Everson Elcock 50th Anniversary Feature

THIS YEAR marks the 50thanniversary of Everson R.Elcock and CompanyLimited - a company whichhas risen to become theleading electrical contractingand lighting company inBarbados and the Caribbean.

It was on April 18, 1961,that a young 23–year-oldelectrician, Everson R.Elcock, bade farewell to hisemployers at the then Manningand Company, where heworked for $20 per week, toestablish his own business.Imbued with a mission, full ofenergy, courage and youthfulenthusiasm, and backed byfamily and friends, he soonsurrounded himself withcompetent individuals to buildan electrical contractingcompany, which would bearhis name.

For the past 50 years, thecompany has been quietlyplacing its stamp on many,large Government, commercialand private buildings acrossBarbados and in variousCaribbean countries such asSt. Vincent, Montserrat andGuyana.

Operating from a privateresidence in the early years ofthe company, EversonElcock’s team graduallyobtained larger premises as theworkload increased, leadingeventually to the acquisition ofthe spacious BandstanManor, the Garrison, and thenthe Manor Lodge complex atLodge Hill, St Michael.

Under Elcock’s astuteleadership, the company haskept pace with the changingtechnological developments inthe field. It has significantlyexpanded its portfolio toinclude electrical sales andlighting, and has taken giantsteps to provide services forregional customers.

Elcock started hisenterprise with one employeeand part-time electricians.Thanks to Leon Phillips, abuilding superintendent withthe then Public WorksDepartment, and Victor Jones,Elcock’s uncle, he found jobsaround the island wiringhouses and conductingmaintenance at various policestations.

His reputation for excellentwork got him manyrecommendations and hetherefore found it necessary toemploy several otherelectricians.

The rise of EversonElcock and CompanyLimited is one of the epicstories of courage, hard workand dedication. It is a story inwhich a top class electricianforsook a comfortable job tolaunch out to build anenterprise which would befirst-rate in the electricalcontracting industry.

In 50 years, Elcock hastaken his business from athree-man operation to a

medium-sized companyemploying more than 250persons at its peak andhandling contracts in excess of$10 million.

The company wasincorporated under theCompanies Act of 1910, as alimited liability company, thuschanging its name fromEverson R. Elcock andCompany, to Everson R.Elcock and CompanyLimited on June 1, 1973.

Having its genesis as afamily business, Everson R.Elcock Company Limitedhas evolved not only tobecome a business with majorfamily interest but managedand run by loyal employees. Ithas become diversified to theextent that it can becategorised as a Group – thefull Group being — EversonR. Elcock and CompanyLimited, Exclusive Lightingand Electrical SuppliesLimited, Everson R. ElcockHoldings Limited andBandereco HoldingsLimited, the parent company.

Much of this success hasbeen attributed to Elcock, whoset the stage by offeringquality service to his clients,securing vital referrals, whichpropelled the company’sgrowth in the 1960s.

It was Elcock whoestablished the ethos of thecompany which is centred onquality and efficiency.

Long standing employeessuch as Melvin Toppin andDouglas Maynard have helpedElcock to propel the business.

In addition, the rise ofEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited from theposition of a small electricalwiring operation to a respectedmedium-sized family business,managed by blacks, refutes thelong-held myth that blackBarbadian entrepreneurscannot create and sustain theirenterprises over the long run.

Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited has alsocontributed significantly to theisland’s foreign exchangeearnings as a result of itsoverseas projects in Guyana,St. Vincent and Montserrat.Moreover, its work in lightingdesigns and electricalinstallations is important inimproving the aesthetics of thecountry’s buildings, givingthem a modern, sophisticatedlook.

Over the years, Everson R.Elcock and Company

Limited has set andmaintained high standards inan industry in which safety isof paramount importance.

In 2002, Elcock stepped

down as managing director,but remained as the company’sChairman. He passed thebaton to his eldest son,Antonio, who is nowmanaging director. His otherson, Adrian, is director offinance, sales and marketing

of Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited, andmanaging director ofExclusive Lighting andElectrical Supplies Limited.

Today, the company has adirect staff compliment ofapproximately 80 persons and

is housed on the company’sestate at Manor Lodge, StMichael.

With 50 years’ service toBarbados, Everson R. Elcockis now poised to continue toshine in the electricalcontracting industry.

2 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | MAY 1, 2011

BANDSTAN MANOR, situated at The Garrison, St Michael, was a former home ofEverson R. Elcock and Company Limited, just before the company purchasedManor Lodge. (GP)

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MAY 1, 2011 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 3

MESSAGE by Everson R.Elcock, BCH,JP, chairman of Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited

MY INITIAL IDEA has not failed,so here I am with the grace of Godgiving thanks for not only givingme the health, strength, wisdomand guidance to fulfil my originalidea of starting an electricalcontracting company, but alsogrowing from one company into adiverse organisation that has madea difference to the countryBarbados that I love, and to themany families of the hundreds ofmen and women that have workedwith me and played a significantrole in our success over the last 50years.

In 1961, I was 23 years of age,full of energy, ambition, and aGod-given skill of being anelectrical tradesman. I didn’t knowthe word that is used so freely now– entrepreneur,however, I knew thatI had the ability toestablish my ownbusiness, based on thenumerous requestsfrom persons to carryout work for them.So, I guess you couldsay that was thebeginning of myentrepreneurialjourney!

Fifty years hence,I have used the samecommon sense inrunning my business. I try to understandwhat I have to offer, and what is a fair andreasonable price that the customer wouldpay for that quality service and product. Thissimplicity of thought is consistent with who Iam as a man.

I believe in keeping and living my lifesimple and I try to encourage my staff andmanagement team to do the same. No onecares how much you know if at the end of theday it does not translate into some value tothem.

The journey thus far has been rewarding;however, we had many moments when wethought we would have lost everything, andeach time that we have found ourselves in a“hole”, it is the amazing character and strengthof my family and my managers and staff thathave dug deep with an indescribable resolve toensure that we would rise like a phoenix.

My wife Maureen and I have beenincredibly blessed to have not one, but twosons who made the decision to join thebusiness and helped to transition it from afamily business to a business controlled by afamily, but managed and run by loyalemployees and associates in a number ofdiverse industries and activities.

I have had no difficulty retiring from theday to day business and letting Antonio,Adrian, and my trusted loyal colleague andfriend, Patricia Boyce, manage the business

acumen to makethe rightdecisions onbehalf of theorganisation andthe variousstakeholders itserves.We never told

our sons that they had to join the business. Thatwas their decision. But we are glad they madethe decision to come into the business andhopefully, will continue to play a significantrole in the development of Barbados andpossibly beyond, but more importantly, toprovide opportunity, hope and sustenance to themen and women who work with us each day tochart our journey into the future.

Maureen and I are proud of the type of menour sons have become and it is our quiet hopethat in much the way that that we tried to raisethem to be respectful of others and appreciativeof God’s blessings, that they will do the samefor our grandchildren, Justin and Sanaa.

I take this opportunity to publicly expressthanks to my loyal staff, business associates,friends, and the many customers who havesupported Everson R. Elcock throughout thepast 50 years, for their commitment anddedication.

This company looks forward to serving youfor many more years to come.

BUSINESS IS A FAMILY

AFFAIR: Everson Elcock

(seated, centre) and wife

Maureen (right), sons

Adrian (second right) and

Antonio. (GP)

WHILE HE MAY have visited theoffices of his father — Everson R.Elcock and Company Limited — as achild, it was not until 1984, at age 17,that Antonio Elcock, who now sits inthe managing director’s chair, startedworking (part-time) at the company.

At that time he was still a student ofCombermere School, and workedduring the Summer months, primarilyin the stock room.

This opportunity to earn his own moneycame through the insistence of his mother,Maureen.

“My sister Joy (now deceased); my brother,Adrian and I, had the same indoctrination,”Antonio disclosed.

Working during the Summer monthscontinued until 1986 when Antonio leftBarbados for the University of South Florida inthe United States, to study electricalengineering. Even during this time, he neverenvisaged that one day he would sit at the helmof the family-owned business as managingdirector.

