Such is his passion for motorbikes that he has taught himself just about everything he knows about them and is today enjoying a rewarding career as a motorbike/ATV and parts salesman and mechanic. Photo: Facebook

Kadeem Farara aka Pookie continues to make use of the internet to upgrade himself on the knowledge of motorbikes and repair. He is an experienced and respected mechanic. Photo: Facebook

Kadeem Farara, better known as Pookie, the owner of Pookie’s Customs Unlimited in Lower Estate, on the main island of Tortola. Photo: Facebook

A customer makes a big purchase at Pookie's Customs Unlimited. Photo: Facebook

Just like most young Virgin Islanders, Kadeem is very fond of powerboats. Photo: Facebook

This is our Young Professional, Kadeem Farara, better known as Pookie, the owner of Pookie’s Customs Unlimited in Lower Estate, on the main island of Tortola.

Kadeem recalls his father Ronald Farara being a lover of motorbikes and so did many of his father’s friends, who also possessed motorbikes. Most naturally, Kadeem at a very young age developed an interest in motorbikes and this was encouraged by his parents and other persons in the family circle.

“My dad had a bike and if anything happened with it he would say go try a thing, fix it, go on the internet and see what you learn or ask someone with the expertise,” Kadeem said.

Self taught mechanic

Our Young Professional said too that Stuart Fonseca aka ‘Ras White’ was someone who he would ask for any help concerning repairing motor scooters. “Back in the days he used to be very good with bikes and so I used to ask him for advice. When he couldn’t help me any more I started to go on the internet and learned to do my own thing. That is how I became a mechanic. I never went school for it."

Salesman

Realising there were many people in the territory who also shared his passion for motorbikes, Kadeem decided to get into the business of selling motor scooters, ATVs, dirt bikes, and anything in the range of motorsports as well as parts for all the products he sells. He also has in stock ATVs and dirt bikes for children, which he said was very popular during the Christmas season.

He also said he is looking forward to renting motor scooters in the future even though it is a risky business.

Kadeem services all of the motor bikes and ATVs he sells, which is a very important component of his business.

“I wouldn’t say I am perfect but I take my time and try to do the best job I can. I try to keep my customers happy.”

Kadeem, we found out, was actually being modest as a lot of other mechanics have much respect for him and even approach him for advice when needed.

Tough decision

Our Young Professional grew up in Lower Estate and attended St George’s Primary School and the BVI High School. In his teenage years he actually had his sights on different careers.

“I always saw myself being an architect or working in the field of electronics or both but I ended up here,” said Kadeem, who stated that when he graduated from high school in 2007 he started attending the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) but only did so for one semester as it was difficult for him to continue while being a young businessman.

“I just saw the light that my father was showing me, different ways to make money and I went ahead with that as it was too much to manage so I just held off on school and got into business, which was very successful.

“I did go back to school after that but realised that I still couldn’t get it managed with the two so I just continued with the business. When I was in school I wasn’t making any money so it was one of the two and to get the bills paid you have to get the money,” Kadeem reasoned.

It was not an easy decision for Kadeem to make and neither has he given up on pursuing other dreams. “I really wanted to continue school because I was in the field of architectural drawing, which was a really good field and electronics also. I feel really bad about it but you never know what the future holds.

“It is still a possibility.”

It sure is a possibility for Kadeem, who is just 25 years of age. His knowledge and experience, however, give one the impression he has been walking this earth much longer.

As for his business, Kadeem was very candid about it. “It has its ups and down but it’s great in the sense that you are your own boss and you make your own money and what’s not and you don’t have to work for anyone but sometimes it can be stressful but I am still thankful for having my own business.”

Focused young man

This positive young man, who has done well to avoid the distractions of youth and focus on his passion and career, gave much credit to his father and other grown members of the community who he said gave him good encouragement.

“I always had my dad motivating me to keep going so even if I feel like I am losing he always gives me a good word of encouragement. A lot of people who know me, especially the older folks, they come to me and say I am doing a good thing and to keep it up because, like I said, it is a good business, it is a growing business. Maybe I don’t always see it that way but when they come and tell me I am really able to see what is going on. Also when growing up everyone was saying be someone in life, your teachers, your parents, everyone. They would say do your best and be someone in life and that was enough encouragement for me.

“And now I just try to be the best I can be and that will hold me firm just in case I never get the chance to go back to school.”

His own desires too fuel Kadeem to stay the course and be successful, respectable and dependable.

“What has really kept me on track too is trying to be successful in life, trying to be someone, building a good name for myself and also the customers. Every time they call my phone I have to go so that keeps me on track too.

Challenges to business

Kadeem’s business has faced criticisms from some members of the community, who are not fond of motor scooters or they way some riders have been misusing them. He said, while, some of the criticisms can be justified he does not support the view that they should be banned.

“At the end of the day everywhere in the world have bikes. It is about discipline. But despite it all, a lot of the customers just love bikes. It’s fuel efficient. Putting gas in a bike can allow you to ride for the whole week for just about three dollars. Some of the bigger bikes need just about 15 dollars to fill the tank and would allow one to ride for two or three weeks. It’s easier to maneuver through traffic and parking is much easier to find. It is much easier getting around on a bike. It saves you gas, time and money.”

Advice to youth & motor scooter riders

As for advice to young people, especially those in school and those not meaningfully occupied, Kadeem says: “Keep yourself focused and stay in school or find a way legally to make your money and stay focused and just keep your eyes on the prize. It is not always easy but at the end of the day it will pay off.”

We also asked Kadeem to share some advice to young motor scooter owners: “Don’t drink and ride, always wear a helmet, keep your eyes on the road at all times and adhere to the speed limit. At the end of the day a vehicle will not feel, you will feel.”