Standard Golden Anniversary 1959 - 2011

2. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. OCTOBER 9, 2011

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STAFF AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY ranks high at Standard Distributors.

That’s according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Steven Scott.

Cognisant of these trends within the company, Scott wants to publicly thank his staff and faithful Barbadians for ensuring the success of this retail store during the past 52 years.

“We at Standard Distributors wish to thank our customers for their loyalty, faith and trust in us. We value them significantly, and while we know that their buying power has been challenged due to the existing economic climate, we will work with them as best as we can,” Scott promised.

He has lauded the staff for their creativity over the years, and has specifically commended them for their dedication and commitment to excellent service.

Scott, who took up the reins of CEO four years ago, is adamant that the economic climate will only push the company to greater heights.

“Our greatest challenge right now — like many other companies — is the economic situation, but everything has a cycle and we will come out. We are holding our own and will continue to support the local manufacturing industry. In this way we are helping to preserve local jobs,” Scott noted.

He added: “It is true that business has

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER STEVEN SCOTT (seated) looking over figures with Marketing Manager Andre Downes (left) and Chief Financial Officer David Holder. (RC) slowed down, but our efforts now are to buy more wisely and give customers a better product at better prices. Our prices are quite good, as we have the advantage of buying in greater volumes through our faithful suppliers with whom we have excellent working relationships. This enables us to pass on the best prices to the customer. We will endeavour to offer the best.”

Scott pointed to Standard Distributors’ special discount to any individual who is a member of a credit union, as well as special discounts to members of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP), many of whom are also customers.

“A large percentage of BARP members are customers and a lot of young people who are starting out in their careers choose Standard because of the store’s wide variety,” Scott added.

It is to this end that special packages are offered to young people who are starting out in their respective home ownership programmes.

Scott sees a bright future ahead, with lots of possibilities.

4. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. OCTOBER 9, 2011

highest quality of service is delivered at all times.”

Holder is also of the view that the key to maintaining a proper market share is to provide excellent service that is second to none.

“At Standard Distributors, we make the customer feel a part of us, so that they continue to do business more competitive. balancing the hire purchase ledgers. with us. We will not lose a customer “The market has changed Today, high technological advanced due to poor service, support or significantly. There are more retail software programmes have made it DAVID HOLDER product performance,” he stressed so much easier, but business is not as outlets, along with the ability for CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (RC) He maintains that in spite of the persons to research and shop online usual,” he said.

Holder believes that market forces for any product. In the midst of this, current economic climate Standard head above water.

Distributors continues to keep its we must focus and ensure that the have made doing business much “We are weathering the economic climate and placed all the relevant machinery to ensure positive projections for the remainder of the year,” he disclosed.

A former teacher, Holder joined Standard Distributors in 1986 as an Whirlpool, and Toshiba She is satisfied that despite THE HEART of Standard accounts clerk responsible for products,” stated Carter. the current recession,“business Distributors is the Sales accounts payable and receivable. He She added: “During the early is steady” at both the Tudor Department. Each member of was elevated to the post of part of the year the focus is staff is sales driven and depends Street and Haggatt Hall accountant three years later, and has usually on a wide range of branches. Excitement is also in on sales from furniture, large held the post of chief financial officer the air as both retail stores have appliances, including stoves, and small appliances and for the past 20 years. refrigerators, washing machines electronics — among other items started to receive their Holder manages a team of 25, in and televisions. The Christmas Christmas stock. Already staff — for the company to stay addition to overseeing the financial season is when we witness are looking forward to a great abreast of the competition. operations of the company’s three increases in all classes of retail season.

This is where Joycelyn JOYCELYN CARTER locations and the preparation of the Carter is also convinced that items. Our furniture sales Carter plays a crucial role as SALES MANAGER (RC) monthly management accounts. He increase significantly during this including cashiers, porters and sales manager and purchaser of with the right quality products also manages the company’s portfolio period. and best prices, Standard local products. sales associates. of assets, with the highest portfolio “Standard Distributors Distributors will continue to be In addition to working with She believes that as being hire purchase receivables, has everything for the home, a leader in its field. local furniture manufacturing Standard Distributors lives inventory and fixed assets.

