I think to be in marketing one must have broad interests that allow you to be in touch with the ground. As founder of Pepper 13 years ago, here are 13 things that have prepared me to be a marketer that you may not know about me.
- I was the part owner of a failed Roti Shop called RAJ in St James (People say it takes a special talent to buss a Roti Shop in St James)
- I was awarded the Principal’s Cup (Clive Pantin) , Student of the Year, Fatima College 1975 (No, not for academic excellence, I could never win that. Rather for best all round student)
- I entered the Oval Calypso Competition and my Calypso name was Mighty Gru-Gru Bef (Participation is winning – prepares you for the next battle)
- I’m married to my brother’s wife’s sister and my wife’s sister is married to my brother (He married first as a test run for me – the power of research)
- I have toured the UK with Massy Trinidad All Stars (No, I was not the man on the base, I was representing Massy in a PR capacity)
- I did common entrance with the Dollar Wine man (He was by far the brightest boy in the class – Our teacher Kelvin Marcial set the bar very high)
- I once appeared on 12 and Under and Aunty Hazel described my voice as a “piping treble” (Participation is winning – prepares you for the next battle)
- I passed for my first choice, St Mary’s College and then came to my senses and transferred to Fatima College in Form 2 (Embrace your missteps)
- I worked in beer for 7 years and in chicken for 8 (Pat Bishop said I went from alcohol to cholesterol – diversify your resume)
- I once arranged for 24 hours of Kitchener music to be played on Radio (I listened to most of the 24 hours – hang out with geniuses)
- I have six children and all of them resemble their mother (But I remain confident that I would fare well in a paternity test- choose a partner wisely)
- I make the best oil down on the planet (My Best man Greg McKenzie taught me and he now craves my version – the ultimate marketing mix)
- I tell stale jokes (There is a market for this)