“I did not envisage myself heading thecompany. I guess when one is intimatelyinvolved in a process the evolution of thatprocess can elude you. It’s like watching yourchildren grow up,” he says with a smile.

Antonio remembers well that while atuniversity, his dad would have him (and hissiblings) flown home each Summer, not just towork in the company, but to keep in contactwith their friends.

He now states: “This has stood me wellthroughout the years. The same friends we allhad during high school and maintainedthroughout our university years, are the samefriends we have today. Most of them have nowrisen up the ranks in their own professions andat times, we do business together.”

Antonio has also recognised that his father’smain goal for him, his brother, and his sister,was to provide them with a good, soundeducation — something he himself did nothave.

“After that, it was left up to us after to dowhat we chose,” Antonio stresses.

His plan after completing his formaleducation was to apply for work as adraughtsman in the United States, or inBarbados — whichever came first. However,

through the advice of family friends andengineers, Chester Pitt and Winston Campbell,he was persuaded to join Everson R. Elcockand Company Limited — which he did in1990.

“I had asked both these men for jobreferences and they refused to give me. Theytold me my father needed my help and that Icould learn a lot more from just working forhim. I have not regretted that decision,”Antonio affirms.

He joined the company as a junior engineerand over time, was promoted to the positionsof engineer, project manager and senior projectmanager.

Along the way, between 1992 and 1993, heentered Heriot-Watt University in Scotland,where he completed his MSc in engineering.

Although armed with two degrees, Antonio,who took up the post of managing director in2002, admitted that he had a lot to learn alongthe way.

“On leaving school and joining thecompany, I thought I knew a lot. However, ingetting immersed in the company’s operations,especially in the implementation phases ofcontracts, I realised I now had to learn, and puttheory into practice. What I used to term asboring site meetings was the starting groundfor the project management training frompractical experience. I got to understand how aproject is planned and the planning stagesalong the execution phases for all the players

involved in the project,” confessed Antoniowho played a pivotal role in overseeing alloverseas contracts for the company during hisyears as project manager.

He noted that the on the job experiencewhich he gained, allowed him to see how hiswork impacted on other trades and vice versa.

He also admitted that from a technicalviewpoint, he became more keenly aware ofengineering designs and what engineers referto as “buildability” — whereby one can designanything, but it is not always practical to buildwhat one has designed and at the same timeensure that it meets the electrical safety codes.

From a management perspective, Antoniohas grown to understand the ability one musthave and the nuances in dealing with thehuman resource and financial resources, to getprojects completed within set budgets and thespecified times.

From an executive managementperspective, in looking at the entire picture ofthe operations and managing the company, heis fully cognisant of the fact that the companymust meet its statutory obligations as well asits obligations to employees, customers and thebank.

Tough times

Under his management the company hasgrown and expanded, however, like many otherbusinesses, it has not been spared from thecurrent recession.

In fact, confesses Antonio: “We have beenhit by the current recession. Last year, we were

forced to lay off staff, and we are doing ourutmost best not to do so this year.”

He explained that cash flows for contractshave not been forthcoming, neither has thevolume of requests for pricing, due to thecurrent stagnation of the construction industry.

“During the last 15 years, approximately 90per cent of construction was in the tourismindustry. Once tourism fell, so too didconstruction; this has caused a domino effect,where all the industries associated withconstruction have witnessed decreases in theirbusinesses.”

In retrospect, he pays homage to his fatherfor his vision and foresight.

“I must say this about him; he is alwaysready and willing to give you an opportunity— despite who you are or what level of theoperations you are at. This is the nature of thisman,” Antonio concludes.


ANTONIO ELCOCK:

MANAGING DIRECTOR (GP)

Warrens, St. Michael. Tel: 417-7777 www.simpson-motors.com

Warrens, St. Michael. Tel: 417-7777 www.simpson-motors.com

We Congratulate

and we wish them continued success

Anniversaryon their

Everson R. Elcock & Co.

50th

LIKE HIS ELDER brother Antonio, Adrian Elcock’sintroduction to the world of work was spending his Summerholidays working in his father, Everson R. Elcock’s business.He was a mere 13-year- old, whose love for figures was keenlyrecognised by his parents. It was not surprising therefore, thathe would drive around with his dad selling electrical switches,plugs, conduits and the like.

He smiles as he recalls: “I would have the price list in hand,as dad spoke to his prospective buyers.”

Adrian worked in the company performing “cashier” dutiesand other “odd jobs” throughout his years at The Lodge School.

In 1988, when he enrolled at Pace University, New York, tostudy for a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, (witha major in accounting), he returned home each year, to take hisplace in the family-owned business.

Adrian, who holds the posts of director of finance, sales andmarketing at Everson R. Elcock and Company Limited andmanaging director of Exclusive Lighting and ElectricalSupplies Limited, performs similar roles for the Everson R.Elcock Group of Companies. He admits to always being“somewhat of a businessman.”

While at university, he would purchase items overseas, andsell them on his return home. He also worked as a tutor in theuniversity’s Academic Study Centre, for $5 an hour, and wasalso a resident assistant in the dorms, thus helping to pay hisway through school, even though this was not necessary.

While at university he met Ann Wallace, the woman whowould later become his wife. Both were interns with AmericanExpress in the Corporate Accounts Section, during their junioryears in 1991. In 1992, during his senior year, he received a joboffer from Arthur Anderson LLP, one of the United States’leading accounting firms at the time. He had not yet graduated,but was busy as president of the National Association of BlackAccountants-Pace University’s Chapter, and its CaribbeanStudents’ Association.

Adrian heeded the advice of his dad, and made all hismistakes in the Financial Services Department of ArthurAnderson before deciding to return home after almost eightyears in the United States.

He left Arthur Anderson as senior accountant, armed withthe experience of having worked with large and small clients,including servicing clients as far afield as the Cayman Islands.

His decision to return home in 1995 was at the insistence ofhis dad.

“My dad called me in 1994, and told me to stop wastingtime. He said there was a project he wanted me to undertake,which turned out to be plans to open Exclusive Lighting,”Adrian recalls.

After working in the Accounts Department for a shortperiod, Adrian decided to take Exclusive Lighting under hiswings.

“I decided to run with this company, together with AnnFranklyn and Darnley Batson. I used all the marketing ideas Ihad,” states Adrian, who was a founding member of theBarbados Society of Marketing Professionals, “in my aim tomake it successful.”

“I learned a lot in those days from persons like Greg Hoyos,Dianne Inniss, and Shireen Eno; that’s how my marketing skillswere honed,” he admits.

Within three years, Exclusive Lighting and ElectricalSupplies Limited began to show profitability, and within fiveyears it was able to stand on its own.

Adrian was also the person responsible for creating abusiness plan to move the company forward to a newenvironment.

“In June 1999, we moved to Manor Lodge, where wemerged our Electrical Division at the Garrison with ourLighting Division, which was located at Welches Plaza. Webecame landlords and set out to develop Manor Lodge.

“I always loved projects, so moving from the Garrison towhere we are now was a thrill to me. When we purchased thecompound it was the most amount of money we had everinvested in a property. I created the financial model to supportthe acquisition to build up the development through a series ofphases. We never used realty firms to rent the compound andtherefore saved a lot of money in the process,” informs Adrian.

Today, he is responsible for all sales and marketing, as wellas the financial oversight of the entire Group of companies,which include Everson R. Elcock and Company Limited;Exclusive Lighting and Electrical Supplies Limited;Bandereco Holdings Limited, Everson R. Elcock HoldingsLimited, and a few other private family companies.

According to Adrian, “The Group has the potential and

ability to do greater things.” “I have the mindset that we have the ability to do much

more. I will work with the managing director (Antonio Elcock),to keep the companies withinthe Everson R. Elcock Groupsuccessful,” says Adrian.

“I’m always looking at newways to invest and grow thecompany, and we do this as ateam. We have made a transitionfrom being a family-ownedbusiness to being a company that is run by a family, and we dohave a plan in place to take the business forward,” he affirms.

