Finding the Right Construction Manager
We bought property in Jamaica – now how are we suppose to build a boutique resort there when we live in Canada? We must find a good construction manager / property manager / resource person / financial advisor / all around construction superintendent supreme! Wait, Papa Poo can’t be in two places at the same time! Now what?
This is how we did it. We did not sell the farm in Alberta, pack a carry on and move to Jamaica. Papa Poo continued to work in Alberta’s then booming oilfield and I started to plan the resort. I took those visions I had and put them to paper as best I could. I researched Caribbean housing styles and plans, obsessed on Pinterest over decorating ideas and flowers and trees native to Jamaica. I drew up plan after plan, each time tweaking and improving until I was sure of what I wanted.
What we really needed was someone on the ground in Jamaica to look after our place. Waba set this up for us. Shortly after Papa Poo and Mr. P shook hands to buy the property, Papa Poo asked Waba if he would look after our place and be our construction manager. Waba said no as he was very busy building up The Blue Hole Mineral Springs but did recommend his brother, Ralston. Papa Poo was sad that Waba couldn’t help us but Waba assured him – no problem – Rally will take care of you.
Ralston was Waba’s brother – he had to be a good guy. He had helped Waba build the Blue Hole. We wanted someone local doing the negotiating for construction supplies and materials and the hiring of workers. Having a local Jamaican would take away the foreign factor and help reduce some of our costs. We met Ralston and discussed our plans. He understood what we wanted to accomplish, what was needed, who was needed and how to make it happen. So there it was , we hired a Construction Manager.
We have come to know Ralston as one of the most honest, trustworthy, charming, funny, hardworking, intuitive, pranksters we have had the pleasure of meeting. Like his brother Waba and Mr. P, he is definitely a well respected member of our community. He is also very skilled in repairing just about anything. He brought a ceased up cement mixer back to life. Many people throughout the community will drop off a motor for Ralston to fix and he fixes them. I would have to say that meeting Ralston and having him agree to work with us is like having won the lotto. We definitely won the lotto with Ralston.
He has been know to impersonate a police officer, as a prank. When he drives through the neighbourhood you hear people calling out his name to acknowledge him. He knows so many people and has helped so many people, including us. Rally has been around since Day One. We look forward to having him around for as long as he wants and cherish the friendship we have made with him and his family.
Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customer.
Talk soon
cdp