I met Dennis earlier this year at my first local Social Media Meetup for 2016. It was an awesome experience. I was meeting many people for the first time and it was also great to finally hear what my ‘Trini” counterparts were up too; after spending so much time focused on other markets.
Dennis was generally quiet but introduced himself to me as he was leaving and I was immediately drawn to his warm and engaging energy. We followed each other on Twitter and I soon found out that he had a wealth of experience in Branding, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, just to mention a few.
The 18 Question Series features an awesome group of up and coming, as well as seasoned Entrepreneurs, who give us a glimpse behind the scenes. A sneak peak into their lives and into their businesses. Their stories are meant to inspire and encourage us. Today we meet Dennis Ramdeen, founder of Pepper Advertising.
Tell us about your first jobs?
Paper boy with Guardian /Cash boy at Jimmy Aboud/Assistant to MD of Insurance Company.
When did you know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
This happened by need, not desire. I don't have an entrepreneurial bone in my body. I own a business but I still don't think I'm an entrepreneur.
What was your first business venture?
I believe it was importing Motorbike accessories.
When it comes to your business, how do you deal with rejection?
I’m not very good at it, I go gloomy for a while but with help from my wife Rebecca, I bounce back.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Your name is all you have. So take good care of it.
What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received?
Join a pyramid scheme.
Can you describe a moment or day when you felt like giving up?
Many days. Resilience is the single most important attribute for entrepreneurs and I don't have much. But I am close to people who do, so they prop me up.
What or who motivates you to keep pressing on?
Mi esposa y my children.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Dedication (Rudder)...out of a muddy pond, ten thousand flowers bloom.
"If you were left on a deserted island for a month and could only bring three things, what would you bring?
Internet/Kitch music/Dim Sum.
Team Cats or Team Dogs? ;-)
Neither.
Morning person or late night?
More morning but becoming more of a 10 o'clock person.
Briefly describe your morning or night time routine?
Check newspapers online/Facebook, Exercise or Mass (church) then breakfast with Rebecca.
Beach or the Mountains?
Beach.
Proudest Business achievement thus far?
Stag taking on Carib and doing well.
What advice can you share with an up and coming entrepreneur?
Find a few mentors. Be conservative on sales and expect expenses to be higher than you think.
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
To be the best Digital Agency in region.
Pepper was started in 2005 by Dennis, after working for global brands like Heineken, Coca-Cola, Panadol, KFC and Pizza Hut, as well as leading local brands like Carib and Stag. Dennis went on to lead the largest agency in Trinidad and Tobago, McCann Erickson, before venturing out on his own.
Dennis Ramdeen calls himself the Chief Inspirer at Pepper advertising but we all know that he’s so much more.