He adds: “Antonio and I have succeeded our dad and we arecharting our own course. Our interests therefore may not alwaysbe in electrical contracting. We have grown to the point wherewe can invest in different areas, and the future strategy has beento focus on the establishment of a property developmentcompany,” says. He also stressed that his nephew Justin, anddaughter, Sanaa, are already being exposed to the business andit is his hope that they will join the business some day.

“Our vision is to continue on the platform my dad has builtand to look at areas of business investments to determinewhether we can participate in those investments,” Adrianexplains.

He disclosed that from an electrical viewpoint, the directorswill explore new energy saving technology which will bebeneficial to clients, and Antonio will focus on training his team

for such an eventuality.In addition, emphasis will be placed on increasing the

number of suppliers as well as maintaining current supplierrelations, to ensure the company continues to position itself as aleader in the electrical contracting industry.

Adrian, who was recently appointed Chairman of theBarbados Tourism Authority, also notes that “Everson R.Elcock Holdings is constantly looking for real estateinvestment”.

“We as a team believe that there are synergies, which canbenefit all the companies in our Group if we are to expand anddevelop our property development business,” he stresses.


ADRIAN ELCOCK: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, SALES AND MARKETING,

EVERSON R. ELCOCK AND COMPANY LIMITED, AND MANAGING

DIRECTOR, EXCLUSIVE LIGHTING AND ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES LIMITED.

(GP)


IN AUGUST of 1972, a younggirl by the name of PatriciaBennett (now Boyce) enteredthe offices of Everson R.Elcock and CompanyLimited to take up the post ofclerk typist.

Soon, thereafter, she waspromoted to the position ofaccounts clerk, secretary andlater executive secretary to themanaging director.

Boyce had only yearsearlier left fifth form of theFederal High School andDuff’s Business School, whereshe gained her secretarialqualifications. She had alsospent two-and-a-half yearswith Standard Distributors,before applying to Everson R.Elcock and CompanyLimited.

“I was one of the youngestgirls at The Federal HighSchool, and when the othergirls began looking for work, Idecided to do so also. I workedfor Standard Distributors for ashort while as a clerk, then

applied at Everson R. Elcockafter seeing an advertisementfor a clerk typist. Iremembered being interviewedby a Hallam Price, who wasthe auditor at the time, and Igot the job,” Boyce recalled.

Affectionately known as‘Pat’, Boyce’s name hasbecome synonymous with thiscompany over the years.Today,she holds the post of directorof administration andcorporate secretary.

In the early years, Boyce’sjob entailed the performing ofclerical, accounting andsecretarial duties, as well asthe costing of all goods. Herservices resulted in the smoothrunning of the relatively thenyoung company,complementing the excellentwork of the company’selectricians.

It was within four years ofjoining the company, (in1976), that she was made adirector and shareholder. Thiswas partly due to her

dedication, commitment andexcellent service.

Boyce, who coined thename Exclusive Lighting (andElectrical Supplies Limited)for this company in theEverson R. Elcock Group ofCompanies, has also heldvarious other posts over theyears, including those ofadministrative manager andgeneral manger. Her climb upthe corporate ladder has beensteady, and as the annals ofEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited are beingwritten, her name can be found

throughout each story line.She has played a pivotal

role in the company’sdevelopment, and founderEverson Elcock has referred toher as a hardworking woman,and one of the builders ofEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited. Herattention to detail, herorganisational skills and passion for corporatedevelopment wereinstrumental in the company’s maturity.

An unselfish andunassuming Boyce simply

states: “I do any job at handwith the best of my ability, andI make it a point not to praisemyself for anything Iundertake. I believe anindividual can accomplish anytask at hand as long as he orshe has the faith to believe thatthey can do it.”

Boyce also sees herself aspart of the extended Elcockclan, and because of this view,giving 100 per cent to thecompany, comes naturally.

“I’ve come a long way withMr. Elcock. I am part of theteam, and I’m always willing

to share my knowledge or dowhatever has to be done to getthe job done. When Mr.Elcock’s sons [Antonio andAdrian] came on board, it waslike sharing knowledge withmy own children,” she adds.

Other than providing herwith income and helping her toprogress through life, Boycecredits her years with EversonR. Elcock and CompanyLimited for making a greatcontribution to her personaldevelopment as a woman, andher ability to have assisted herhusband Andrew, in theeducational development oftheir children, Tricia andAndre.

“I feel proud to be part ofthis company’s growth andsuccess and to have travelledon the journey with Mr. Elcockfor the past 39 years. He haskept us together as a family,and I would like to thank God,Mr. Elcock, our customers,clients, staff and associates forhelping us make it this far onour journey.” Boyce notes.

In addition to seeing afterthe smooth operation of eachdepartment on a daily basis,Boyce is responsible for theadministrative, purchasing andhuman resources departmetns.

PATRICA BOYCE, director of Administration (seated, left) and her team (from left)

Anita Haynes, secretary to the director of finance, sales and marketing and

director of administration; Ingrid Belle, office assistant; Roslyn McClean, contracts

administrative officer/secretary to the managing director and chairman; and

Ivalene Nurse, office assistant. (GP)

THE ELCOCK GROUP OF COMPANIES board of directors: (Seated, from left),

Maureen Elcock director; Everson R. Elcock BCH, JP, founder and chairman;

and Patricia Boyce, director of administration/corporate secretary, (standing,

from left) are Melvin Toppin, director, operations

manager; Antonio Elcock, managing director;

Ordene Elcock, director and Adrian Elcock,

director of finance, sales and marketing. (GP)


THE HISTORY of Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited could not be writtenwithout giving a great measure of honour toMelvin Toppin.

Toppin, who currently holds the post ofoperations manager and is a director andshareholder of the company, was a mere 19-year-old electrician when he started workingwith Everson R. Elcock back in 1964. And,for the past 47 years, he has been an ardentsupporter of Elcock, whom he said gave himan opportunity to serve the company withdistinction.

Toppin recalled that during the period 1964and 1970, he and work mate, DouglasMaynard, who has also spent 47 years with thecompany, helped Elcock to lay the foundationfor the expansion of the business. Theytravelled with Elcock in his small Volkswagoninstalling television antennae, and carrying outelectrical and maintenance work on privatehomes and businesses.

Toppin, who was taught the electrical tradeby a Mr. Knight, who at that time was trainingpeople to work with the Barbados Light andPower Company Limited, remembers that hisfirst job as an apprentice electrician was at theGlobe Cinema. He also recalled the days ofworking for Manning, and completing work atBresmay and Sandridge hotels.

“We did not have an office back then – noplace to call home. We would meet Mr. Elcockat Manning, Pierhead, and go on the road to dojobs. The first office some time later was atFontabelle,” Toppin recalled.

One project, which stand out in Toppin’smind, was providing the lighting at Manning,Pierhead, for Barbados’ first Independencecelebration in 1966. The company was

responsible for installing 600 coloured lights.This contract has been placed on record asElcock’s first major project in the early days.

Toppin also vividly recalled working withVictor Jones, - Elcock’s uncle, and otherbuilding contractors, who secured manyelectrical installation contracts for the youngbusiness.

It was not long after joining the companythat Toppin went on to become a charge hand;foreman, and a supervisor. He was made adirector of the company in 1973, andpromoted to the position of operationsmanager, more than 15 years ago.

Toppin is quick to point out that heremained with Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited throughout the years,because of his boss’ kindness.

“When I came to work with Mr. Elcock, hewould make sure I got paid, even if hehimself did not. I had the opportunity to workelsewhere, but I stuck with him. When youhave a boss who looks out for your welfareand those of others, you remain loyal to him,”stressed Toppin.

The father of three says he is extremelyproud of the company’s growth and successover the years, and hopes that those whocome after him will take the company into afurther 50 years.

He thanks God for bringing him this far;Elcock for allowing him to serve, and thecompany’s clients for their support.

Toppin, who will soon retire, isresponsible for seeing after all electricalwiring and installations and for providingestimates for residences and commercialbusinesses.

