Colin Jordan is managing director of Presto Caribbean Group

Q: Are you where you always wanted to be?

A: Yes and no. My aim in life is to become the owner of a business. Two issues have affected that realisation: one is that I have always loved what I do (work, church, tourism industry and other civic areas) and so have little time to pursue other matters. I have a lovely family, and family takes time. The other is that I am not, by nature, a huge risk-taker.

Q: What is your biggest professional challenge?

A: Managing people! So many workers have been let down by their managers/business owners, and
so many owners/managers have been let down by their workers that there is now generally a mutual distrust.

All that said, as a manager I am charged with bringing these two together for the good of the individuals, business, and country. It is challenging, but thoroughly rewarding when it all comes together and growth is seen.

Q: What are your biggest life challenges?

A: Finding enough time for personal and family recreation. Knowing the value and necessity of spending time with family, having a wife and children who demand time and attention, and liking the fact that I am able to contribute my time and assistance to many areas, means that I am constantly thinking about something and not resting or recreating as much as I should.

As a Seventh-Day Adventist the Sabbath continues to be a real joy [for me]. With that said, however, being so involved, I have to be careful not to be tired at the end of Sabbath.

Q: When you look to the future what do you see?

A: I see ownership of business. I also see a greater effort to get young people involved and committed to the work of building people (themselves and others), organisations and society in general.

Q: What is your favourite pastime?

A: Spending time alone with my wife Charmaine, following international news, travelling, and recreational reading.

Q: What is your favourite meal?

A: Three-cheese fettuccine Alfredo with mushrooms from Bistro Monet (my wife's favourite as well).

Q: On Saturday nights where are you likely to be?

A: At home with my family or at dinner with my wife.

Q: What upsets you most?

A: Parents who are refusing to transmit to their children the essential values (moral/spiritual) that have made our nation a lovely place. Observing situations where people seem totally oblivious
to what is appropriate and inappropriate.

Q: What is your guiding philosophy?

A: There are a number of parts to my answer: God is ultimately in control. We are here to work with Him in helping others maximise their potential. We need to build teams in all areas of endeavour, and managers must use the best resources around them to develop people and build strong organisations. I can learn from anyone, and therefore seek out ideas and improve on them.

Q: If you had a chance to run Barbados for a day, what would you do?

A: Tourism pays the bills for our country. I would introduce a policy where all members of society
will be exposed to the industry by working in it one day per year so that they begin to understand, for example, what is involved in working until 11 p.m. while having small children at home.

I would also ban dirt bikes from the main roads. They are way too noisy for normal use and we are quickly becoming a people who do not value serenity.