BY KESI ASHER, Staff Reporter
John Mahfood - FILE
JOHN MAHFOOD HAS stamped his mark on Hardware and Lumber and is now rebuilding the high that Hi-Lo once had.
In his new role as manager for Hi-Lo food stores, John Mahfood has made food his main priority. In order to correct the problems that the oldest retail supermarket was experiencing, Mr. Mahfood had to give up his position as Chief Executive Officer at Hardware and Lumber in April.
Hardware and Lumber, however, still exists under Mr. Mahfood's portfolio, as he is still the deputy chairman for the company. Grace Kennedy being the parent company, Hi-Lo Food Stores and Hardware and Lumber fall under the Retail and Trading Division, for which John Mahfood is responsible.
Hi-Lo was spending a lot of money as they had to finance their problematic computer system, construct two new stores and renovate a third store. In addition, the competition in the supermarket industry became increasingly vigorous.
COMPETITIVE PRICE
Based at the original Hi-Lo supermarket in Cross Roads, built in the 1950's, John Mahfood plans to institute various marketing strategies to get the business back on track. The 14 stores islandwide will see marked improvement with the institution of the Hi-Lo brand of products.
"The brand is doing very well. The Hi-Lo brand of products is the most competitive price products on the market, the closest rival being Super Plus," said Mr. Mahfood. The wholesale pricing of products by the case is another marketing strategy launched by Mr. Mahfood and his team. So far the Ocho Rios, Mandeville and Montego branches are the ones to offer this deal. In addition, there is a radio advertising campaign to promote the supermarket.
Mr. Mahfood also informs consumers of the reduced prices in the form of weekly advertisements in The Star. In addition, he plans to revamp the stores to improve shopping comfort. "The new store in Ocho Rios has been Jamaicanized to improve the feel of the store," explained Mr. Mahfood. Local wood was used for the check out counter and produce display area. "The murials on the wall give it a comfy feel. Sales have gone up at the Manor Park store by 20 per cent and at the Ocho Rios branch by 100 per cent," explained Mr. Mahfood.
Mr. Mahfood took the long road to success. As a Wolmer's old boy, he attended the University of Technology, then went to England where he became a chartered accountant.
POSITIVES NOT NEGATIVES
When 'Uncle Sam' called, he went to work in California at Price Waterhouse Coopers. His return to Jamaica landed him a job at T Geddes Grant in 1985, as the Financial Controller and he later became the Chief Executive Officer. He left that company in 1995 and joined Grace Kennedy in 1996, and has been there since. "You can start anywhere at any job, at any level. The most important thing is if you like the business and want to stay in that business," commented Mr. Mahfood.
John Mahfood shared with THE STAR some things that helped to make him successful. "Always come to work on time, be on time for meetings, do what you say you're going to do, remember that delegation doesn't relieve you of responsibility, focus on positives not negatives," said Mr. Mahfood.
He explained his professional attitude. "If I have a meeting, I will set aside a time for the meeting. I don't like a cluttered desk, I can't function if my life is not orderly and well planned. I plan my appointments and things to do by the month, it helps to be more efficient. Also, I try to have people who are enthusiastic and work hard to help you succeed."
In order to motivate his staff, Mr. Mahfood tries to be honest. He tries to create a positive atmosphere where they can feel comfortable so they can give full attention to the work. "I'm not a hard person, I'm not overly friendly but I'm approachable. It's very challenging to deal with people who are not trustworthy and ethical. I like to be open about business dealings and above board," said Mr. Mahfood.
One of the benefits he enjoys in being the boss is helping people to progress in their jobs and making them successful. He is married and has a 20-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter. He likes to go to Hellshire, St. Catherine, for fried fish, he likes golf, animals and all types of music. His favourite dancehall artistes are Sean Paul, Beres Hammond and Cecile.
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to