By Shawn Seabrookes
Reporter-SKNVibes
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| Mr. Scott Caines |
Mr. Scott Caines believes that it is imperative to empower small players in the corporate community, as they are the difference makers in the establishment of a sound economic structure.
Caines is the Managing Director of Frank B. Armstrong (St. Kitts) Ltd, C&C Super Foods Ltd and Caines Car Rental.
During an exclusive interview with SKNvibes, Caines retraced his humble beginnings in the corporate community and underscored his personal motto which is take the initiative and be proactive as it is never the end of the road- you can always do something more.
Even though he has taken the path of humility in the business arena make no mistake about the business sense of the man, as Caines has a BA in Arts from the University of the Virgin Islands.
Additionally, he has had invaluable experience first with TDC, in various departments, and he reached the position of Chief Accountant and recording Secretary of the Board. It was also during his stint at TDC that Caines became qualified as a CPA.
Prior to his tenure at TDC, he also worked at Social Security, in the Accounts Department.
These experiences were the plateau for his launch into a respectable player in the corporate community.
When the controlling interests of Frank B. Armstrong were up for sale, Scott and his wife Laverne, with assistance from her father, capitalized on the opportunity and purchased the assets.
Scott graciously explained what Frank B. Armstrong is about.
He disclosed that Frank B Armstrong (St. Kitts) Ltd, wholesalers and distributors of food, drinks, wine and spirits, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, Texaco LPG gas and lubricant products and personal hygiene products, commenced operations in the Federation in November 1970, before, he and his wife took over in September 2001.
The Caines continued to exercise their buying power in May 2002, when they purchased the supermarket operations of Barker and Kelly Ltd, on George Street, New Town.
They subsequently changed the name to C and C Super Foods Ltd. ~~Adz:Right~~
Caines also bought property on the Bay Road and established another supermarket in 2006, to complement the one that was already operational. This was done as the Bay Road was a high volume location.
In hindsight, it is not surprising that Scott went into the distribution business as he grew up in the bakery business and the "sales fever" was in him from a young age.
He outlined that his immediate aim for the business is to build a central distribution property so that they could move more volume, enjoy economies of scale and assist in maintaining a decent cost of living standard, which translates to serving the customer more efficiently.
"Business has grown tremendously," Caines said, as he tracked the progress of his business since its acquisition in 2001.
"St. Kitts is on the verge of taking off in tourism and we hope that this could give my business and the whole corporate community a shot in the arm," he added.
He was very optimistic that with tourism that "we" could see the real disposable income.
The Managing Director also expressed his hope for the broadening of the tax base because such would make shopping more attractive.
He noted that while he was hoping for the improving of certain factors to stimulate economic growth, especially in the shopping sector, he also wanted to take the opportunity to thank the local government on their efforts to expand the country's economy and empowering persons to take the step into the corporate community.
Caines and his associates have also grabbed the bull by the horns when it comes to penetrating the tourism sector. They have C and C Car Rentals which allows them to bridge the gap between the shopping and tourism sectors.
Indeed, the as a result of the vision to tap into the corporate community, Scott Caines has laid the foundation for a successful business operation.
Frank B Armstrong operates from CA Paul Southwell Industrial Estate. One of the C and C Super Foods supermarket operates from a 5000 square foot area that is leased on George Street. The other is on the Basseterre Bay Road, just opposite the ferry terminal.
Presently, Caines and his businesses employ just over one hundred persons.
The young businessman has confirmed that his company has captured a significant portion of the market share, since they began operations, even though it is very competitive, and says he will continue to work to ensure the success of his businesses, whilst satisfying the customer.
"I am of the view that people should not be traveling long distances to shop," he said while wrapping up the interview.
This certainly is an indication of positive intensions for expansion and also amplifies the dream of this young man to effectively serve his community.
