Capital Styling
It’s Christmas Eve and no better time, we reckon, to share style tips and financial advice from the fashion-forward team at BCW Capital. Think five handsome, on-trend gentlemen with a great sense of style and humour and an uber-fab female counterpart to keep them in check, and you will understand the sheer pleasure we had trading style secrets with them. A W readers might also be interested to know that the ever so charming G Charles Chambers, managing director—investment banking, gave LVMH shares a stylish nod.
Kerrie Baylis
Portfolio Advisor
Dresses are a great work option. Kerrie keeps the look relaxed (it’s Friday) but business appropriate — one never knows who’ll pop in — by opting for capped sleeves. This dress is perfect for after-work cocktails or dinner.
Financial Tip: Invest!
Three main reasons: you can beat inflation, achieve financial goals, and plan for retirement. There are two ways to earn income: one is to exchange your labour for pay and the other is to have your money earn money for you. Money kept in a “savings” account is earning interest at rates that don’t even keep pace with inflation, so you need to find the best place to put your money to beat inflation by a substantial amount. Average interest rates on savings accounts are currently about 2 per cent, while average annual returns for mutual funds are over 10 per cent. Invest!
How would you describe your style?
Chic, diverse and made to fit the mood and occasion.
Who’s your favourite designer?
I don’t have a favourite. To me, diversification is not only key for investments but also for fashion. Designers tend to have their own style which is always reflected in their clothing. I like my style to be different, so I find that I shop around. That way my closet has a nice mix of colours and styles for all moods and occasions.
What was your last big splurge?
I tend to spree more than I splurge. I prefer to buy 10 reasonably priced items than one luxury.
Whom do you admire in business?
Adam Stewart, because I think he’s a superstar. He’s young, charismatic, incredibly talented, smart, driven, innovative and hands-on in his management style. At the centre of the Sandals and ATL empire he shows passion for change, growth and success both in business and the development of Jamaica. He is an out-of-the-box thinker and a trailblazer. I see the same passion and qualities resonate here at BCW Capital through our principals and our team, as we are determined to revolutionise and upgrade the financial sector.
Would you say that the majority of our men dress badly?
No, I do not agree. I think Jamaican people on a whole, including our men, are very proud people and take pride in how they look and dress. Our men are just as expressive with their dressing as women are. I would imagine their difficulty is that there aren’t many places in Jamaica for men to shop for clothes. Options are very limited.
Complete this sentence: A well-dressed woman deserves to be escorted by a welldressed male because…
Essentially, a well-dressed man by your side is the final touch. If a woman has made an effort to put herself together, it means she is feeling confident and poised and her escort should not dull her shine, but enhance it. A well-dressed man is the frame which complements the woman as a portrait.
G Charles Chambers
Managing Director of Investment Banking
Financial Tip:
Diversification is the cornerstone of any investment strategy. Never keep all your eggs in one basket.
How would you describe your style?
I prefer a more casual and relaxed style.
Who’s your favourite designer?
Salvatore Ferragamo… I find his collections timeless and classic.
What was your last big splurge?
I recently bought some new polo ponies.
Whom do you admire in business?
The foundation investors of BCW Capital, because they are guided in their businesses by high ethical and moral principles which I don’t think are either common or easy, but bring longevity and success to the companies that they run.
Do you think that the majority of our men dress badly?
Warm weather year-round and a naturally very relaxed society tend to limit fashion exploration, but I think we do OK with what we have.
Complete this sentence: A well-dressed woman deserves to be escorted by a well-dressed male because…
She wouldn’t have it any other way.
Financial tips aside, ladies, the well-appointed offices complete with magnificent Jamaican art is the work of interior designer Merissa Reyes-Crichton, yet another reason to focus on investment opportunities in 2013.
(Photos: Marlon Reid)
Gerry Wright
Managing Director of Operations
Financial Tip
Diversification is key in making investments, and ongoing consideration should be given to the percentage holdings by country, industry, type of instrument/security and tenors, for example. With a balanced portfolio, investors are better positioned to ride out the cyclical nature of investments. At BCW Capital, our goal is to understand our clients’ needs and build the optimum portfolio with local and international investments.
How would you describe your style?
Conservative
Who’s your favourite designer?
Ralph Lauren. It’s terrific that he has a home in Jamaica which I am sure has positively impacted his designs.
What was your last big splurge?
None recently, as we have been investing in the business. Looking forward to the day when I can buy a Range Rover Sport.
Whom do you admire in business?
