Ryan Reid's extraordinary journey to success

The difficulties we face can eventually become a source of strength that enables us to rise above adversity. At an early age, Ryan Reid learnt the true meaning of fortitude, determination and endurance.

His father, a banker, had to change addresses several times over an eight-year period, and at that time, young Reid was less than enthused with the constant shift in his school and immediate environment.

"I left Kingston when I was 10 years old and lived in six parishes and attended within that time period eight schools. We moved around a lot, and it was difficult transition at times. Sometimes, I attended three schools in one year," Reid said.

"I hated it then, but I love it now because I now adapt easily to change and make seamless transitions into any situation," Reid added.

He is now the founder, president and chief executive officer of First Rock Capital Holdings Limited, an investment holding company with a core focus on real estate and private-equity investments. Prior to this, he was the general manager at PROVEN Wealth, a leading wealth-management firm.

Wanted to work in finance

Reid found some stability when his family moved back to Kingston and he began studying at The University of the West Indies and the University of Wales, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in banking and finance and a master's degree in business administration in general management, respectively.

"I have always wanted to be involved in the financial sector. During summer internships working in banks, I was exposed to different elements of the industry. However, it was while at Jamaica Money Market Brokers that I was exposed to the investment side of things. It got to the point where they wanted me to work with the company on a part-time basis as an analyst," Reid said.

He brings to the fore 12 years of experience in the real estate and financial sectors, with eight at the executive level in the financial sector. Throughout his career, he has had responsibilities of leading sales, services, accounting, investments, and corporate finance teams.

He credits his father, Norman, for influencing his career and indicated that he continues to be one of his mentors.

Despite his hectic schedule, which begins by 4:30 a.m. each day, Reid finds the time for recreation and social activities outside of the office. "I work very hard, and I literally go the office even on weekends. It's really about balance. My father instilled in me to be disciplined from a young age," he said.

Reid enjoys travelling and likes to venture outside of the usual places persons often visit. Earlier this year, he was in Greece and France, and he is planning to travel to Argentina and Africa in 2019.

He loves reading and prefers paperback books to Kindle. "To date, literature is one of my favourite subjects. I try to read two books per month, and I also reread books. I have read Shakespeare plays at least twice," he said.

While growing up, Reid was also a car fanatic. His uncle was a fan of cars, and as a child, he found it quite interesting. To date, his favourite cars are made by BMW and Porsche.

Fishing and hunting

Outside of reading and travelling, he has also found a new love. Now a member of the Jackson Bay Hunting and Fishing Club, Reid enjoys fishing and hunting, which he describes as being quite an adventure.

Reid, who runs a very tight ship, is also the co-founder and chairman of Growth Tech Limited (a local technology company) and holds directorships in WAV Outsourcing Limited, Bumble Bee Digital Agency Limited, and Impossible Services Limited.

He has also held directorships in various government boards and is currently a member of the National Investment Policy Steering Committee, appointed by the Government of Jamaica.

"I like to create and build things, and that's what motivates me. I also value fun and enjoyment and do so with a clear conscience. When you put in the work, this part of your life is easy," Reid said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com