who would have assisted in preparing the side dishes.
“It all started several years ago. After we finished working on Fridays, me and some friends, like Dr. Laws and some other the big guys, decided that we are going to come out here, prepare some Bar-B-Que and sit down and eat them while engaging in discussion on various topics.”
This initiative, he added, soon caught the attention of residents in the area and it quickly moved from a friendly gesture to a popular evening hangout spot for many individuals within and outside the community.
The Grill & Chill has significantly grown over the years and offers Grilled Conchs, Garlic Bread, Ochro and Green Fig, Jerk Pork, Chicken and Grilled Fish to its many customers. But, as one of Ponteen’s staff members emphasised, “If you are not early to place your order…dog eat your supper!”
Ponteen noted that in order to meet the Friday evenings’ demand, he gets support from his family members and close friends.
In his advice to anyone who may have a business idea but is doubtful of its success, Ponteen said: “Do not allow skepticism to get you down. If you have a business idea and you feel that success will follow once it is established…run with it; for an idea is only workable when implemented.”
