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This Week We Feature Young Professional Deshaun A. Hodge
At age 25, this week’s young professional shoulders the responsibility of three companies and loves every minute of it!
Deshaun Hodge is the General Manager for BVI Springs Water, Hertz Car Rental and Road Town Fast Ferry. Despite his youthful appearance, this Virgin Islander admitted that he has to be tough to remain competitive in the business world.
“A lot of people who I dealt with initially were kind of shocked when they first saw me, and without saying anything their faces were expressive like wow you’re so young. But I guess my good nature and knowledge of the businesses have impressed them,” Deshaun said with a grin. “A lot of people have commended me for what I am doing. I am generally a nice person but in the job sometimes I have to be aggressive.”
Although he is the General Manager for nearly a year, this young professional remains humble and while he has to ensure the smooth operation of the businesses, he is often seen working at the Road Town Fast Ferry Counter as a ticket agent or a crew member when necessary.
“That is what I love about my job, that despite the challenges I face at times, there is never a dull moment,” he said. His versatility in the business was encouraged by his father, Bobby Hodge and mother Veronica Stoutt-Hodge.
“My dad gives me free rein, and I want to make him proud. So to be a good leader you have to show your staff that you are man enough to do anything, and that is why my dad is so respected,” Deshaun said.
And just because his father owns the businesses does not mean Deshaun gets special treatment. According to him, he started off working at the ticket counter and when his father was satisfied with his ability, he placed more responsibilities in his hands. He now manages about 50 employees.
Prior to working with his father, Deshaun was an Accounts Officer at LIME for a short time. “I got that job when I just returned from college, it was temporary and I am grateful for the experience I gained while I was employed at LIME.”
The Virgin Islander is a 2007 graduate from DeVry University, Atlanta with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. He attended Johnson and Wales University for a short period before returning to DeVry to earn his Masters in Business with a concentration in Finance.
“I have a knack for figures since I was in High School,” Deshaun divulged. “I graduated there [the then BVI High School] in 2004 with high honours. I then enrolled in HLSCC and transferred one year later.”
Asked what the future holds for him professionally, Deshaun without hesitation and a wide smile replied, “I love my job. I can’t see myself anywhere else right now. And I am pleased that my dad had confidence in me.”
And without giving away any of the companies secrets, the General Manager asserted that there will be some major expansions and he will play a focal role in making those goals become reality.
“We are just trying to improve our quality of service, tap into areas that we were in before as well as new ones…we have had a lot of good feedback from businesses who are willing to co-operate with us and we hope to achieve all of that in the coming months and years,” he said.
Describing himself as a cool and easy going person, this busy young professional is able to squeeze some personal time for himself. He enjoys travelling, sailing, hanging out with his friends and reading when he gets the time.
Cognizant of the fact that young men could be distracted, Deshaun admitted that he went through a rough patch in High School, however, that did not deter him from forging ahead in realizing his dreams.
Moreover, this young professional sees himself as a role model to his younger brother, nephews and cousins.
“I just want to make sure they stay on the right path, they have a lot of opportunities available,” he added, and shares his advice to young men, “Stay true to yourself, know what you want to do and do everything you have to do to achieve it.”
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