He manages a team of over 45 electricians,

MANOR LODGE COMPLEX the home of Everson R. Elcock and Company

Limited and Exclusive Lighting and Electrical Supplies Limited. (GP)

WHILE ELECTRICALCONTRACTING is the mainservice provided by EversonR. Elcock and CompanyLimited, the company can alsoprovide you with electricaldesign services; electricalconsultations; lightingspecifications; electricalequipment and materials;lights and electricalmaintenance services.

The company is alsoavailable to assess your currentenvironment to identifywhether your current electricalloads are adequate for plannedexpansions, and review yourexisting electrics to identifyhazardous conditions,efficiencies and inadequaciesin your current environment.

In addition, theengineering department canprovide you with electricalspecifications, drawings andconsultations for any sizeproject. This is done by a staffof fully qualified engineersand technicians, who arespecialist in designingelectrical, fire and securityinstallations.

Whatever your lightingrequirements, Everson R.Elcock and CompanyLimited can meet those needs,and with the establishment ofExclusive Lighting andElectrical Supplies Limited, allyour lighting needs can be metunder one roof.

The company has enjoyedtremendous growth since itsestablishment in 1961. Thisgrowth has been translated intoan enviable record ofaccomplishment andunparalleled reputation ofbeing Barbados’ leadingprovider of electricalcontracting and designservices.

The hallmark of thecompany has been itscommitment to quality andefficient service to customers –

both residential andcommercial, regardless of thesize of the projects.

To date the company hascompleted electrical contractswith values up to US $5million, which is obvioustestimony to the strength of thecompany’s financial andcapital bases. This strength hasprepared the company tohandle even larger jobs.

Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited has alsocompleted electrical contracts

of various sizes andcomplexities in South Americaand the Caribbean. Some ofthese projects include officebuildings, hotels, hospitals,sports arenas, banks andprivate residences.

The company is alsoequipped to meet the rigorousdemands of modern dayclients. It has a fullycomputerised engineeringdepartment utilising the latestin computer aided designtechnology.

Couple this technologywith their skilled, qualifiedteam of engineers andtechnicians and a friendly,helpful service team, whichcan respond to your demandsin a professional, costeffective, timely andresponsible manner.

You can feel free to allowthis company to define yourfuture by providing you withhigh quality electricalcontracting and engineeringservices


MANAGING DIRECTOR Antonio Elcock was the keyindividual who worked feverishly overseeing overseas contractsfor Everson R. Elcock and Company Limited back in theearly 1990’s.

It was, however, in the late 1980’s that the companysuccessfully completed its first overseas project in St Vincent.With declining business in Barbados, the objective was to goafter regional contracts, through a tendering process.

In 1991, Everson R. Elcock and Company Limited wasawarded its second contract in St Vincent – the KingstownPolice Station. A place was found to house the staff and a smalloffice was set up as a contract centre between St Vincent andBandstan Manor – the then headquarters of Everson. R. Elcockand Company Limited. The company also used this base tocarry out work on the Immigration Department in St Vincent.

The company also won the contract to install the electrics atthe Montserrat Government Headquarters, and chose two seniortechnicians Andrew Forde and Courtenay Bannister, theproject’s foremen, to spearhead this project.

Expansion continued as the company entered the SouthAmerican mainland of Guyana in 1992, where it opened a localoffice and conducted electrical installations at the St. JosephMercy Hospital; DDL Duty Free Shop, Guyana Bank for Tradeand Industry GBTI, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport,(1996) and many other projects.

During these projects, founder Everson Elcock workedclosely with Nehaul Construction of Barbados, which hadestablished a registered office in Guyana. The Guyana projectswere not easy to execute. Everson R. Elcock’s team,supervised by Edwin Beckles, with Pierson Codrington as foreman, spent six months trying to find suitableaccommodation and workmen who produced a high standard of work.

These projects in addition to others, having beensuccessfully completed made Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited, a truly Caribbean entity – and advertisedthe company as “a provider of quality electrical contracting anddesign services in Barbados, Guyana and the EasternCaribbean.”

Thus in the early 1990’s Elcock saw his business as aregional enterprise. There was good reason to do so, as financialrewards were great, making the year 1993-1994, “one of themost successful years of the company.”


SHE ALWAYS WANTEDTO become a secretary, andfresh out of the BarbadosCommunity College, RoslynMcClean sent a jobapplication letter to EversonR. Elcock and CompanyLimited.

Her application wassuccessful, and she took upthe post of filing clerk withthe company in 1994. Withinmonths, she becamesecretary to the then GeneralManager, Patricia Boyce andthe then Senior ProjectsManager, Antonio Elcock.

In January 1995, she wasappointed secretary to theManaging Director andChief Executive Officer,Everson Elcock.

When Elcock took up theduties of chairman, sheremained his secretary, aswell as secretary toManaging Director, AntonioElcock. She is also thecompany’s contractsadministrative officer, andrecording secretary to theboard of directors.

McClean, who seesherself as a team player, isoften kept busy attendingvarious top level meetings,taking evaluations forelectrical installations, andseeing after secretarial andadministrativecorrespondence.

She confesses that her knowledge of workingwith computers had itsgenesis at Everson R.Elcock and CompanyLimited.

“This job has helped meto grow more academically,”the former St. GeorgeSecondary School studentstressed, “and I’ll like tothank God for bringing methis far in my field, and Mr.

Elcock for allowing me toserve. I’ll also like to thankall our customers who havesupported us over the years.”

The company’s othersecretary, who assistsMcClean in her duties, isAnita Haynes, secretary tothe Director ofAdministration, PatriciaBoyce; and Director ofFinance, Sales andMarketing, Adrian Elcock.

CONTRACTS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT: (Standing, from left) Kevin Leach, Roslyn McClean, Pedro

Collymore, (seated from left) are Managing Director Antonio Elcock and Director, Operations Manager,

Melvin Toppin. (GP)

FIGURES have always fascinated Diana Cozier, so it is nosurprise that she holds the post of accountant at Everson R.Elcock and Company Limited.

Cozier can be considered a baby inthe family-owned business, havingjoined the company 18 months ago.

She supervises a team of three —Jennifer Leacock (accountsreceivables/maintenance); AvondaKirton (inventorywarehousing/payroll); and AlisonLynch (accounts payable).

The Accounts Department performs accounting servicesfor the companies within the Group.

Cozier’s major duties are to compile and report on allfinancial statements, under the supervision of Director ofFinance, Sales and Marketing, Adrian Elcock.

She recalls that on her third interview for the post, shewas interviewed by Everson Elcock, who asked her why shewanted to work for the company. Her response was that shewas impressed with the company’s success, particularly as itwas a black-owned business.

Today, she states: “I feel proud to be a part of a companywhich has weathered the storms for the past 50 years. I willcontinue to give of my best for the good of the companyand seek to ensure its continued growth throughout theyears.”

Cozier, who has spent over 11 years in a senior positionin the accounting field, was educated at St. Lucy SecondarySchool, and North London College of Accountancy, Britain.


HER HOPE, like that of many of hercolleagues, is to see Everson R.Elcock and Company Limited gofrom strength to strength with the graceof God.

Avonda Kirton, inventory controlofficer in charge of inventory andwarehouses, also performs the role ofpayroll clerk.

She first worked as a contracts clerkresponsible for ensuring that allmaterials for each contract was

properly stored, while keeping a recordof these materials. Today, in her currentrole, Kirton polices all stock; takesregular stock checks, and reconciles allstock at the end of each month. Shealso oversees the warehouse operationas it relates to inventory control, andmakes sure that the warehouse is wellkept.

She is quick to point out that she“does a little bit of everything”, and“helps out”, wherever necessary, in

order to get the work done.The former Springer Memorial

School student describes her 13 yearsspent with Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited as “a great learningexperience”.

She states: “It’s been interesting.I’ve watched the company growthroughout the past 13 years despitethe challenges within the market, and Ihope it will continue to grow fromstrength to strength.”

ACCOUNTANT, Diana Cozier (seated left), and other members of the Finance team. Clockwise: JenniferLeacock, accounts receivables officer/maintenance co-ordiantor; Adrian Elcock, director of finance, salesand marketing; Avonda Kirton, payroll clerk/inventory control officer; Alison Lynch, accounts payable. (GP)


FORMER ACCOUNTS clerk Mishael Forde, now holds the post ofwarehouse supervisor at Everson R. Elcock and CompanyLimited.

