Under the stewardship of founder Gavin Gayadin, Modern Building Solutions (MBS) Inc., which has been operating for more than a year, has been rapidly making a name for itself in the local construction industry.
Gayadin is a civil engineer and his team includes two other engineers, two architects, and 15 laborers.
MBS Inc is an integral part of Gayadin Construction Company, formerly operated by his father. As his name is related to construction, Gayadin entered the field in 1999, but mainly as a consultant and freelance for many years.
He noted that construction was not restricted to him and his father, but other relatives are also skilled in various categories of the craft. When asked if, growing up, he had planned to join his father’s company, Gayadin said his parents had always tried to invoke the idea of independence and shape his own identity. Therefore, although he decided to undertake the same area of business, his intention was to establish himself independently. And while his name is almost synonymous with construction, he added, most of his customers come through recommendations and the ads he places in newspapers.
When he decided to make his business official more than a year ago, Gayadin did not hesitate to explain that, although he knew the risks involved, it was the only way to achieve the goals he had set himself ‘ to himself. The businessman also encouraged him to know that he was surrounded by supportive family and friends. He added, his children, his greatest motivation for things he has achieved so far.
The motto of the company is: Design, Build and Present. The company has a reputation for quality work that it intends to maintain.
Gayadin shared that, despite a raging pandemic, in the run-up to this year’s Christmas season, the work was still flowing.
Asked about challenges, the businessman said it was a challenge at first trying to land projects for government and in the oil and gas sector, which he has been able to do and is working on making MBS more recognized in terms of such projects. “Your merit is what leads you along the way,” says Gayadin. While the company is involved in more commercial projects than residential, Gayadin said he has not forgotten where the company started, explaining that from time to time potential customers would see work done at another company and asks about it, who would then get them calling MBS. Recently, MBS was praised for kitchen remodeling.
“The new administration has provided a new opportunistic market in the housing sector,” he said.
Speaking about the oil and gas sector, Gayadin shared that MBS Inc.’s design was selected by SBM Offshore and was awarded ExxonMobil contracts. This was the company’s first contract with ExxonMobil’s operations in Guyana. MBS has also been responsible for the refurbishment of most Royal Castle buildings around Georgetown as well as at Parika and at Giftland Mall.
MBS is already contracted for projects for January and February. One of the projects is a warehouse facility measuring 40,000 square feet including security checkpoints and a COVID-19 mitigation center, while the other project is a commercial building in downtown Georgetown.
“My business philosophy is to build a brand, not my name,” says Gayadin. “When I’m gone, which is inevitable, I want my business and my brand to keep growing and going through time. With Modern Building Solutions, I want my brand to live, which is why even my staff at the top, I try to train them and pass on the knowledge I have to them, not only as a builder but to manage and run the operations. . Already I see many of my engineers taking on a more leadership role whenever I’m absent. They may make mistakes here and there that are not to my liking, but they are moving in the direction I hope they can go, so even if I choose to retire, my company is still active. “
Although MBS has been building modern buildings, the businessman said that if someone wanted a Victorian-style home, the company can deliver. He noted that homes built during the 1900s would last about 50 years, but with the materials used today, it can guarantee 100 years more with the construction of MBS.
During the busiest times, he often has to contract more laborers and with his many projects, this number sometimes climbs to between 50 and 75.
And while the company is trying to do its best, Gayadin said it is also working to provide the best for its employees. MBS places a high premium on occupational health and safety and is fully compliant with all laws and best practices in Guyana. He shared that providing the necessary gear for workers to stay safe is not something many businesses worry about as it can be costly, but having worked in the oil and gas sector, he has learned the importance of providing the appropriate safety equipment for employees. . Apart from providing the personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary for the job, the company also ensures that employees receive the required COVID PPE.
While it brings him great satisfaction to see the happy faces of his customers, Gayadin said he also takes pride in seeing his employees get paid for a job well done knowing they can provide for their families.