Looking at what it takes to craft a family enterprise.

IN the ever-changing business landscape along the Corentyne coast, Spready’s has become a constant name in people’s minds, mouths, and hearts. Started many years ago by an ambitious man with big dreams nicknamed Spread, this neighbourhood franchise has blossomed into a local institution.

This week, as the Pepperpot Magazine ventured to the Corentyne, our focus was on Manager’s Compound, Port Mourant. But one cannot talk about Port Mourant without mentioning Spready’s. Rishal Singh, the grandson of the establishment’s founder, is now responsible for one of three locations in Port Mourant. Coming from simplistic beginnings, Rishal shared that growing up in Port Mourant was both a modest and exciting affair.

“We played on the streets with friends right here in Port Mourant. We would play cricket and games on the streets,” Rishal stated. These simple childhood experiences laid the foundation for his strong connection to the community, a factor that would later play a crucial role in the success of the family business.

But business had always been a major part of his life. Beginning at a young age, Rishal understood the ins, outs, and unpredictable challenges of entrepreneurship. “I grew up in business with my father and uncle. That’s how I’m in this position today,” he explained, emphasising the invaluable lessons learned from his family’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Today, the business has grown significantly, but it still holds community values at its very core. With three locations in Port Mourant, Spready’s has sought to diversify its products and services while remaining a community name and a place affordable for the people of the community. Rishal elaborated on the current state of the business: “I run this aspect of our business, dealing primarily with auto spares and building construction supplies. We supply home builders and contractors and operate a fuel station. Our business is called Spready’s Fuel Station Spare Parts.”

The very foundation of Spready’s was joy and community. As Rishal explained, the family business took off with a small bakery. “The name Spready comes from my grandfather. His nickname was Spread because he was in the army and spread joy. When they opened a bakery, they named it Spready’s.” The name and the joy it represents have endured the test of time, becoming a household name over the years.

Businesses and entrepreneurs are often considered entities driving hard bargains, always searching for better prices and more customers. This is an ideology that Rishal and his family are trying to disprove, with integrity and honesty being the backbone of the business, right next to customer service. “In business, integrity is one of the most important things. You’ve always got to have integrity. I believe in supplying people with the best quality for their money. You must get what you pay for,” Rishal stated firmly.

Although his passion for the versatile field of business is vibrant today, Rishal says this was not always the case. Initially, he studied Information Technology. Later on, he decided to join the family business, a decision he now considers the best he has ever made. “I studied computer science at the University of Tain, John’s campus. I did my Bachelor’s in IT, then decided that wasn’t my preferred field. I got more involved with our businesses and took over this department after university. Business has been good. Everywhere you can see the business has been on the increase. We hope it continues like this,” he shared with enthusiasm.

Great service and ensuring customers get their money’s worth have made Spready’s stand out. But like all businesses, they face challenges. Finding workers seems to be the biggest issue currently, according to Rishal. “Right now, the only challenge we have is workers. Kids don’t want to work these days,” he explained. This observation reflects a broader trend in the job market, where businesses often struggle to find dedicated employees.

Despite this challenge, Rishal explained that community interaction and relationships, which have kept the business going for as long as it has, are still thriving. “In terms of the community, we interact with customers and people. Everyone in our community knows us. When someone has a problem, they go to my dad or uncle for help. We always try to support them. People come at night asking Dad for help. They ask him because he’s older. If they have a problem, they go to my uncle.”

This deep-rooted connection to the community sets Spready’s apart from many other businesses. It’s not just about selling products or services; it’s about being an integral part of the social fabric of Port Mourant. The Singh family has created a business model that goes beyond mere transactions, fostering a sense of trust and mutual support with their customers.

Rishal is adamant about continuing the family business. Moreover, the community has played a bigger role than most would think. Spready’s is an enterprise supported by the people who, in turn, support the people. As Rishal stated, “It’s my passion. I had the opportunity to do many other things, but this is what I prefer.”

Looking to the future, Rishal envisions expanding Spready’s reach while maintaining its core values. He hopes to introduce new services that cater to the community’s evolving needs while preserving the personal touch that has been the hallmark of their success.