Nigel Anthony Wilson turns adversity into success

“He was a motivating factor in me deciding to establish Wiljo Enterprises Ltd after his death to be able to expand more in the quarrying industry, through Wiljo’s services,” Nigel says

He explains that after his father’s death and becoming CEO of Wilson’s Quarries Ltd, for a substantial period of time he was forced to rent equipment to continue business operations – an expensive and daunting task in a globally strapped economy

Through the support and backing he has achieved in the Vision Achiever Programme from Scotiabank, he has been able to establish Wiljo Enterprises as the first stepping stone in the solution to the logistical and financial challenges he faced

“Wiljo Enterprises Ltd is a company that engages in the mining aspect of the quarrying industry, as well as the rental of heavy equipment such as excavators, transport services, and the mining expertise involved,” he expands on the services his new startup is providing while solving his internal challenges at Wilson’s Quarries Ltd

“The Vision Achiever Award is a highlight of a great achievement for both myself and for my company; it symbolises the effort and discipline that I put into the programme to better myself in all areas,” he says

The Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme was launched in 2016, and was developed to provide business owners and entrepreneurs build their management capacities and to provide them with financial solutions

In its inaugural year, the programme partnered with Indira Couch, CEO of ActionCOACH Trinidad and Tobago, a member of a global network that has helped thousands of companies achieve more profits, build better teams, and business owners to work smarter

Wilson says he entered the programme to expand his business knowledge and principles that he could apply to his company for progressive changes and growth, as well as make him a more informed CEO

“I was destined to gain experience from other business associates that participated, and I learned a thing or two from them,” he says of the networking the programme facilitated. He says his focus was never placed on winning but rather challenging himself to push beyond his comfort zone and tap into his full potential – this focus is what he says helped him secure his second-place spot

He reveals his uniqueness as an entrepreneur is based on his extensive portfolio and his determination to succeed, as well as what he describes as a democratic management style, which allows him “the opportunity to listen to others and bear the risk of trying out new techniques which can be beneficial.” After his success in the Vision Achiever Programme, he hopes to continue the implementation, testing, and measuring of new strategies, policies, and measures imparted at both Wilson’s Quarries and Wiljo’s Enterprises

“I’m also hoping to be exposed to other programmes like Vision Achiever so that I can further myself as a professional and wellqualified entrepreneur.” His recent Vision Achiever experience has also given him the desire to share with and educate other potential entrepreneurs, who he sees himself in and who he’d like to help shape. His own learning through the programme has had a significant impact on him, engaging him in new practices to reach his desired business goals

“As a businessman, I’ve learned that learning from others’ mistakes in my industry makes it easier to avoid being held back,” he says of the importance of observation in the marketplace

His prized qualities as an entrepreneur include taking risks at the appropriate times, tough decision-making that results in mild to drastic effects or consequences, and engaging in research, as well as proper testing and measuring of instruments

“The entrepreneurial journey is one that requires change along the way to adapt to new environments,” he comments on another quality that is essential to successful business: the ability to acclimate seamlessly in differing workplace environments and cultures at any given time

He advises other entrepreneurs to not give up in the face of hardships and to always strive to find solutions to their daunting tasks or situations. “There is always a solution,” he says, “but what makes us unique individually? It’s finding the solutions to these circumstances.” He acknowledges that there is strength in individuality as an entrepreneur, and much to be gained from following your instincts in decision-making and problem solving

He commends the Vision Achiever Programme for the business savvy it has afforded him, adding that the programme has played a significant role in his entrepreneurial journey. Of the internal changes the programme has brought about, he says, “[Because of the programme] I will be able to accomplish greater things in the future. It has impacted my goals and the vision that I know I can now reach.” The vision he speaks of is the continued expansion of his business, and its evolution into an organisation that has affiliations with individual companies, creating a workforce and business structure that can handle all aspects of the quarrying and construction industries, following in his late father’s footsteps. “This is my vision, to be able to be part and parcel of creating quality along the way.” Applicants to the Scotiabank initiative were evaluated using ten criteria, including focus on innovation, and sustainability and growth

The 14-week programme for successful candidates included seven sessions of coaching during which they were scored against several qualitative and quantitative criteria to ensure they got the most out of the sessions

Cash prizes were awarded to the top three scoring candidates

A bonus cash prize was awarded to the ‘Social Media Champion’ who received the most online votes

The top three candidates were Jerome Precilla, co-owner of Quick Slice Pizza, Wilson and T’shura Maraj, director of Chemelco East Caribbean Ltd

Maraj also won the social media prize