ANDRE Gordon was externally contracted as a security guard at Sandals Royal Caribbean in 2013. In this role, he learned a lot about the brand, admiring the company’s commitment to team member training and improvement.

After three years of serving as a security guard, he joined the Sandals loss-prevention team as a security supervisor. Present day, he is the resort’s evening duty manager and with over 150 Sandals Corporate University (SCU) courses under his belt, and he is proof that if one has a passion for learning, one can accomplish great things.

Gordon admits that though he is grateful for how his life turned out, there was a time when a shattered dream of joining the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) threatened to end all his job aspirations.

“I always wanted to be a soldier. From as early as I can remember I had dreams of being in the Jamaica Defence Force. When those dreams came to fruition at the age of 23, I was on top of the world.” Gordon continued, “Unfortunately, it came crashing down when I wasn’t successful during training. At the time, it felt like the end of the world.”

A year later, a disappointed Gordon enlisted with a local security company and was stationed at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

“My heart wasn’t in it as a security guard. I was still so disappointed that I didn’t see much for myself after that. But luckily, my superiors saw potential in me when I couldn’t see in myself.”

He continued, “The security manager [at Sandals Royal Caribbean], Mr Harrison, encouraged me to put my best foot forward at work. After much cajoling and transformation, he recommended me for the position of security supervisor, which finally made me a Sandals employee.”

Despite his earlier reservations, Gordon excelled as a security supervisor, earning the respect of his peers and catching the eye of the resort’s General Manager Dawn Smith.

“I knew Andre was brimming with potential from the moment I saw him, I told him that he was destined for greatness, and after hearing about his career aspirations I was eager for him to join the team. Now I get to witness that greatness unfold, and I couldn’t be prouder,” noted Smith.

In 2022, Gordon excelled as the security supervisor and was quickly recommended for promotion to evening duty manager.

“It started with me shadowing the night manager, then volunteering to be the relief night manager when he was on vacation. During those weeks I decided to capitalise on the opportunities for growth that Sandals had to offer, seeing it as my golden ticket. That’s when I made a conscious effort to seize the opportunities available through the Sandals Corporate University.”

In 2023, Gordon achieved his dream when he was promoted to evening duty manager at Sandals Royal Caribbean. His responsibilities now include overseeing a team of over 500 employees, handling guest-related concerns, and streamlining processes to enhance productivity during evening operations.

“I never thought that I would move on from the disappointment of wanting to be a soldier to feeling truly accomplished in my career. But I think that’s the magic of Sandals, everyone grows here, because the conditions are such that you have no choice but to flourish.“

As Gordon settles into his new role, he remains committed to his growth and is already eyeing further advancements. He has completed courses such as emotional intelligence, customer service essentials, changing team culture, and inclusive leadership, among many others.

His story is a powerful reminder that with determination, the right opportunities, and a supportive environment, anyone can achieve their dreams. For now, he continues to inspire and lead, proving that the sky is truly the limit.