The Foundation Investors of BCW Capital are amazing businessmen: Chris Levy, William Mahfood and James Goren because of their integrity, innovation and world view. They are all long-term thinkers and very committed to Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Do you think that the majority of our men dress badly?
I am not in a position to comment. Maybe Kerrie or one of the other ladies are in a better position to respond.
Complete this sentence: A well-dressed woman deserves to be escorted by a well-dressed male because…
…She has taken time and effort. Our Jamaican women are incredible in every respect — beauty, spirituality, creativity and strength. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world, but I see the most beautiful women in every parish across Jamaica on a daily basis. I guess I am partial to Manchester where my wife Juliet was born, and internationally, New York, where my daughter Emily was born.
Joel Gordon
Capital Markets Manager
Financial Tip:
Invest based on your risk appetite and stay in your comfort zone. You can do that with the help of an advisor who is passionate about understanding you and/or your business. We have some passionate advisors at BCW Capital!
How would you describe your style?
Mixed; I appreciate the classic, conservative look, but will rock the latest trend as long as it’s tasteful.
Who’s your favourite designer?
None really; depends on the fit. I have enjoyed Burberry, Jones New York and Nautica suits, Steve Madden and Ted Baker in shoes, and various designers when it comes to shirts.
What was your last big splurge?
It’s been a while, but I would have to say a couple of long-sleeved linen guayaberas at Sawgrass Mills. I find them to be relaxed but still elegant, so they are my favourite Friday wear… apart from my BCW-logoed Oxfords, of course!
Whom do you admire in business?
Brian Jardim, Ian Garbutt and the Stewart Motors family come to mind. Anyone who can demonstrate the tenacity to navigate and fight to be successful in their respective calling gets my vote; especially in a business environment that can be quite daunting at times.
Do you think that the majority of our men dress badly?
I’d have to say no here. Jamaican men take quite a bit of pride to try to look their best. The style and the environment may not match at times, but they sure try.
Complete this sentence: A well-dressed woman deserves to be escorted by a well-dressed male because…
… It’s the least a man can do, especially given the sometimes painstaking work a woman puts into look her best. It’s a beautiful thing to see a couple who complement each other in style and flair!
Jonathan Thompson
Capital Markets Associate
Financial Tip
For my peers in their 20s, start saving now. It will make a significant difference to your assets 20 years down the line if you start early.
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic
Who’s your favourite designer?
J Crew
What was your last big splurge?
Tickets for Christmas parties
Whom do you admire in business?
BCW Capital Principals. Gerry, Rohan and Charlie all have had successful careers and could easily have continued on the safe path that they were on; instead, they decided to make a big move to start BCW Capital. I admire their willingness to take that risk in the face of a challenging economy and arduous industry, politics and regulation, and also their strong commitment to developing the financial services industry in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.
Do you think that the majority of our men dress badly?
Style is subjective, everyone has a different taste.
Complete this sentence: A well-dressed woman deserves to be escorted by a well-dressed male because…
… Otherwise she would look quite lonely on Page 2 by herself.
Paul Simpson
Vice-President, Private Client Sales
Financial Tip
INVEST and learn to budget your spending. In Jamaican parlance: “One one cocoa full basket.”
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic
Who’s your favourite designer?
I have two, Hermès and Salvatore Ferragamo.
What was your last big splurge?
Went to ATL and bought all the appliances I needed for my place. (BTW, ATL has great customer service. Adam and his team are doing a phenomenal job.)
Whom do you admire in business?
My parents, The BCW leaders, Jamie Dimon (CEO JP Morgan Chase), Peter Bunting, Dennis Cohen and Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson.
Why?
My parents are small business owners (the backbone of our economy) for over 20 years and still going strong. The commitment and discipline that they have to their business is inspirational, transformative, passionate, honest, and ‘gut-wrenching’. The BCW leaders are what I describe as ultimate and consummate team players. They are not people of frivolity, but leaders with a steady hand and focused vision. Jamie Dimon, the chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase, embodies the phrase “from good to great”. Peter Bunting gave me my first real break in the financial industry and has ‘Proven’ himself a true banker and businessman. Dennis Cohen, deputy managing director at NCB Group, is a quiet but strong leader. And finally, Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson is one of Jamaica’s silent nation builders.
Do you think that the majority of our men dress badly?
No. Our sense of fashion is always evolving. You cannot monopolise fashion, it is an artistic expression of one’s emotion at a given point.
Complete this sentence: A well-dressed woman deserves to be escorted by a well-dressed male because…
Life enjoys balance.
