Cordell C. Richards who hails from Fleming Street said part of the appeal of getting into business is getting to make his own honest dollars and not be commanded by anyone to do work. Photo: Provided

Young Professional Cordell C. Richards is literally a man on a mission. He runs a scooter messenger service in the heart of Road Town, Tortola and is also the owner of an auto part shops servicing the wider Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Provided

Before entering business, he was an employee of a local supermarket taking orders for restaurants/businesses. He said he worked even as a dishwasher and on contract with the works ministry. Photo: Provided

In advice to those looking to pursue a passion, he said, 'if they have dreams work towards them and don’t let people discourage and bring them down go straight for what they want.' Photo: Provided

By Ron O. D'Avilar

Young Professional Cordell C. Richards is literally a man on a mission, again proving that a lot of young men in the Virgin Islands are choosing to shun idleness and nefarious activities and are becoming focused and progressive citizens. Cordell runs a scooter messenger service in the heart of Road Town, Tortola, and is also the owner of an auto parts shop servicing the wider Virgin Islands (VI).

Being the Boss

Cordell is "the boss" and owner of Cordell’s Stop & Shop, what he terms his bike business. "I sell parts for different brand of bikes and scooters and also lights for bikes, cars, boats and many other stuff,” he told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

“Then on the delivery/messenger services I do that personally for myself, but if a company or friend needs something done and I can assist, they will call me and I will do it for them for a small fee because I’m using a scooter and sometimes they get stuck in traffic in their cars… because using a scooter is quicker especially on a Fridays when it’s bank runs or bill payments,” he said.

Cordell, who hails from Fleming Street, Tortola, said part of the appeal of getting into business is getting to make his own honest dollars and not be commanded by anyone to do work.

He noted that while it is challenging to meet deadlines via the delivery job, it is also dangerous, “I ain’t going to rush myself to get it done because on my way there I can get into an accident.”

Losing a friend

He said his biggest life lesson has been learning to respect teammates and customers since life is short and at any moment you can lose someone.

“I come about this because before Irma came I had my personal mechanic, which was my childhood friend, but he passed away due to gun violence. I thought he would be around forever to do everything I wanted done but as he left I had to do everything on my own,” Cordell told Virgin Islands News Online.

Before entering business, Cordell was an employee of a local supermarket taking orders for restaurants/businesses. He said he worked even as a dishwasher and on contract with the then Ministry of Communications and Works.

“From a young age I was always around scooters, motorcycles and bicycles...so it was something I was born into...and growing up throughout Lower Estate we always been riding bikes around the neighbourhood,” he said, noting that the messenger business is a natural one.

Cordell also shared that he plans to get into a partnership to open an apparels business. “Both of us always talking about selling clothes and bike accessories, to be honest, but I guess we had to pick our own style and vision...but together we always promote each other and think of master plans,” he said.

Serial Entrepreneur

When asked about other business ventures, Cordell said he also has a "candy business, where I sell various sweets/snacks like sugar worms, Rice Krispies and Cheetos to name a few but all of that fall under Cordell's Stop & Shop.”

His messenger service, however, is what Cordell is best known for. “I will get calls and texts via What’s App, Facebook, Instagram etc to deliver food, candies, flowers or even to pay bills and do bank runs for persons on Tortola...and with this delivery services this is something people knew me for because I been doing it since 2016,” he noted.

He said he was a part of the Special K Delivery team, “so most people knew me from that time up [and] to this day they contact me for jobs to be done.”

Speaking of future plans, our Young Professional said he is interested to branch off into businesses in different parts of the world "once everything goes right."

Parting Advice

Giving advice to those looking to pursue a passion, our Young Professional said, “Well I’ll tell them if they have dreams work towards them and don’t let people discourage and bring them down. Go straight for what they want.” 

“Looking at myself and few others, we haven’t finished school, but we out here being successful business owners because we worked hard and dedicated what we want for ourselves.”

He said Irma was a tough experience, “friends and families helped me and my family get ourselves back because I personally lose my whole shop and some of my merchandise," adding that the rebuilding continues.

Cordell also called for a race track for bikers and urged riders to follow the rules on the roadways.

“But to youths, all I can say is don’t let nobody bring you down and your dreams will come to reality. Always give thanks to the Man above every day for waking you up to see another chance to be successful,” he urged.