Twelve years since joining the Everson R. Elcock team in1999, Forde says he has witnessed steady growth and is pleasedwith the company’s progress.

“There have been lots of diversity and expansion, and it isinteresting that one can witness this type of growth within a black-owned company – a company which can compete with others in theelectrical field,” he states.

Forde supervises a small team of porters and one truck driver,and receives all stock from local and overseas’ suppliers. He in turndistributes the stock to Exclusive Lighting and Electrical SuppliesLimited and at various sites where electrical installation work isbeing carried out.

He is a former Lodge School student, and previously workedwith the Ministry of Education; Caricargo and the BarbadosNational Oil Company Limited.

MISHAEL

FORDE,

warehouse

supervisor.

(GP)

UNASSUMING,dedicated andcommitted are words,which aptly describeDenise Moore,purchasing officer atEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited.

Moore has given 37years of service to thiscompany, and is proudof its manyachievements.

She says: “It’s been a joy working atEverson R. Elcock. We work as a team –as a family. I feel a sense of pridewhen I look back overthe years and see howmuch the company has grown; even to thepoint of becoming landlords.

“It’s great to see ablack-owned company come this far and I hope to seeit grow from strength to strength.”

A graduate of the Modern High School, Moore leftthat learning institution and landed her first job as a storeroom clerk at this electrical contracting firm. At that time thecompany’s offices were located at Constitution Road.

She was promoted to her current role just over tenyears ago, and is now responsible for ordering allmaterials from local and overseas vendors for contractjobs in the Contracts Department, as well as handlingand clearing items from the port. DENISE MOORE, purchasing officer. (GP)

THE STAFF OF EversonR. Elcock and CompanyLimited has the ability tobecome successfulentrepreneurs.

Chairman and founderEverson R. Elcock, madethis disclosure as headdressed those presentduring the company’s 50thAnniversary Staff Awardsand Dinner at LloydErskine Sandiford Centreon April 23.

But Elcock warned thatto be successfulentrepreneurs one must notonly have enough money togo into business, butpossess the necessaryknowledge and experienceto start.

“A good carpenter,electrician or engineer stillneeds adequate training tobe a successfulentrepreneur. Getting a lotof money to start a businessis not the ideal; neither isgetting a big severancepackage and trying to starta business the wisestdecision. You must makemistakes with the largecompanies first beforegetting involved on yourown,” Elcock advised.

He commendedManaging Director AntonioElcock for publiclydisclosing his decision toincrease the level oftraining needed to proceedto photovoltaic installations

on a higher scale, andprovide training withFlorida and Puerto Rico-

based companies.“The managing director

must be complimented for

these efforts in carrying thecompany forward andkeeping abreast of thetimes,” Elcock said.

He added that one of thecompany’s goals “is tokeep training our staff toreach a high level ofcompetency” to enablethem to better serviceclients with greaterefficiency.

He also repeated themanaging director’s viewthat the company possessesthe potential to carry directelectrical contracts, basedon its years in themarketplace both locallyand regionally.

He charged: “We feelvery strongly that some ofthe major contracts should

be carried out by localcontractors, therebyallowing small contractorsto take their rightful placein the country. I do notthink that large projectsshould be left to the whimsand fancies of the architectsand consultants, and topmanagement sit back andlet the cost get out ofhand.”

He lauded his staff fortheir dedicated and reliableservice over the years, andhis friends, family andassociates for their support.

In delivering the featureaddress, Robert “Bobby”Morris, deputy generalsecretary of the BarbadosWorkers’ Union, swept

aside views that blackbusiness “are doomed tofail”, and hailed thecompany’s management fortheir foresight.

All staff members wereawarded for their years ofservice, which ranged fromone to 47 years. A specialaward was also presentedto Elcock and his wifeMaureen, by staff, and toUniversity of the WestIndies lecturer, DrHenderson Carter, who wascommissioned bymanagement to write abook to commemorate thecompany’s 50thanniversary. The book isentitled Switching OnWith Elcock For 50 Years.

12 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | MAY 1, 2011 MAY 1, 2011 | SUNDAY SUN SPECIAL | 13

EVERSON R. ELCOCK, receiving a special plaque presented on behalf of staff

from Melvin Toppin (left) and Douglas Maynard, both of whom have served

Everson R. Elcock and Company Limited for 47 years. (GP)

JUSTIN ELCOCK, son of Managing Director Antonio

Elcock, presenting his grandmother, Director,

Maureen Elcock, with a special bouquet. (GP)MANAGING DIRECTOR of Everson R. Elcock and

Company Limited, Antonio Elcock (right),

presenting O’Neal Riley with his award

for 12 years’ service to the company. (GP)

DIRECTOR ORDENE ELCOCK (left), receiving a

bouquet of flowers from Director of Administration

Patricia Boyce. (GP)DEPUTY

GENERAL

SECRETARY of

the Barbados

Workers’ Union,

Robert “Bobby”

Morris (right),

who delivered the

feature address,

accepting a

plaque from

Chairman of

Everson R. Elcock

and Company

Limited, Everson

R. Elcock. (GP)

A SPECIAL

APRPECIATION

AWARD was

given to former

employee,

Gloria Smith,

by Everson R.

Elcock for her

years of

service to the

electrical

contracting

firm. (GP)

DR HENDERSON CARTER, who wrote the book entitled

Switching On With Elcock For 50 Years to commemorate

Everson R. Elcock and Company Limited’s golden

anniversary, receiving a special award from Chairman

Everson R. Elcock. (GP)

DIRECTOR MAUREEN ELCOCK presenting Victor

Gill with his 35-year award. (GP)

ROGER WILLIAMS (left), who has spent 18 years

with Everson R. Elcock and Company Limited,

accepts his award from Director/Operations

Manager, Melvin Toppin. (GP)

ANN WALLACE-ELCOCK, wife of Adrian Elcock,

director of finance, sales and marketing,

presenting Kerry Neil with his certificate for three

years’ service to Everson R. Elcock and Company

Limited. (GP)

Lears, St. Michael. Telephone: 436-3910e-mail: [email protected]

Congratulationsto

on their 50th Anniversary!


ANOTHER LONG STANDING employee ofEverson R. Elcock and Company Limited isHallam Pitt.

He made his entry into the company in June 1973,at the tender age of 20, straight out of the SamuelJackman Prescod Polytechnic.

He was an apprentice electrician at the time, butwas keen on learning and serving. It was no surprisetherefore, when within months he was promoted to theposition of charge hand, and later became a foreman.In 1989, he was elevated to the post of supervisor andten years ago was made senior supervisor, engineeringand contracts.

“I got promoted over the years based on mystandard of work. I’ve been in the electrical field for 38years, and I’ve spent all 38 years with EversonElcock,” Pitt proudly informs.

As he looks back on the past, he remembers that inthe early years there was lots of work to do, and thecompany completed work “all over the country.”

“We covered the entire island, although I workedprimarily in the ’Town and Christ Church areas. We’vealways had skilled electricians, but without the foremenand charge hands, the company would not havegrown,” he notes.

Some of the major projects Pitt recalls working on inthe early years were Bresmay Hotel, BarbadosCommunity College; the Frank Collymore Hall, homeof The Central Bank; Caribbean Development Bank;Chefette, Harbour Road, and United Insurance. He hasalso supervised electrical installations at Chefette,Warrens; Warrens Motors; Harrison Cave, Royal Bank,Broad Street; The Treasury Building; Trident Insuranceand Barbados National Bank, Lower Broad Street.

GLENVILLE DAVIS has spent 32 years with Everson R.Elcock and Company Limited.

He was an apprentice electrician fresh out of PrincessMargaret Secondary School when he joined the company in1979, and has worked his way through the ranks to become

supervisor, ContractsDepartment.After electrical contracts aresecured, Davis and his teamcarry out the actual electricalinstallations for residentialand commercial properties.

Davis said the formerSherbourne ConferenceCentre was one of the mostchallenging jobs he has done,since the work had to becompleted in a short period.

