30 years and growing
JAMAICA PLUMBING Supplies Ltd is now celebrating its 30th year of doing business in Jamaica. The company started in 1988 from humble beginnings and was born out of a need identified by the managing director, Winston Neil.
Winston was a plumber who rode his bicycle t hroughout Kingston & St Andrew, offering his services. He, however, encountered difficulties in sourcing the requisite plumbing supplies to meet his clients’ needs and often spent a significant time in this endeavour. The idea of a one-stop plumbing supplies store gave birth to the concept of Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Ltd.
Armed with his supportive wife, Andrea, and their faith in God, Winston left his brother’s business and started his own plumbing service business. It operated over several months with few clients.
REFLECTION BY ANDREA
“We finally got our big break with an exclusive contract to provide plumbing supplies and service for St Andrew Technical High School. For the first time, we could go to the supermarket and buy more than just the bare essentials, even a bottle of wine to celebrate. Soon thereafter, we started to get more contracts and opportunities to work with some of the main players in all major industries. As we grew, we recognised the need to expand our team and we opened our first office space off Waltham Park Road, with four staff members”.
The challenges of sourcing plumbing supplies continued and, finally, the concept became the reality and Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited was formed.
Today, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies has approximately 30 members of staff and currently operates in two locations, 56 Molynes Road and Portmore Sovereign Village.
This month, the company broke ground in Portmore for what will be our largest store. Through the dedicated efforts of management and staff working together by God’s grace, the company continues to grow and has been a trailblazer in the plumbing industry in Jamaica. We are thankful for the partnerships along the journey with our bankers, suppliers, advertising agents and especially our customers who made this possible.
Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Ltd is a family-run business which operates in a family-oriented culture, with everyone working towards the same goal, to the betterment of the entire family. In 2012, the management team was strengthened when Brenton Neil, Winston and Andrea’s son, joined the company after completing his studies overseas. They hope that 30 years from now, it will be their grandchildren leading the charge.
CUSTOMERS VERY IMPORTANT
Customers are also considered an important part of the family and the plumbers who became regular shoppers are a testament of this. Their interaction with staff is cordial and it has been our pleasure to offer quality service. The members of staff at Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited aren’t just smiling, friendly faces; they are well informed in the arena of plumbing. Those who aren’t from a plumbing/hardware background have learnt the essentials of the trade from each other and Winston himself.
If you were to ask the Neils to list three things that took them to where they are today, they would say:
■ Seeking God and listening to His direction.
■ Building good business relationships, starting within the company. ■ Providing quality service to customers.
The company has kept abreast with technology to remain relevant in a dynamic industry. Our strong online presence is maintained through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram as well as our website, www.jamaicaplumbingsupplies.com, which was recently reengineered. Customers can shop online via our user-friendly website and request delivery of purchase or opt to collect in-store at Kingston or Portmore branch.
BENEFITING FROM TECHNOLOGY
It is not only our systems and processes which have benefited from advances in technology, but our products. For example, our innovative UV water filters, which filtrate and kill bacteria, providing safe and healthy drinking water throughout the entire home or business. Just imagine the cost savings which will accrue from this environmentally friendly equipment. There is no more need to be concerned that you are showering or brushing your teeth with bacteria-filled water.
With its vast array of plumbing supplies, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited is the perfect place for contractors, hoteliers, wholesalers and homeowners. Our products range from the elegant and durable to contemporary, simple and reliable. We stock brands such as Vado, Sloan, Spears, and American Standard, and recently became an official distributor for Moen and Fluidmaster. It is our delight to share the benefits we receive from our suppliers with our customers. Hoteliers and contractors will be pleased to know that Vado provides a 12-year warranty on their products, offering quality assurance, resulting in less downtime for repairs conducted in guest rooms and on premises. Jamaica Plumbing Supplies can meet your plumbing needs!
As God has given to us, we have given back and over the years, Jamaica Plumbing Supplies has contributed to several charitable efforts in sports, education and Christian mission. Most importantly, we have made it our mandate at the beginning of every year to give back to the Lord of our first fruit, in obedience to the word of God. The word of God never fails and is always sure – from a plumbing shop to several locations – God has been good. Jamaica Plumbing Supplies Limited is committed to continue to strive for excellence and make meaningful contributions to the plumbing industry and the country at large.
We thank God for His faithfulness, favour, protection and guidance over these 30 long
‘We thank God for His faithfulness, favour, protection and guidance over these 30 long years, because we are fully aware that we could not have made the first step without Him holding our hands.’
years, because we are fully aware that we could not have made the first step without Him holding our hands.
We also take this opportunity to thank all our team, loyal staff, customers, business partners, friends and well-wishers, lawyers and family members for your support over these 30 years – without you we would not be where we are today celebrating this milestone.
Now that we have looked back, let us look forward, pray earnestly and work hard to make the next 30 years bigger and better than those that have gone. To God be the glory, great things He has done and continues to do.
Our 30th year anniversary celebration started with a church service and continues with several events which will take place throughout the year, including sale events, live broadcasts and even a special customer appreciation day. You can stay tuned via Instagram and Facebook @jamaicaplumbing; and remember to check out our new website and subscribe to the newsletter to keep abreast of the festivities, savings and giveaways.