Dr Henry Lowe: Always business oriented

Dr Henry Lowe believes he was always business oriented, even as a child, but as an adult, he notes four distinct phases of his business development.

He was involved in book retailing and motor car repair/sales during the latter part of his undergraduate degree programme at the University of the West Indies, Mona. After graduating in 1962, he began investing in real estate purchases and development.

The Eden Gardens wellness and lifestyle concept began while he was president/CEO at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Jamaica, which eventually led to the present-day Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa.

Then five years ago, he entered the nutraceutical/drug and research field when he started Bio-Tech R and D Institute, with emphasis on medicinal plants of Jamaica. Five similar entities have since been created.

Now 76, Dr Lowe says, "I continue to be involved because of my mission to show that science and technology are not just for engineering and medicine in particular, but can be used for wealth creation.

"I also want to continue to give back to Jamaica. I believe that once the mission is of value and is stimulating, it is not regarded as work, but a pleasurable challenge to contribute to nation building." Dr Lowe said.

"It would be my pleasure if my eldest son, Dr David Lowe, who is an excellent businessman and financial expert, would be willing to join and lead the for-profit group of companies at some stage in the future," he said.

He also added, that aside from family, excellent management staff are being trained to take over.

Lowe said he believes vision, hard work, determination, using management skills to motivate, innovation, and implementing the desired objectives and goals are a winning formula. As for retiring, Dr Lowe says he doesn't really think about it.

"However, I believe that I will continue working as long as I am physically and mentally able to. I will let go gradually but still be involved in some way to lend support for continued growth and development of the enterprises as long as possible."