“We spent long hoursworking overnight, and at thattime I was foreman,” he said.

He also remembers thechallenges faced whileworking on the then Julie ’NSupermarket and HiltonBarbados.

Davis ensures that all theneeded materials are on sitewithin the specified times, andthat all electrical installationsare properly completed.

About his years spent withthe company, he said: “I’veenjoyed it all. That’s why I’mstill with Everson R. Elcock.The company has made agreat contribution to thecountry’s economy, and is anideal place for apprenticeelectricians to gainexperience.”

Today, Pitt, who was educated at St. Leonard’sSecondary School, ensures that materials are onwork sites, and that projects are completed ontime. Part of his duties is also to provide estimatesand evaluations on prospective projects; planwork schedules and provide solutions to anyissues which may arise as they relate to the task at

hand.Pitt is pleased with the many friends he has

made throughout the years, because of his work.He says: “I’ve made a lot of friends — persons

like Mr Haloute from Chefette and Mr Abed. Ithank Mr Elcock for the faith he had in me andfor allowing me to grow with the company.”

OPERATIONS MANAGER MELVIN TOPPIN (seated) with supervisors (from left) Hallam Pitt,

Glenville Davis and Edwin Beckles. (GP)

EDWIN BECKLES will go down in historyas the man who was charged with supervisingteams of workmen in Guyana when EversonR. Elcock and Company Limited undertookthe contracts to provide electrical installationsat the St Joseph Mercy Hospital and DDLDuty Free Shop in Kitty, Guyana in 1992,and the Cheddi Jagan Airport in Timehri, in1996.

These projects were successfullycompleted, in the face of many challenges.

For Beckles, it was an opportunity toprove to all and sundry that Everson R.Elcock and Company Limited was no smallplayer in the electrical installation field.

Beckles became a team player of thiselectrical contracting firm 35 years ago, freshout of the Garrison Secondary School.

He swiftly moved up the ranks, holdingsuch posts as A Class workman; charge hand;foreman; supervisor and seniorsupervisor in the contracts department.

He is responsible for overseeingvarious electrical projects and lookingafter the electrical maintenance ofproperties at Manor Lodge and WelchesPlaza, both businesses owned by the

Everson R. Elcock and Company Limitedgroup. In addition, Beckles supervises a teamof 15 electricians.

Among those projects which he hassupervised, are Manulife, Barbados NationalBank, Broad Street; Royal Westmoreland;Sugar Hill and All Saints School.

Beckles believes the growth of the

company over the years has been due toEverson Elcock’s vision and foresight.

According to him, “The growth has beenrecognised throughout the years. For instance,we were not always computerised, but wegive credit to Mr. Elcock for his foresight inhelping the business to grow and to adapt tochanges, even in the area of new technology.”


EDWIN BECKLES senior

supervisor/contracts. (GP)

FAR LEFT, one of the

projects spearheaded

by Edwin Beckles in

Guyana. Immediate

left: The maintenance

team (from left) Brian

Whitehall, Hyacinth

Williams and Shane

Watson and (inset,

below) Norman

Garnes. (GPs)


NEW TECHNOLOGY inlighting is a subject whichexcites Dwayne Walton,assistant sales manager atEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited.

Walton is usually found inthe showroom of ExclusiveLighting, a sister company toEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited, or at thehomes and offices of clients,seeking to ensure that requestsfor various lighting servicesare appropriate to the clients’needs.

With the sales entity being

a crucial component of thecompany’s overall services,Walton knows that keepingabreast of modern lightingchanges and energy savingproducts are vital to theprovision of excellent service.

To this end, he regularlyattends overseas lighting andelectrical shows and seminaras a means of keeping up- todate with global changes inthe electrical field.

“We specialise in specialelectrical projects such ashome and office automation

lighting systems, and modernlighting innovations,especially as they relate tosecurity. Knowing what theclient wants is important if weare to meet their expectations.

“Customers can thereforecome in and have the lightingconcepts in their homes,businesses or landscapespersonalised. Many of themodern day architects requestspecial lighting concepts, andwe aim to meet the demandsin the market place,” Waltonstressed.

Walton, who joined

Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited as a salesrepresentative in 1997, lovesthe fact that there is a wholescience behind how light isproduced. He also enjoysinterfacing with customers,and meeting new people everyday.

Educated at The LodgeSchool and the SamuelJackman Prescod Polytechnic,Walton, who was appointedassistant sales manager last year, assists the salesmanager, Lionel Walcott in his duties.

LIONEL WALCOTT’s entryinto Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited more than30 years ago was at a timewhen the company was stillusing stock cards.

Today, the firm is fullycomputerised and Walcott ispleased with the ease providedby the new technology, toeasily source items by just“going online.”

“It’s so easy to answercustomers’ queries within aday, and have orders fulfilledas long as the manufacturershave them in stock,” he says.

Walcott has risen fromsales clerk to become salesmanager at Exclusive Lightingand Electrical SuppliesLimited – a position he hasheld for the past 12 years.

While he makes sure thereis adequate stock and managesthe sales team, cashiers andthe electrician assigned to theSales floor, he also liaiseswith the purchasing officerwhen it comes to orderingstock for Exclusive Lighting.

His aim is to ensure thatExclusive Lighting remainsthe No.1 lighting andelectrical supplies store in

Barbados, and that it stays onthe cutting edge of technology.

He lauds the staff for theirdedication and commitment,and also acknowleges thatEverson Elcock has played agreat role as a “good boss”.

“My chairman has a good understanding of hisstaff and I have a goodunderstanding of him. I have agood working relationshipwith him, the other managersand all staff, and because ofthis, we can move forwardconfidently.

“We have mutual respectfor each other, and work as ateam,” adds Walcott, who isreferred to by colleagues andclients as “Wally.”

He believes that as aqualified electrician, he is in agood position to serve clientswho visit Exclusive Lighting,and answer the many queriesoften fielded.

He laughs as he says:“When people come into thestore they are always told to‘ask Wally’. Over the yearsI’ve been able to develop a good rapport with ourcustomers, and this makes me very happy.”

SALES AND WAREHOUSING STAFF, with Sales Manager, Lionel Walcott (seated

second from left); Managing Director of Exclusive Lighting and Electrical

Supplies, Adrian Elcock, (seated third from left) and Chairman, Everson R.

Elcock, (seated fourth from left). Also pictured (seated, far left) is Latoya

Gibbons, (far right), Debbie Scantlebury, (standing, from left) Kason Branch;

Dwayne Walton, assistant sales manager; Randolph Weekes; Christopher Selman

and Matthew Murray. (GP)

PURCHASING OFFICER ANNFRANKLYN, has likened the lighting industryto that of the fashion industry, where personscreate different designs and new creationseach year.

Thisunderstandingof the lightingindustry hasplaced her ina uniqueposition ofmaking surethat customers visiting Exclusive Lighting’sshowroom are provided with the latestcreations in lighting fixtures, lamps and thevaried range of products, which are sold bythe company.

“We at Exclusive Lighting and ElectricalSupplies Limited try to stay abreast of marketneeds, and what is taking place in the industryglobally. Lighting fixtures are constantlychanging and we seek to offer our customersexclusive products. It’s our name and ourgoal,” says Franklyn, who joined ExclusiveLighting as a sales associate in 1994, it firstopened its doors at Welches Plaza, St Michael.

When the two companies began operatingunder the same roof in 1999, Franklyn wassoon promoted to assistant sales manager.Five years ago she was made purchasingofficer, in charge of all retail purchasing —inclusive of lighting fixtures, electrical

supplies as well as special orders.A former student of Roebuck Secondary

School and the Barbados Community College,Franklyn travels each year with ManagingDirector of Exclusive Lighting andElectrical Supplies Limited and Director ofFinance, Sales and Marketing at Everson R.Elcock Company Limited, AdrianElcock,and Assistant Sales Manager atExclusive Lighting, Dwayne Walton, topurchase products for the company. She alsoworks closely with Purchasing Officer DeniseMoore.

