Robert McKenzie

Robert McKenzie’s quiet disposition belied his passion to  become an independent businessman in the resort town of Ocho Rios where he grew up.

Quietly observing the operations of the businesses in which he worked and hand picking mentors who possessed high business acumen and who placed a high premium on honesty, Robert envisioned his own plan to become an entrepreneur in the tourism industry.

He began as a waiter at Turtle Beach Resort in the 1980s at the age of 16, moving to the rank of maitre’d after completing training in Food and Beverage at the Grande Hotel in Michigan USA. He completed a four year stint working as a clerk at the Eagle Permanent Building Society where he took advantage on an opportunity to learn computer skills.

Following the closure of the Eagle Financial Group, Robert went into sales, marketing Italian wines on the North Coast which provided the financial basis to launch out into his own business in 2003. He bought his first public passenger bus and joined the ranks of JUTA.

As a pre-requisite to joining the tourism industry, he participated in the Team Jamaica training programme which he found very relevant and helpful in his line of work. He has high praises for the programme, and was even selected as ‘Best Team Player’ in 2004.

“I am in total support of the Team Jamaica programme, as it proved helpful in developing my skills in human relations, and my development as an entrepreneur. It also provided a good refresher course in the history of Jamaica and provided valuable knowledge on the tourism industry.”

Robert has since invested in a second and larger bus and secured contracts with hotels, tour companies and schools.He also operates on the cruise ship pier taking passengers to enjoy attractions and shopping experiences around the town of Ocho Rios.

It was a likely progression when he opened his own tour company---On Time Tours and established a working office in the town.This tour company offers shopping, sightseeing, airport transfers and taxi services.He ensures that his drivers and staff are well trained and possess a high level of product knowledge. He has launched his company’s website at: www.ontimetours.com to enable overseas bookings.

“I would like to establish a good name in my business.I am straightforward and I abide by the rules stipulated by the Jamaica Tourist Board.”

Robert has since launched out into the challenging business of heavy duty equipment service and benefits from road works, as well as bauxite haulage.