“We are performing well with and is a No. 1 stop for all contractors, Carter sets sales up to its motto — “Quality Is Holder is also responsible for the appliances, furniture and home Our Business” , it will continue our various large and small targets on a daily basis and Credit, Accounts and Inventory appliances, including Kenmore, furnishings,” explained Carter, works to ensure these targets to make its mark in the local departments. who supervises a team of 15, Frigidaire, General Electric, are attained. retail industry.

GONE are the days when keeping tabs on the finances of Standard Distributors meant burning the midnight oil.

Chief Financial Officer David Holder remembers those days only too well; the nights of balancing books way past 11 p.m. Today, thanks to advanced technology, with just the touch of a button, he is able to keep financial records up to date.

“When I joined the company most of the work was being done manually. We spent many nights

OCTOBER 9, 2011 . SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. 5

CUSTOMERS of Standard Distributors can look forward to give-aways to the tune of over $100 000 worth of prizes as the company celebrates its Golden Anniversary in this its 52nd year of business in Barbados.

According to Marketing Manager Andre Downes, the store is especially set to give back to the loyal Barbadian public through an extended promotion package, which is currently running until January 31, 2012.

Customers have the chance to win a KIA Cerato; a Caribbean cruise for two, and five individual room makeovers.

Downes noted in light of the current economic climate the store was “always seeking new ways to keep MARKETING our customers happy, satisfied and coming back to shop with us as they are the reason we exist.

“We have a duty to our customers to provide them with the best possible service and a quality product that outstrips its value.

“Therefore, through research, we are always looking for new ways and making changes to the overall operation from the look and feel of the stores, to the quality of each product purchased, so there will be changes on the horizon. We want to advise our customers to stay tuned”.

Downes added: “As one of the older retail companies in this business we continually challenge ourselves creatively to

WHEN IT COMES to maintaining a proper and accurate track record of Standard Distributors’ inventory, the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of Inventory Control Manager, Sonia Moore.

The inventory department ensures that all goods are placed in the company’s data base, and are available for distribution to the Tudor Street and Haggatt Hall locations on a timely, and if needed, a daily basis.

This involves creating codes for each item and pricing them as soon as they reach the warehouse at Green Hill, St. Michael.

Moore, who has spent 23 years with Standard Distributors, works closely with inventory clerk Adrian Miller. Together they cooperate with the Credit and Accounts staff, as they rely heavily on information from these two departments to perform their duties

MANAGER Andre Downes.

(RC)

realize the goals we set, while seeing the dreams of our founders and builders realized.

“We owe it to our shareholders to be innovative and to improve in every facet of the business to ensure the company’s success for another 50 years and beyond.”

Despite the demands of the job, Downes says he enjoys his work immensely and is looking forward to finding solutions to the many challenges, the company faces.

“We have a solid history, which supports a promising future, and I am eagerly looking forward to playing an active role in it,” he added.

INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGER Sonia Moore. (RC) effectively.

The inventory department also coordinates stocktaking each week, and carries out spot checks on a regular basis.

Moore specifically, as part of her duties, prepares monthly inventory reports for the chief executive officer and liaises with the chief financial officer.

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STANDARD DISTRIBUTORS was established by Dr Anthony N. Sabga in Trinidad and Tobago in 1945.

With an overwhelming success the company came to Barbados in September 1959 and began operations as a partnership with DaCosta Limited, a subsidiary of Barbados Shipping & Trading Company Limited (BS&T).

This new joint venture, which was originally managed by the DaCosta group, was established primarily for the purpose of distributing Bosh automotive products, Bosch refrigerators and small kitchen appliances, as well as Blaupunkt radiograms. After an initial couple of years on the waterfront of Bridgetown, the Tudor Street property was acquired and

THE MANAGEMENT and staff of Standard Distributors have always maintained good relations with small business entrepreneurs wishing to break their way into the market.

Today, suppliers across the island can attest to the EVANSON JOSEPH opportunities made available to Managing Director them through this retail store.

Regal Furniture Below are the testimonies of three such suppliers: I’VE FOUND Standard Distributors to be a good company to work with and I’m comfortable partnering with them.

I’ve been in business for the past 25 years and have been supplying Standard with bedroom, kitchen and dining room furniture within the last decade.

I wish this company many more years of success.

the business was relocated to that site where it remains to this day, some 52 years later.