As one of the original employees ofExclusive Lighting, Franklyn has grown toappreciate the company’s success over theyears.

She says: “Exclusive Lighting is like a petto me, and being with the company for thepast 17 years has been a learning process.When I first joined people were not into allthe various aspects of lighting. To see morepeople become aware of the lighting industry,and to know I am a part of seeing thecompany grow and progress, is a real thrill.

“I commend the staff, especially the sales team for their efforts and our loyalcustomers for putting their confidence in usover the years.”


ANN FRANKLYN

PURCHASING OFFICER (GP)


ITS NAME IS AS its name says.

At Exclusive Lightingand Electrical SuppliesLimited, not only are youoffered exclusive selectionsof lighting fixtures, exoticlamps and overhead lighting,electrical supplies and fans; the service is excellent andexclusive to you.

Housed at Manor Lodge, under the same roof of EversonR. Elcock and Company Limited, Exclusive Lighting andElectrical Supplies Limited, is spearheaded by ManagingDirector, Adrian Elcock, who is also director of finance,sales and marketing manager of Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited.

Exclusive Lighting and Electrical Supplies Limited is theonly full service lighting showroom in Barbados. There youcan purchase almost anything in the lighting arena.

The company, which was founded in 1994 at WelchesPlaza, St Michael, has developed a specialised, fully trained salesteam, who are equipped to provide you with consultationson all your lighting needs.

Specialised lighting techniques for security and tasklighting advice are also provided, as well as layouts,specifications, and measurements to ensure that you areusing the right lighting in the right places.

Exclusive Lighting and Electrical Supplies Limitedrepresents and distributes renowned lighting products fromknown companies such as Daybrite, Capri, Kichler,Lightolier, Kim, Columbia, SeaGull, WAC and Hunter fans.

You can feel free to shop at this company’s extensive, air-conditioned showroom for all your lighting and electricalsupply needs.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8. am to 4:30 p.mdaily, and on Saturday, 8 a.m to 2 p.m.

THERE WAS MUCH

fanfare in 2001 when

Everson R. Elcock and

Company Limited and

Exclusive Lighting and

Supplies Limited started

operations at their current

location (right).

FLASHBACK:

(Below)1994, Managing

Director of Exclusive

Lighting and Electrical

Supplies Limited, Adrian

Elcock, addressing guests

during the opening of this

company’s new showroom

at Manor Lodge. (GPs)


THE STAFF of Everson R.Elcock and CompanyLimited must be commendedfor their loyalty anddedication to the company,said Managing Director,Antonio Elcock, as theelectrical contracting firmcelebrates its 50thanniversary.

In a recent interview, Elcock referred to the staff as“tenured individuals” many of whom have been with thecompany for many years.

“Our staff turn-over is very low and each staff member iscommitted to the company. I would like to publiclyacknowledge my appreciation to them,” Elcock said.

He added that 80 per cent of the staff “are technicalstaff”, and although they could ply their trades elsewhere,many remain loyal to the company, even working on theiroff days, or labouring over time to complete variousprojects.

“The level of support and respect my father [Everson R.Elcock] has had from staff have continued even after thetransition [where he is now, Chairman] and for that I amgrateful,” Elcock disclosed.

He added: “They continue to exact all the same benefits,and we try to follow the social partnership agreements asbest as we can in terms of benefits and remuneration to each staff member.”

ELECTRICALCONTRACTING must beallowed to undergo itsnatural evolution of havingdirect contracts withcustomers.

Furthermore, electriciansmust be seen as highlyskilled, professional people,not ones with back packs oftools who simply callthemselves electricians.

These are the views ofManaging Director ofEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited, AntonioElcock.

According to him: “Ifthere is a player in theconstruction industry whohas to be retrained becauseof technological changes, itis the electrical contractor.And, the electrical field isthe only field within theconstruction package, whichrequires certification uponcompletion.”

Speaking as the companycelebrates its 50thanniversary, Elcock said theelectrician must be given hisrightful place in the industry.

“Having been involved inEverson R. Elcock andCompany LimitedCompany Limited officiallyfor the past 21 years, andunofficially for the past 27years, I have seen thechanges in the electricalcontracting industry whereelectrical contracts in someinstances out-strip mostother contracts because ofthe demand for newertechnology. The electricianis the first and last person onthe project. His role is key, ”Elcock stressed.

He added that one of thecompany’s strategies goingforward would be to reviseits business model in thenear future, where the mix ofjobs undertaken by thecompany, would see somemeasure of change.

“We will probably end upundertaking a mix ofpersonal developments,private sector work andgovernment contracts in thereverse of how they arepresently done,” he stressed.

COMPANY FOUNDER AND Chairman, Everson R.

Elcock prepares to cut the golden anniversary cake

with his wife Maureen, during the company’s 50th

anniversary staff awards and dinner, which was held

at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Conference Centre.

Managing Director, Antonio Elcock, addressed staff

and specially invited guests during the ceremony. In

the background are directors of the company. (GP)

ALTHOUGH HE retired fromEverson R. Elcock andCompany Limited in Marchthis year, Douglas Maynard’sname is listed in thecompany’s history, havingspent 47 years with the Elcockteam.

It was in 1964, thatMaynard, then a 19-year-oldapprentice electrician, washired by Elcock upon arecommendation by MauriceParris, who at that time was anelectrical engineer with theMinistry of Transport andWorks.

Both Maynard and MelvinToppin, who is now operationsmanager, a director andshareholder of the company,helped Elcock to build hiscompany from the ground up,travelling around with him inhis Volkswagen andperforming various electricaljobs across the length andbreadth of Barbados.

A former gardener,Maynard recalls that his firstproject with Elcock was that ofcarrying out electrical work at

The Glen House, in St John.“There were many more

contracts with other buildingcontractors,” recalls Maynard,who retired as senior foreman.

According to him: “The

early days were morechallenging than today. Youpractically had to be on the jobwith the building contractors— due to the tedious processof building at the time.”

He adds: “I will neverforget back in 1964 whentelevision was beingintroduced for the first time onthe island, how we worked innine parishes one Saturdayputting up television antennae.We worked into the late hoursof the night.”

Reminiscing on his yearswith the company, Maynardsays: “They were good.”

“I enjoyed working withMr Elcock. Time was alwaysof the essence with many ofour contracts, since we had tomeet some serious deadlines,”

Maynard recalls.While he admits that he

misses his former job, and

“being with the workmen”,Maynard is happy to havemade his contribution to the

company. He still keeps incontact, and intends to returnto his first love of gardening.

“I WOULD FEEL LIKE a fish out of waterif I had to adapt to working elsewhere.”

Those are the words of Norman Garnes,supervisor, Maintenance Services atEverson R. Elcock and Company Limited.

Like a number of his workmates, Garnes,who joined the company in 1971, was hiredas an apprentice electrician. It was his firstjob after leaving Presentation College, andhe remembers his first project was that ofrewiring Manning, Pierhead. He also recallsthat he completed this contract with theassistance of Douglas Maynard, who joinedthe company in 1964. Garnes went on inthose early years to complete work at theCaribbean Development Bank; Chefette,Fontabelle (in 1972); Ilaro Court, andBarbados Shipping and Trading (BST),where he worked as a foreman.

He moved up the ranks quickly, goingfrom an apprentice electrician, to a chargehand, electrician and later, supervisor.

On a daily basis, he co-ordinates thework flow for the company’s electrical

maintenance services.In retrospect, Garnes is happy with the

decision he made back in 1971 to work withthe company.

“I’ve never felt uncomfortable in my job,and always felt like a part of the family. I’vealways been treated with respect, and Ireturn that respect to Mr Elcock, thedirectors, management and other staff,”Garnes states.

He adds: “I have a good relationship withthe sons (Antonio and Adrian), and havingwatched the company from its infancy towhere it is now, has been a blessing to me. Iintend to stay with this company until Iretire.”


NORMAN GARNES:

SUPERVISOR, MAINTENANCE SERVICES (GP)

DOUGLAS MAYNARD:

RETIRED SENIOR FOREMAN (GP)


EVERSON R. ELCOCK andCompany Limited has the potentialand ability to do greater things.

