Following on the announcement of Mrs Agnes Crossley as one of the finalists for the Everyday Financial Heroes Award, an initiative that forms part of the activities commemorating Financial Information Month 2009, the selection committee is please to announce the names of eight of the ten finalists:
1. Anthony Jones
2. Desmond Manners
3. Agnes Crossley
4. Jack Spencer
5. Corinne Small
6. Joycelyn Hazel
7. Irvin Daniel
8. Mercyer Gumbs
The public is invited to vote by texting the person’s name to 7568 using their LIME phone or via a secure online voting system on SKNVibes during the period 2 10 November 2009. There are no restrictions on the number of votes per person and the candidate receiving the highest number of votes is considered the winner of the award. Those voting via text may be eligible to win a prize from LIME as well as a cash prize of $100.00 from the committee. Additionally, each text provides five votes as opposed to a single vote associated with each click of the mouse when voting is done on line.
Mr Anthony Jones a former teacher turned poultry farmer
How did he get into poultry farming?
Mr Anthony Jones recalls how he and his brother, who was at that time working as an extension officer in the Department of Agriculture, had started a small back yard farming business. Upon the emigration of his brother, Mr Jones carried on the business on his own. Over time the business grew to a scale beyond what could be effectively managed on a part time basis, and consequently Mr Jones had to decide to leave the teaching profession at the age of 45 and go full time into the poultry business.
He stated that at first the business focused on the production of eggs, but branched out into broilers to take advantage of the existing demand. “I saw a need” he says. Mr Jones notes that he is not someone to look over his shoulder and wait for someone else to do something. “I see something to be done and I do it, I don t wait on others”
Some of the challenges faced
When asked, about some of the challenges faced, Mr Jones mentioned:
1. High price of chicken feed; and
2. Convincing locals that what is produced locally is just as good, or even better than imported products, since local products are fresher and possibly healthier.
In addressing the latter challenge, Mr Jones has embraced as part of his business mission the education of the Nevisian public about locally produced food. He has started visiting schools to talk to students in an effort to change attitudes among the youth about locally produced items. “These children will then influence their parents in the right direction” he stated, noting that “change comes from bottom to top and not top to bottom.”
More challenges
In 2005 Mr Jones was involved in an accident and lost a leg. He spent 150 days in the hospital and another 70 days at home recuperating.
Facing the challenge head on
The accident and subsequent loss of limb did not curtail his drive to realise his dream to expand his poultry business. Mr Jones pushed ahead, crafting his business plan so that he could approach lending institutions to secure financing. He credits the Bank of Nevis and its General Manager, Mr Everette Martin for supporting his business via the provisions of the loan needed to get his business off the ground.
With the loaned funds, Mr Jones acquired two buildings and launched his expanded business venture on 29th August 2009. “My spirit and persistence attracted attention,” he stated.
Guiding Philosophy
• “It does not matter how difficult a task may look, just start and it will be completed”
Words of Advice
• On the value of work – “Don’t just see work there and just watch it”.
• Planning – “You have to plan for everything you want to do.”
• Dreaming – “All of us dream. The problem is the execution of the dream. Try to put your ideas on the ground”
• Starting out as an entrepreneur – “We must develop the attitude of building small blocks and building until the great things come along.”
Mr Jones is quick to note however that his entrepreneurial pursuits are not just about making money, it is about providing a quality service to the people and building a better community.
Mr Desmond Manners aka “Manners” - grave digger, shareholder and home owner
“Me? Are you sure it is me?” asked Mr Manners on learning that he was selected as one of the finalists for the Everyday Financial Heroes Award. Unassuming as he might appear, Mr Manners is focused when it comes to his money. He owns his own home and owns shares in many of the public companies registered in the federation. When asked why he buys shares he replied without pausing, “Because I want to invest my money.”
He remarked that he did not see why people would say that they could not save, seeing that he has been able to save, invest and pay his bills including his mortgage payments to the National Housing Corporation (NHC) from his income as a grave digger working for the Government and for the Wesleyan Holiness Church, St. Peters.
In talking to him, one gets the sense that he is very focused and disciplined when it comes to managing his money. “My money goes to the bank and I save,” he stated. His reason for pursuing home ownership is articulated in very simple logical terms: “I could not find a place to live so I approached the NHC and they gave me a house and I have been paying my mortgage every month. I don’t miss a payment.”
Before the interview was over, Mr Manners was sure to indicate that he was a senior citizen, or almost, having attained some 57 years. However, he shows no sign of slowing down.
Agnes Crossley – market vendor, home owner and real estate investor
Ms Agnes Crossley has been a market vendor for some fifty years. In looking back at her journey, she noted that “there were good days and bad days; everyday was not the same.” In her younger days she recounted how she sold vegetables six days a week, now she sells at the market three times per week. You would be sure, however, to meet her in her usual location at the market on Saturdays.
How she got started
She began by buying vegetables in small quantities from farmers, 20lbs here and there and then she graduated to purchasing larger quantities. “Years ago when I started I used a cart to transport my vegetables. As the business grew and we were able to save money, we were able to purchase a car and my grandson began transporting me and has been doing so every since. I did not start out in the market, I used to sell in front of Coury’s on the Bay Front and then Mr Bradshaw (The Honorable Llewellyn Bradshaw) said that vendors should move to the market to sell and this is where I have been ever since.”
What she likes about selling vegetables
“In the market you get to meet and greet a lot of people. I will answer their questions and explain the various types of vegetables. Tourists would ask about how to cook them.”
Her guiding principles on saving
“Save something, carry it to the bank, and then when you have enough, approach the bank to lend you money to buy property,” she advised.
