When I think about the merry month of December one of the key words that comes to mind is “family.”
The joy of family get-togethers over the holidays; catching up with relatives that maybe we haven’t seen for awhile, and renewing friendships with close friends who are “just like family.”
In the workplace, “family” has a different connotation, and yet many wonderful similarities. Many of the management people I speak with are running “family owned and operated” companies – sometimes they are the 3rd or even 4th generation carrying on a proud legacy of success. And then there are countless other entities outside of the actual “family biz” category. But almost without exception, when I ask a business or community representative about their corporate culture, they say, “Our team/staff/employees are like a family.” This has nothing to do with bloodlines, it’s the atmosphere of teamwork that’s been cultivated – an environment where pride in doing a great job comes hand in hand with working together.
Especially during the pandemic, when working remotely or on a hybrid basis has kept us physically apart, that sense of community and family has been a godsend for peace of mind and to keep productivity on track. The loneliness that comes from working in a silo has been counteracted by virtual meetings that we’ve all mastered by now. Zoom fatigue, maybe, but it’s the next best thing to being there.
This issue of Business View Caribbean showcases two fine examples of how to carry on long-standing traditions, while evolving with the times. One of the oldest companies in The Bahamas, Nassau Tile is a proud family business with a rich history that spans three generations. Established in 1930 by John E. Gomez, this innovative firm has established itself as a true trend setter in the tile industry – now in the capable hands of 3rd generation Managing Director, Elizabeth Ramsay. Her grandfather would indeed by pleased.
In Bermuda, Gorham’s Ltd has been a staple in the construction materials industry and a trusted name for more than 80 years. General Manager Andrew Mackay recounts, “Certainly, 2020 was an eye opener for everybody, in the fact that we all thought with COVID happening everybody would stop shopping. But instead, people just completely changed their buying habits – going from live purchasing to virtual purchasing.” Thanks to long-term reliable partnerships with trusted suppliers, Gorham’s has done well to satisfy the demand for goods from a wealth of loyal customers.
A much younger but very innovative company is helping to create a built environment that complements the natural beauty of The Bahamas. Since its founding in 2014, Talcove Construction has earned an excellent reputation for delivering quality services. By developing strong relationships with local and international clients and industry partners, the Talcove team is now esteemed in the industry for craftsmanship/workmanship at the highest level.
As we wind down the interesting year that was 2021, I’d like to say a huge thank you to our Business View “family” – the team that I rely on to keep things moving smoothly and make me feel that I’m part of something very special and worthwhile. Over the past 12 months, we’ve accomplished great work, had fun producing some pretty amazing publications, and made a lot of new friends along the way.
To everyone that we’ve had the pleasure of doing business with this year, and all of you who enjoy reading the fruits of our labor, I wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year ahead. Thanks for being part of the Business View Caribbean family!
Lorie Lee Steiner
Editor in Chief
