BVM Caribbean May

33 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 5 A. L . CONSTRUCT ION LTD. The company focuses on nurturing young talent by providing training and creating a solid work culture to address this issue. Loewen shared, “Our key is young students and training them. If you take a young student out of school and they’re with you, they’ll be with you for life once you treat them right.” The company works with about “10 or 15 students out of college or high school doing their work experience” with A.L. Construction. Loewen takes pride in the company’s role in developing the skills of these young individuals, even if they ultimately move on to other opportunities. He explained, “A lot of the contractors around our area came out of my company, and they’re very good people, excellent contractors because I took time with them and showed them how to do business.” Loewen believes that creating an environment that encourages growth and learning is essential for the success of the individual employees and the company. By investing in the training and development of its workforce, A.L. Construction is strengthening its business and contributing to the growth of the broader construction industry in Belize. Despite widespread concerns about supply chain issues and slowdowns, A.L. Construction has not experienced a significant negative impact on its business. Loewen explained, “I don’t think construction has slowed down. I think it’s the other way around. It’s sped up so much that it’s a new speed that we’re going at, and it’s harder to keep the inventory and product in place.” The company has observed an increase in demand for construction in the region. “Everything that was for sale has sold. Every lot that’s available has been sold, every house. People are just building,” Loewen said. While there may be some waiting time for materials, he believes it is due to the increased demand rather than a slowdown in the supply chain. A.L. Construction has had to adapt its strategy