In 1967, the ANSA Group acquired the 50 per cent owned by the BS&T Group and assumed full management of the company. By the early ’70s, Standard had expanded its operation to include a complete line of furniture, appliances and electronics and had opened a second location on Broad Street. Among the brands that launched this expansion were Tappan, Leonard, General Electric, Brother and Hitachi, brands that this retail store continues to proudly represent today.

In November 1997, Standard opened its first location outside the boundaries of

JOHN LASHLEY Managing Director Jayel Furniture I CONGRATULATE Standard Distributors on this special occasion.

For the past 15 years I’ve enjoyed a good relationship with management and staff. The service is excellent and I’ve never had any complaints. I supply bedheads, television stands, chest of drawers, book shelves and various items.

Jayel Furniture has been in business since 1993.

Bridgetown. This 10 000 square feet showroom, located in Haggatt Hall, St Michael, exemplifies the “retail world” of the 21st century.

A convenient location on the ABC Highway, Haggatt Hall is easily accessible from all parts of the island, has excellent parking facilities and a comfortable and spacious shopping environment. This new store will enable the company to reach out to consumers who are seeking these conveniences and introduce Standard to a larger segment of the population.

Today, Standard Distributors represents some of the best brands in the world including the intelligent line of Kenmore appliances and a complete line of quality furniture from Bassett.

JEFFREY BRATHWAITE Managing Director Brathwaite’s Furniture I have been supplying Standard Distributors with furniture for the past 35 years and I’ve found this company to be very helpful to the small businessman.

They gave me a much needed opportunity to grow my business. I started out making coffee tables, before moving on to creating wardrobes, chest of drawers, entertainment centres and cabinets. I congratulate Standard on their Golden Anniversary celebrations.

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SINCE quite a number of the items which are sold by Standard Distributors are imported, it is necessary to have these items cleared at the sea and air ports.

These customs duties are left in the capable hands of customs and costing clerk Michael Woodley.

He joined this established retail company 21 years ago to perform all duties related to customs. The responsibility of costing was added to his portfolio by former Chief Executive Officer, now Chairman, Stephen Edghill.

Woodley believes that his duties have become more challenging over the years — bearing in mind the current economic climate and changes in customs, but he does not complain. In fact, he has admitted to loving his job immensely.

“Standard Distributors is a wonderful place to work, and I love working there,” disclosed Woodley, who has worked with a number of CEOs including Mr Edghill, Mr Marshall and Mr Roach.

MICHAEL WOODLEY He is looking forward to more years CUSTOMS AND COSTING CLERK. (RC) with the company.

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STAYING ABREAST of the competition is vital while trying to meet consumer demand, and Standard Distributors maintains its cutting edge by introducing various brands with some of the most exotic pieces of local and imported furniture, not to mention world renowned quality brands such as Kenmore appliances.

Over the years, the store has expanded its lines from the United States, China, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

The introduction of top brands such as the Basset, Fairmont and Belle lines of furniture have also been widely accepted by the Barbadian public. Other quality ranges of living, dining, bedroom and patio furniture as well as technologically advanced electronics have also found their place at Standard Distributors’ two locations — Tudor Street, The City, and Haggatt Hall, St Michael.

STANDARD DISTRIBUTORS is set to give back to the loyal Barbadian public through an extended promotion package, which is currently running until January 31, 2012.

Among the many gifts and give-ways up

for grabs is this KIA Cerato.

To be eligible to enter the current competition, which commenced last month, shoppers must spend $500 in cash or hire purchase items at any of the stores two branches.

10. SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL. OCTOBER 9, 2011

FROM TIME TO TIME legal action must be taken when customers default on their hire purchase payments.

Taking such action is usually a last resort by management in a bid to retrieve monies owed to the company.

When such cases occur, Francina Bourne, Standard Distributors’ legal assistant in the Credit Department, shoulders the responsibility of representing the company in court.

“We recognise that there are definitely some people who are in crisis, so one has to know how to work with them,” explained Bourne.

She added: “The recession has affected quite a number of persons, including those who are very good customers. We always try diligently to work with our customers and settle matters of non-payments before they reach the court.”

Bourne joined the Standard Distributors team 15 years ago; her versatility has allowed her to function in many areas within the company and she is described as a good work colleague by her peers.

