Windies owner looks to cooler air
Stabroek News
December 15, 2006
Entrepreneur David Burgess, known for the sporty dining facility, Windies Sports Bar and Grill has taken up a 'cooler' business.
Burgess moved into the air conditioning and appliance business at a cost of around US$100,000 and now operates Supreme Air Conditioning, at 262 Thomas Street.
Supreme, which officially opened its doors on October 17, has exceeded expectations, he said.
He described the business as "doing very well" and said he believes Guyana has an untapped air-conditioning market.
However, Burgess is not yet ready to take on the entire market and for now plans to capture a very large share of the existing air-conditioner users.
He reasoned that if only 10% of the Guyanese population use air conditioning systems, he would like to have 80% of that market. The construction of high-end facilities like hotels and guest houses are also opportunities for Supreme, Burgess said.
Supreme, he believes can achieve a large share of the market through its quality equipment and service, notwithstanding its price competitiveness. Every month 200 systems are imported from Chinese manufacturer Yonan.
Among the current customers are local embassies, high commissions, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), the private sector and government agencies.
"I wanted an air-conditioning business," emphasized the managing director, but he added that the show room looked a little bare with just displays of the air-conditioning units. So, Supreme added appliances for the season and television sets, DVDs, washer and dryer machines, microwaves, refrigerators and freezers were put on the display floor as well. These new additions, Burgess said, helped to attract customers and the response is heartening. Soon, furniture and other household articles like carpets are expected to be added to the list. Next year Supreme plans to scout for a large show room to accommodate the additional items it plans to display.
Wondering if you can afford an air conditioning system?
Burgess noted that although the cost is higher than popular household electronics like television set, there are financing arrangements that could be made with the commercial banks.
In relation to the unit prices, a 9000 BTU suited for a small room is $69,950; a 12000 BTU suited for a large bedroom is $89,950; 18000 BTU is suited for medium to large rooms are $119,950 and a 24000 BTU for $159,950 is suited for a large lounge/bedroom.
Supreme also provides servicing and maintenance for $2,000 to $4,000 every three months. The installation time for the systems Burgess said is the same day and there is a one-year warranty.
Burgess will be hoping that Supreme brings similar success as Windies. Since its opening in March at 91 Middle Street, the bar has already added at least nine employees to its staff which now stands at 29. Burgess told Stabroek News that the menu is a big hit and the kitchen and bar staff has increased. Windies also plans to open a Charity shop on Church Street before Xmas. (Nicosia Smith)