Andrea Downer, Outlook Writer
Contributed Photo
If success is defined by one great idea at a time, then 26-year-old Rohan McNamee is cutting a clean swathe towards it. The bespectacled, olive-skinned resident of Portmore is not only hungry for success, but the independence and freedom that he says it will bring.
"There is nothing like independence, just being able to call your own shots, make decisions and to make something happen that you are in direct control of. To be able to have that freedom and still be able to provide is something that I have always wanted to do," he stated, flashing a perfect smile.
On weekdays he holds a nine-to-five job, replete with the corporate office and title of Purchasing Manager. But after five, and on weekends, he dons shorts, sandals a T-shirt and his burning ambition to be his own boss and hits the beach. When he is not in his office answering the phones, placing orders and generally being employed, he is relentlessly pursuing his dream to do his own thing.
Rohan owns WataVentures, a water sports operation that is mobile and offers entertainment options for beach goers in Portmore. WataVentures got off the ground in July last year, and a little under a year after, Rohan's kayaks, banana boats hydro tubes are now a fixture on the Waves Beach in Hellshire (beside Fort Clarence) and FUN Citi Beach on Port Henderson Road.
"I felt there was something missing on the beach, there were no activities available," he explained.
He began his water sports business at Fort Clarence, but moved his operations to next door to Waves, when that beach closed for renovation late last year.
"I have always been entrepreneurial and it occurred to me that I could bring the activities that people go to the north coast to enjoy to people on Portmore beaches," he continued.
Rohan said WataVentures rose from the ashes of another idea that did not get off the ground and had its genesis in the courage and business acumen of a high school boy who sold bag juice, bread and butter and other necessities to his schoolmates in order to survive.
"I was trying to find an avenue to start a business, and I had an idea to open a pizza store in Spanish Town, but that did not happen," he recalled.
WataVentures offers a variety water sports activities including banana boat rides, kayaking, water skiing, hydro tube, and a fishing package, which allows patrons to rent the craft and go fishing. Guides are available to accompany those who need help, however, Rohan said he does not rent fishing equipment with the kayak, but the package only includes life vests.
"I offer fun day packages which allow patrons to pay one fee and enjoy all water sports activities all day. This kind of deal mainly targets large groups such as church and school groups etc.," he explained.
Rohan also explained that people who cannot swim are able to safely participate in his water sports activities.
"I try to make it secure with lifeguards and vests and I am able to allow a lot of people use a kayak for the first time without having to go to the traditional resort areas. It brings a sense of adventure to regular beach activities," he stated.
Rohan says he has been getting positive feedback from people who visit Waves Beach and FUN Citi.
"However, that is what I expected. People who visit the beaches are excited about participating in the water sports," he stated.
"Sometimes, they want to try every equipment or water sports. In fact, while business has been a little slow since business started just after last summer, I am expecting a boom in business for this summer," Rohan predicted.
However, he said his desire to own his own business began while he was still in high school and at lunch time and during breaks when his schoolmates idled or did other fun pursuits, he was busy eking out a living in order to make ends meet for him and his other sibling.
"I sold bag juice, doughnuts and even bread and butter at high school. My mom practically raised my sister and myself without any financial help; so I did what I had to do to ease the strain of the financial burden that she carried," he stated.
He said that during the years that he attended high school, his mom worked overseas a lot and his grandmother took care of them.
According to Rohan, that business venture began when he was 14 years old.
He admitted that he was shy at first to approach his peers, but his need for independence and his wish to relieve his mother of some of the financial strain, made him get over his shyness and insecurity.
"I was a little shy at first but at the end of the day, I wanted to be independent and be able to buy things without having to go to mom. I did not want to be an additional burden on her.
"It was cool to be able, at the end of the week, to get what you want and at that point I did not want much, not a car or a house, just to get a decent lunch at the end of the week, to be able to watch a movie. It was an accomplishment to be able to achieve that. It was very satisfying," he said flashing an engaging smile.
But his small business, though successful, lasted only until he was 16-years-old.
"When I was going into sixth form I had to present a more respectful imagine," he said with a grin.
According to him, "The focus then was a bit different. I wasn't so much focused on (achieving) independence through finance, but independence through knowledge. I started to focus more on getting through sixth form and through college and (my) mom was better able to manage financially."
Despite owning a fledging business, Rohan could be considered a success story. He has a degree in Management Studies and Economics from the University of the West Indies and is currently the Purchasing Manager of one of Kingston's leading hotels, as well as the proud father of a beautiful daughter, Gabryella, who is just six months old.
He says WataVentures is just the beginning.
"I intend to diversify into other areas when this one takes off," he disclosed.
Rohan said he is fully aware of the challenges he faces in his quest to be his own boss.
"With the present economic climate, I have to work a lot harder to survive in my business pursuits and it means I have to be a lot more creative. Unlike some economies where opportunities are easy to come by, you have to be vigilant to what could be a possible business idea," he stated.
However, despite the challenges, Rohan says he has no intention of leaving Jamaica and pursuing his dreams elsewhere.
"I am committed to be a part of Jamaica's upliftment. Migration is not a first option for me. I would rather struggle and suffer in my own country than that of someone else's," he stated with firm conviction.
OUTLOOK MAGAZINE | SUNDAY, january 14, 2007