STANDARD DISTRIBUTORS CREDIT TEAM: Seated are Credit Manager Desma Linton (left) and Harriette Chase. Standing (from left): Francina Bourne, Sandra Brathwaite, Sharon Cumberbatch and Olivia Jones. Missing are Karen Waithe and Pholine Frederick. (RC)

STANDARD DISTRIBUTORS offers easy credit terms on hire purchase accounts and continues to attract new and existing customers every day.

In addition, customers who repay accounts MERLENE GALL before the expiry date are given finance HEAD CASHIER (RC) rebates. these are among several incentives offered to customers, explains Credit Manager She performs her duties in a professional SHE LIVES by the guiding philosophy — “Do Desma Linton. your best at all times”, and Merlene Gall lives manner, and seeks to ensure that each customer Opening a hire purchase account at is treated fairly, and given the best service up to this philosophy each day on the job as Standard is quite easy and Linton and her head cashier at Standard Distributors’ Tudor possible. team work behind the scenes carrying out the “As cashiers we all understand the need to Street (main) branch. necessary checks in a timely manner so that be courteous to customers and to create the “No one day is ever the same,” she said, right customer experience. This will determine “and each day has its challenges.”

According to Gall, having to interface with whether or not that customer returns to do customers on a daily basis is the most fulfilling business with us,” Gall emphasised.

This mother and wife, who formerly worked and rewarding part of her job. in the banking industry, has spent the last 15 Gall supervises two other cashiers and years with Standard Distributors. together they receive all the day’s takings.

approval of the contract is done as quickly as possible.

The Credit Department has the responsibility of ensuring that installments are kept up to date. Linton joined Standard Distributors in 2004 and manages a staff of seven.

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THE STAFF from the Tudor Street branch of Standard Distributors including Managing Director Steven Scott (seated left), Sales Manager Joycelyn Carter (seated centre) Chief Financial Officer David Holder (seated right). (RC)

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SERVICE TECHNICIAN Trevor Bryan is the longest serving employee of Standard Distributors.

From a young boy, Bryan cherished the dream to work with this company. At the age of 17, fresh out of the Federal High School, this dream was realized when he became this store’s repair man. Back then he was primarily responsible for carrying out repairs on table model radios and Blaupunkt radiograms. Bryan did this for many years until various types of radios were introduced. He later added televisions, DVD’s, stereo sets and a range of large and small electrical appliances to his “to be fixed list”.

Bryan operates from the company’s service department at Green Hill, St. Michael, and has been based there for the past 15 years.

He recalls the early days when the store’s entire operation was located at Tudor Street, Bridgetown, with the warehouse and service department situated on the top floor.

“The storeroom was at the top of the building, and a hoist was used to bring the furniture down to the store-room,” Bryan noted.

He also remembers that like today Christmas was always the best sales season and almost every

TREVOR BRYAN – service technician celebrating 43 years of service. (RC) household would purchase a Bosch refrigerator and a Blaupunkt radio during this period. These were Standard’s main product lines back then.

Bryan has witnessed an expansion in the product lines over the years and has seen the company grow from strength to strength.

He recalled that he joined the company when Charles Maynard was its manager, and that the company’s longest serving manager was Stephen Edghill, whom he credits for “turning the company around and expanding the product lines.”

He also credits the early parental advice of his mother and father for his astuteness.

“In the early days I got a lot of inspiration from my parents. This foundation has helped me a great deal in the world of work. My mother would always tell me, “See and don’t see; hear and don’t hear; see and hear and don’t talk,” he said with a chuckle.

Bryan, who lives by the motto: “To be the best that SINCLAIR BRYAN – I can be”, says he is fit and willing to go for as long courier. (RC) as he can.

FOURTEEN YEARS AGO St. Clair Bryan walked through the doors of Standard Distributors to perform the task of clearing containers” at the company’s warehouse.

When an opening for a porter became available, he applied for the post and got it. Five years later, he was offered the position of office assistant/courier.

Bryan has now become the face of Standard Distributors to many of the company’s partners, clients and associates. He also does all office filing.

It was always his desire to work with Standard Distributors. In fact, when he was 16 years old, he filled out an application form for a job, and although he never worked for the company until he was in his late thirties, he was just happy to get his foot through the doors.

He loves running errands and interacting with people.

“What I enjoy most about the job is working each day with my colleagues. On a typical day I am at work long before 8 a.m.

I find out what has to be done, and set out to organise my day accordingly,” Bryan said.

