LOCAL NETWORKS AND LABOR RETENTION Steel import timelines of three to four months create fundamental logistical constraints for Caribbean construction companies, making domestic supplier relationships essential for project continuity. Rosscon’s supply chain strategy addresses these geographic realities through partnerships with established Trinidad hardware distributors who maintain substantial local inventory. “Our daily operation is run by 90% local suppliers, from small tools to concrete suppliers, basically everything from local suppliers here,” Rostant explains. Key partnerships include relationships with Bhagwansingh’s Hardware, Point Lisas Hardware, and Union Steel and Hardware, representing the island’s primary steel distribution network. “We call those suppliers on a daily basis,” he adds, highlighting the frequency required to maintain adequate material flow. Research suggests shortage of experienced labor is the third-highest factor affecting construction productivity in Trinidad and Tobago, with the country’s oil and gas boom intensifying competition for skilled workers across all construction trades. Industry studies reveal that lack of labor supervision and unrealistic scheduling expectations compound workforce challenges throughout the region. “Our workforce is 100% local. We’re a small familybased company and we have several employees that have been working upward of 20 years with the company, even some more from inception,” Rostant says. Employee longevity provides operational stability in a market where skilled worker mobility threatens project continuity for many competitors. “We’re family-based and very family-oriented.A lot of people come to work with us and stay. We think that’s very important, keeping good people and keeping them close to us.” CUSTOMER SERVICE AS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Trinidad’s compact geography creates unique business dynamics where personal relationships often supersede formal procurement processes, particularly within the construction sector where project complexity demands high trust levels. Customer service frequently receives secondary priority to technical execution across Caribbean construction companies, creating differentiation opportunities for relationship-focused firms. “We do try to project that same model onto our customers. I think a lot of our work is to return customers,” Rostant explains. Small island market dynamics intensify the importance of reputation management, as negative experiences can rapidly 18 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08
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