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This Week We Feature Young Professional Quemelle A. Hodge
At a time when much negativity is cast on young people in the Virgin Islands, and with the criticism that there are either no jobs or they don’t want to work, Quemelle A. Hodge is that light that is fighting back the shadows of negativity.
At just 22 years of age, Quemelle is in the driving seat of his career as a proud owner of Que’s Car & Jeep Rental.
He has been in business for just about a year, starting out with a small amount of vehicles, but aspires to be one of the leading vehicle rental companies in the territory.
"I want to be one of the fore-runners in the business. I want to know that when tourists come or plan to come to the BVI that they would be familiar with my company because of my website and reviews.”
Quemelle is self-motivated, keen and conscious and knows that he must educate himself in all aspects of the business while being patient in the pursuance of his goals.
A past student of Joyce Samuel Primary School and St George’s Secondary, Quemelle knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a business owner, even though he never had a specific business in mind.
‘You have to start somewhere’
Since he left high school at age 16 Quemelle had been trying other business ventures but eventually found the right one for him.
“I was hoping to come in to the business with a lot more vehicles I started with but due to certain roadblocks I came in how I came in but I didn’t give up. You have to start somewhere.”
According to our young professional, he saw there was a need for more vehicles in the rental business and he took it on himself to jump in.
“It feels good. It is a learning experience but I am up for the challenge.”
Que’s Car & Jeep Rental is still relatively small but young Quemelle is trying to at least double the fleet before the one year anniversary.
Keys to success
Being an ambitious person he is, most naturally Quemelle believes he could be doing a lot more. “Good service, better vehicles, and taking it a step at the time,” Quemelle believes are key to the success of his business. “It is not an overnight thing.”
As with any venture there may be challenges, and Quemelle does not escape that phenomenon. His strong-willed character, however, helps him to overcome those patches.
“There are days when I wake up and just don’t feel like doing anything, but I don’t let those thoughts drag me into a state of procrastination.”
Another challenge for Quemelle is meeting the needs of customers promptly with his small fleet. His customer base has been growing and urgently needs to be expanded. “I have to grow to meet the demand.”
That aside Quemelle is grateful to his customers and his parents, who allowed him to pursue his dreams without pressuring him to pursue a tertiary education.
Quemelle, however, realises the importance of education especially about his business and takes it upon himself to pursue various online courses, including in marketing. Just this week he enrolled in two new online programmes.
As for spare time, Quemelle enjoys sailing and swimming.
Advice to youth
Our highly motivated young professional urges young people to develop an attitude of perseverance.
"Don’t give up, keep pushing. Sometimes the road will get a little tough but always believe in yourself. You will have detours but sometimes those are even for the better, but never give up.
"Educate yourself, even if it is not a degree. Do courses that will help you to master your craft or business. Improve you as a person and try to keep a good circle of friends around you,” Quemelle wisely advises.
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