“My philosophy is to give my best at all times, so I do not allow anybody to get between me and my work.”

Bryan is looking forward to many more years with Standard Distributors and to giving of his best to this company.

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THE Haggat Hall branch of Standard Distributors. (RC) ROSWITHA MAYO (second right) with the sales team from the Haggat Hall branch (from left) Dario Roach, Cheryl-Lea Oliver, Bruce Robinson and Shawn Cummins. (RC)

THE NAME ROSWITHA “Freddy” Mayo has become synonymous with Standard Distributors’ Haggatt Hall branch over the years, and more-so as far as this retail store’s range of imported furniture is concerned.

Mrs Mayo, sales manager at this southeastern location has been successful in placing Standard Distributors high on the list of retail furniture stores with quality trade name brands. Among these is the up-market Basset line as well as the Belle and Fairmont top quality brands, which have become popular over the years.

With a taste for exotic, traditional and even contemporary brands of furniture, Mrs Mayo gives each customer in search of imported furniture some great choices from which to choose.

Sales manager of the Haggatt Hall branch for the past 11 years, Mrs Mayo has admitted that when she was initially asked to head this branch, she immediately saw a need to expand the furniture lines, and began searching in her bid to find the right tropical pieces for the Barbadian landscape. She was successful in

introducing bamboo, rattan and wicker designs, blending these well with local pieces such as mahogany and pine. Various ranges of patio furniture also hit the market, so too did a range of bedroom, living and dining room furniture.

As she sought to discover the likes and dislikes of customers, Mrs Mayo soon started to establish a new standard for the retail stores, which now carry a range of furniture pieces from the United States, Indonesia, China and Trinidad and Tobago.

“The most important thing I’ve learned when it comes to buying is that you cannot always buy what you like. This was the most difficult aspect of the job to learn,” Mrs Mayo is quick to admit.

“People have different tastes and one must cater for every taste,” she added.

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FRONT AND CENTRE: Warehouse Manager Winston Holder (centre) with his team at Standardʼs warehouse in Green Hill. (RC)

ONE OF Standard Distributors’ keys to excellent customer service has been this company’s ability to fully satisfy its customers — even long after the sale is closed.

The Service Department, located at Green Hill, St Michael, plays a key role in this regard. Under the management of Service Manager Rickie Neblett, and his team of technicians, this department ensures that items under warranty are repaired and properly serviced, should any defaults be discovered. Outside of warranty, purchasers can also opt to have both small and large appliances repaired and maintained by Neblett and his team. On-the-spot jobs are carried out in many instances, when necessary.

“We make it a point to maintain hire purchase items,” explained Neblett, who has 21 years’ experience in the service industry.

One aspect of his job which he enjoys immensely is that of visiting the homes of customers to inspect, view or carry out repairs on items.

According to this former Presentation

STANDARDʼS SERVICE TEAM (above right), led by Manager Rickie Neblett (above), “aim to keep customers happy at all times”. (RC)

College student, “Standard offers a more personalised service than its competition, and the onus is on each employee to keep customers happy at all times.”

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FLASHBACK 2003: Chief executive of Standard Distributors, Peter Danakas (left) telling a surprised Pauline Yvonne Ross (centre) that she had won a Ford Tauras. Jewel Forde shares in her delight. (FP) FLASHBACK: Stephen Edghill (left) director of Standard Distributors, Peter Danakas (right), chief executive officer, Joycelyn Carter (second from right), manager of Standard Norman Centre with winners in Standard始s best Christmas Ever promotion. (FP)

FLASHBACK 1999: Some of the Standard winners proudly show off their prizes. (FP)

FLASHBACK 2003: Lucy Joseph chatting with CEO of Standard Distributors Michael Trotman in her new living room suite. (FP) FLASHBACK 1999: Sonia Babb (centre) examining some of the features of her new Eurotech refrigerator. Looking on are Trevor Marshall, managing director of Standard Distributors and purchasing manager, Joycelyn Carter. (FP)

FLASHBACK 2008: Edris Carter (right) relaxing on her new Dirty-Oak Microfibre living room suite after the presentation by Ryan Harrison, advertising co-ordinator of Standard. (FP)

FLASHBACK 2003: Princess Edghill accepting her new home entertainment centre from Michael Trotman, CEO of Standard Distributors.(FP)

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