This Week We Feature Young Professional Lionel M. Richardson
"People see me around doing my thing every day, but no one knows how tedious my jobs can be and the level of sacrifice I make to be successful at what I do," Lionel said as he shared the story of his life.
He grew up at Virgin Gorda attending both the Primary and Secondary levels of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) where he described himself as being one of the "typical boys" back in those days.
"I was one of those types of boys always curious about things. Give a little troubles here and there but it's what I now know as I am a matured man, a boy just testing things out, exploring and I guess that’s how I am, who I am today."
The ultimate career goal
From his boyhood days Lionel always knew that becoming an entrepreneur was his ultimate career goal, "But I was never really sure exactly what that business was going to be."
After leaving school and still not decided on a direct career path he ventured out into the world of work, fitting in many different fields. Among those were stints at Rosewood Little Dix (RLD) and Bitter End Yacht Club (BEYC) where he worked as a Spa Caddy.
"I enjoyed doing that job but even while I was doing that I was busy doing small jobs on the side. Every little thing you can think of I did and still doing most."
Today he works for himself in several fields of business but most dominant are his ice delivery and cleaning businesses. "I love working for myself and with the type of work I do I get up very early in the mornings, sometimes by 4:00 AM I am up and I go way late into the nights. My job is very hard, though it may look simple to some people."
Lionel makes, sells and delivers ice to all corners of Virgin Gorda, especially to North Sound, "Many times I wake up before most people do and I go to bed after most people are in their beds in another world sound asleep."
While he has his own ice making machines at this stage of his business, Lionel is desperately working towards having the Territory's first ice factory, "Give me another five to ten years and I will have my own ice factory right here in Virgin Gorda. I am working towards that and I will make it happen."
He said despite his very busy lifestyle he manages to balance things off with time for loved ones, friends and community.
Advice to young people
His advice to young people: "Stay in school, take your education seriously, don't be distracted, keep focused on what you want in life. The energy you can invest in doing wrong or negative things you can use that same energy on positive things," Mr Lionel M. Richardson stated.
17 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Lionel M. Richardson”
He spoke the truth about being a ""little frig" when he was younger BUT he has MATURED
Congrats to him finding his strengths and more POSITIVE power to him and his sons as they continue to offer services to the VIRGIN GORDA community
Thanks VINO He's worth every moment of this ;
Proud of him
Lionel is a very hardworking young man. I've known him since childhood and taught him as well. Nothing was handed to him on a silver platter. You go Lionel. Stay focused and you will achieve your dreams