FOR more than six years, QMD-Decor has been building its business around the straightforward principle of making quality the difference, but the Jamaican start-up is now seeking to turn that philosophy into a broader commercial opportunity as it brings more solutions to the local market.

Primarily focused on construction and property improvement services, the company recently expanded its business model with the introduction of SplashProof— an American-manufactured protective sealant designed to help safeguard buildings against water penetration and environmental exposure.

The move representing more than an addition to its existing product offerings, signals QMD-Decor’s ambition to leverage its construction expertise, diversify its revenue streams and establish a stronger presence in a market it believes has room for more innovative solutions for homeowners, contractors, developers and commercial property owners.

According to CEO Shaheed Edwards, the expansion reflects the company’s original commitment to identifying practical solutions for construction projects while maintaining the standards on which the business has been built.

CEO of QMD-Decor Shaheed Edwards

“QMD-Decor was established with a vision of providing quality construction services in Jamaica while maintaining high standards of workmanship, professionalism and customer satisfaction. The introduction of SplashProof came from recognising an opportunity to expand our services and bring an established American-manufactured product into the Jamaican market,” Edwards said as he recalled the company’s early beginnings in a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“With the support and collaboration of SplashProof America, we saw an opportunity to introduce an additional solution that complements our construction expertise and addresses the importance of protecting and preserving properties,” he added.

The venture is being undertaken through a partnership with SplashProof America, a Florida-based manufacturer that has been producing the sealant for approximately 13 years. Founded by Subhash Ramnauth and Melody Lu, the US company is providing the manufacturing and product support behind the local roll-out.

The new protective sealant is designed to help shield surfaces against various exposures— offering property owners an additional option for protecting and preserving their buildings. Its introduction creates opportunities beyond the residential market, with QMD-Decor now seeking to reach a wider cross-section of commercial operators and construction professionals.

Site manager at QMD-Decor Antoinnett Bowley

As the company establishes itself in the market, Edwards said the company is now working to overcome the challenges associated with building brand awareness, educating prospective customers about the product’s applications and benefits, while establishing a level of confidence in its performance.

“Our expectation is to build sustainable growth through product awareness, customer confidence and long-term business relationships,” he told the Sunday Finance.

Powered by a strong workforce of approximately 20-30 full-time and part-time employees, alongside the support of its American partner, QMD-Decor is leveraging its existing operational base and business relationships to support a wider roll-out of the SplashProof product line.

The venture brings together Edwards and business partner Antoinnett Bowley, who is overseeing the product’s local implementation, alongside SplashProof America’s co-founders Lu and Ramnauth, who are providing strategic support for its introduction to Jamaica.

Surface preparation being done ahead of turf grass installation.

“Together, we are committed to building a sustainable business venture that combines American manufacturing with Jamaican construction expertise. Our ultimate goal is to establish lasting relationships with our clients, deliver dependable products and services, create opportunities for growth and continue building a brand that customers can trust,” Edwards said.

As the company grows and scales, the CEO said the plan is to extend the company’s ambitions well beyond the initial product launch.

He said that over the next three to five years, QMD-Decor intends to strengthen its position within the local construction industry while establishing SplashProof as a recognised and trusted protective product in Jamaica and throughout the wider Caribbean.

“We intend to expand product availability, develop relationships with hardware suppliers, contractors, developers and distributors as we increase market awareness and explore opportunities to introduce additional products and complementary services,” Edwards said.

The SplashProof sealant is designed to help shield surfaces against various exposures, offering property owners an additional option for protecting and preserving their buildings.