Tell us about your business?
“Our business operates out of Trinidad and Tobago and we are a beverages distribution and service company. What we do is provide, sell, and rent beverage equipment and high marginal beverage programs along with premium products to restaurants, hotels, shops, convenience stores, fast food, retail and offices. We provide anything from frozen cocktails, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, slush, frozen carbonated equipment and more. We also provide the best service on the island for beverage equipment and support.”
What prompted you to start your business?
“The business was started originally by my brother one hot day when he felt for a “slurpee” – realizing there was no frozen beverages you could run to the store and just grab and go! From there we started with our own brand we created, Freezee, installing in many grab and go locations, movie theaters and gas stations. This business allowed us to evolve into other beverage product and machine offerings.”
What are three tips you have for entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own small business?
- “Be flexible. Have a plan, have a roadmap, but accept that it can change.
- Leave your ego at the door. Always be open to learning and looking at how you can change/shift your business. Basically, be open to taking advice whether you want to hear it or not. More people will want to work with you.
- Remember you are going to feel like you want to quit 1,000 times but that just means you are about 90% there. The last 10% is always the hardest before you hit it big.”
“Fuksa Khorshid has been a fantastic resource from day 1 to our business from structuring our partnership agreements, distribution agreements, machine rental and policy contracts as well as overall business advising! Lema has even come to Trinidad multiple times to meet in person to discuss growth and strategy plans we need to put in place to grow.”