By Kermit Fernander, Contributing Writer

A successful businessperson is one who is prepared to do whatever it takes to create success for themselves, their business, their lives and the world they live in. Their entrepreneurial spirit is strong and the energy this spirit radiates is felt by all persons sufficiently sensitive to recognise it. Scripture says: "He who has eyes to see, let him see. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

My guest today, Mr Donald William Kemp, is a prime example of a successful entrepreneur and businessman. By the way, dear readers, if ever you speak with this gentleman on the phone, don't be dismayed. He has the voice of a Sergeant Major but he is really and truly a man of God, as honest as can be and straight up. He says he owes his business acumen to his father, who was an excellent role model. His father apparently drilled in him three principles: the value of hard work, commitment and dedication.

Young Donald learned to do his best at whatever he put his hand to and to do so with all his might. He regrets that such a solid work ethic is now somewhat rare in Bahamaland.

Mr Kemp senior apparently worked hard all his life. He supported his family and "did what he could with what he had." In other words, he was not interested in copying the Joneses or hanging his basket higher than he could reach. His Dad tried to meet the NEEDS of his family; not their WANTS. He supplied them with the basics: clothing and food.

Mr Kemp recalls that his father would at times return from his field with loads of vegetables and fruit he produced. If he had more than his family could use, he did not hesitate to distribute the surplus to those who had nothing. Another guiding principle in the life of Donald Kemp was good Christian values. He learned early on to treat people fairly. He told me: "Never expect payback." In other words, when we give, we ought to give unconditionally. Nor did Mr Kemp grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth. As a boy in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, he had to sleep on the floor and went to school barefoot.

In fact, my research has shown that individuals like the Kemps belong to a special class of businesspersons/entrepreneurs called "bizMAVERICKS."

Here is what Brad Williamson, businessman/entrepreneur extraordinaire, has to say about bizMAVERICKS: "All bizMAVERICKS want success because we understand the incredible feeling that comes with accomplishment. That feeling is happiness. Happiness is felt when our lives are in order, and our lives are in order when our professional and personal ventures are joyously meaningful.

bizMAVERICKS are people with purpose. We know what we want... and we get what we want, because our drive to succeed won't allow us to live without our desires. We have the same general aspirations as everyone else in the world, it's just that people who are bizMAVERICKS have an elevated level of motivation to actually go out and make what they want theirs.

bizMAVERICKS are caring. We understand the value of people, as well as the earth's resources, and know that life would be a struggle without them. A true

bizMAVERICK will make an effort never to jeopardize a relationship, with anyone or anything, because we have an abundance of love for our world. A bizMAVERICK's wealth is not determined by money or material possessions; our wealth is determined by the amount of love we feel towards the elements of our lives.

bizMAVERICKS are always learning. Knowledge is power in business, just as it is in life. Our God-given determination, coupled with wisdom, allows us to create new worlds. Worlds that people want to be a part of; worlds that make life better.

bizMAVERICKS are inspirational, as our success drives others to succeed. We are superheroes of the business world, and our social responsibility is to showcase a persona that is worth looking up to. Future generations of bizMAVERICKS need to have proper mentors who can teach them the values of an admirable businessperson. You have the privilege of being able

to influence others... Make the most of this honor."

Wow! Isn't the above a wonderful description of a bizMAVERICK? I am delighted that we have right here in Bahamaland superb examples of bizMAVERICKS such as Donald William Kemp, former manager of the Lorene's chain of stores, now part-owner/manager of Cellular World on Rosetta Street.