So says Adrian Elcock director offinance, sales and marketing ofEverson R. Elcock and CompanyLimited and managing director ofExclusive Lighting and ElectricalSupplies.

“I have the mind-set that we havethe ability to do much more. I willwork with the managing director[Antonio Elcock], to keep thecompanies within the Everson R.Elcock group successful,” saysAdrian, who sees after the finances ofthe entire group.

“I’m always looking at new waysto invest and grow the company, andwe do this as a team. We have made atransition from being a family-ownedbusiness to being a company that isrun by a family, and we do have aplan in place to take the businessforward,” he affirms.

He adds: “Antonio and I havesucceeded our dad and we arecharting our own course. Ourinterests therefore may not always bein electrical contracting. We havegrown to the point where we caninvest in different areas, and thefuture strategy has been to focus onthe establishment of a new type ofcompany, which is focused on directcontracts as well as one that fullyembraces the new technologies as it

relates to energy efficiencies” herevealed, as he stressed that theyounger generation – his nephewJustin, and daughter, Sanaa, arealready being exposed to thebusiness.

“Our vision is to continue on theplatform my dad has built and to lookat areas of business investments todetermine whether we can participatein those investments,” Adrianexplains.

He disclosed that from anelectrical viewpoint, the directors willexplore new energy savingtechnology which will be beneficialto clients, and Antonio will focus ontraining his team for such aneventuality.

In addition, emphasis will beplaced on increasing the number ofsuppliers as well as maintainingcurrent supplier relations, to ensurethe company continues to positionitself as a leader in the electricalcontracting industry.

Adrian, who was recentlyappointed chairman of the BarbadosTourism Authority, also notes that thesister company “Everson R. ElcockHoldings is constantly looking forreal estate investments since we as ateam believe that there are synergies,which can benefit all the companiesin our Group if we are to expand anddevelop our property developmentbusiness”.

EVERSON R. ELCOCK andCompany Limited has givenmuch back to the communityover the years.

Personally, founder EversonElcock has made significantcontributions to a number ofcivic organisations, statutoryboards and governmentalagencies.

Elcock continues to serveLions International and is aMelvin Jones Fellow of thisorganisation, past president ofLions Club of Barbados South,where he still serves; is afounding member of the Heartand Stroke Foundation ofBarbados; a Justice of ThePeace; past member of theNational Training Board and theboard of management of theSamuel Jackman PrescodPolytechnic and past chairmanof the Electrical Wiremen’sBoard.

In 2000, he was one of 100Barbadians recognised by theGovernment for service tocountry and community, and hewas conferred with a BarbadosCentennial Honour (BCH) byGovernor General, HisExcellency, Sir CliffordHusbands.

Among the company’s manyoutreach programmes have beenits continued support to theChurch of The Resurrection, andprovision of scholarships inconjunction with the BarbadosAssociation of ProfessionalEngineers, to students studyingengineering at the University ofthe West Indies, Cave HillCampus.

EVERSON R.ELCOCK shows

appreciation to a long standing

customer (above). Below, EVERSON R.

ELCOCK and Company Limited gives

back to the community through its

Barbados Association of Professional

Engineers Scholarship. (GP)

FROM INCEPTION, Everson R. Elcock andCompany Limited was set to make asignificant contribution to Barbados’ economyand the lives of many.

Since the start of this fledgling companyfrom the top floor of Mannings, Pierhead, (MrElcock’s) first place of employment), between1961-1964, it has left indelible impressions inthe minds of many.

From around 1964, the companystarted to take on major jobs, otherthan the many residences and smallcompanies for which electricalcontracting work was completed.

In 1966, on the occasion ofBarbados’ attainment of Independence,Elcock was called on to install 600coloured decorative lights atMannings, Pierhead. This was his firstmajor contract.

Hundreds of projects have beenundertaken by the company over theyears — both local and overseas.

In manufacturing, Everson R.Elcock and Company Limited didmuch work for theIndustrialDevelopmentCorporation (IDC),particularly at theSpring GardenDevelopment Parkwhere heavy electrical machinery had to beinstalled. During the 1980s, it carried outmaintenance to industrial laundries anddesigned electrical installation for severalindustries such as Haas Precision Limited andRainbow Paper Products.

In the fast growing tourism sector, thecompany was awarded the contract for St.James Club (now Almond Beach) in 1981. Thecompany worked on a section of Silver SandsApartment Hotel, Andrea-On-The-SeaApartments and the Sam Lord’s Castle 82-room extension project.

In the services sector, the company’s stampcould be found on restaurants, shoppingplazas, medical centres, theatres, departmentstores and office buildings. It was awardedcontracts for Chefette Restaurants, SuperCentre supermarkets, the Nemwil Building

and the Mutual Building. In this commercialsector, where aesthetics are important in boththe interior and exterior, the company’sexcellent work can be seen.

In the 1980s, electrical installation workwas carried out on a number of schools,including Eden Lodge Primary School, LutherThorne Memorial, Roebuck Secondary andSharon Primary, and work was completed onAlico Building in 1987. Lighting designs andinstallations for several parking lots were alsodone. In addition, the company had the honourof performing the electrical installation and

lighting at Government House, and IlaroCourt, the official residence of the PrimeMinister.

Other projects have included; the thenSherbourne Conference Centre (now theLloyed Erskine Sandiford Centre) ; theGrantley Adams International Airport ControlTower; the Teaching Complex at the Cave HillCampus of the University of the West Indies,and countless others.

Two of the projects the company iscurrently working on are Staple Grove PrimarySchool and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.


EVERSON R. ELCOCK AND COMPANY

LIMITED has taken on many major projects

across Barbados in its 50 years of

operation. Its handiwork can be seen at

Kensington Oval (above) the RBC Royal

Bank building on Broad Street (below) and

the The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (right).

(GPs)


WE, THE directors, management and staff of Everson R.Elcock Company Limited would like to thank all thosecompanies and associates which have supported us throughthis 24-page 50th anniversary feature:

Premier EventsBrooks LaToucheRBC Royal Bank of Canada (Barbados) LimitedGeorge Harris Electrical Inc.Sam’s FencingSolar DynamicsPriceWaterHouseCoopersBarbados Light and Power Company LimitedAries TechnologiesHotel Food SuppliesPrintex PrinteryLloyd Erskine Sandiford Conference CentreSRM ArchitectsRayside ConstructionGreen Clean Environmental SolutionsInnovative Business SolutionsSimmons ElectricalShelley EnterprisesGoing Places TravelAFB ConsultingLeverage ConsultingClemco Electrical Services LimitedG&A CommunicationsADEB Consultants LimitedKent ConstructionCooper Kauffman LimitedEric Hassell and Son LimitedJP SecurityKendarhall IncClarke Gittens FarmerServicex (Barbados) LimitedTrowel Plastics LimitedThe Towner Management GroupTMR Sales and Service LimitedM&R IncorporatedE.W Wood Classic Inc.CRS Building and Maintenance Inc.Hayden Workman ElectricalWilliams IndustriesJ's Customs Services Tony Brooks Architects LimitedFirgos (Eastern Caribbean) LimitedRobertson Ward Associates LimitedStar Block (Barbados) LimitedSimpson Motors

Stories for this feature were written by Senior WriterCheryl Harewood, with some research provided by Lecturerat the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, DrHenderson Carter, in his book, Switching On With ElcockFor 50 Years.

Layout and design was done by Deputy BusinessManager Lyle Jones and Sub-Editor Tamara Stuart.

Cover artwork was designed by Graphic Artist DerrickGill.

Pictures were provided by Brooks LaTouchePhotography Limited, and advertising sales by AdvertisingSales Executives Adrian Bowen and Debbie Brathwaite.

THE NEXT GENERATION: Justin (right) and Sanaa Elcock. (GP)

Williams Industrial ParkCane Garden, St. Thomas

Tel: 425-6000 Fax: 425-2677www.williamsind.com

Printed and Published by THE NATION PUBLISHING CO. LTD., Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados. Telephone (246) 430-5400

Documents

Everson Elcock 50th Anniversary Feature