Flair

Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

No, you are not seeing doubles, Dean and Dane Lafayette are twins. The 29-year-olds took their fraternal looks to the boardroom of the family business, Geddes Refrigeration, eight years ago, and have no intentions of looking back.

The business is not a new kid on the block, it was started in 1948 by the Honourable Paul Geddes, the Geddes in Desnoes & Geddes. Their father, Roy Lafayette, officially took over ownership approximately 15 years ago.

Along with their father, the 'double' team want to raise awareness of the business, which sells refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, and provides after-sale services for air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. They also supply parts.

"Eight years ago, we decided to move it from a sales-oriented company to a service-oriented company because, when we look at the market, we realise that everyone is selling but once a customer buys the product, it's hard to get the after-sales service that they require," said Dane Lafayette, the service manager.

At present, they employ 85 technicians across the island, who are trained to handle the problems of their customers quickly and professionally.

"You can literally call me 24/7," Dane said. "We want to create the impression that, when you call us, you're getting value for service and an overwhelming experience in dealing with a service company," he added.

Distinct roles

They may look similar outside, but the brothers assume distinct roles in the company. Dean Lafayette, is a director and marketing manager and Dane Lafayette, is a director/service manager.

Dean, who is four minutes younger than his brother, studied at the Douglas College in Vancouver, Canada, where he did computer science and the University of Technology where he did marketing and human resource management. Dane, studied at the University of Technology and has a double major in human resource management and international business.

One of the company's flagship products is the premium Mitsubishi inverter air-conditioners, which allows for energy-efficient cooling. They were the first to introduce the technology 10 years ago.

"It cuts your energy costs by 60 per cent," Dane said, and in a period when businesses are trying hard to reduce their energy costs, it's very relevant.

"It's also eco-intelligent and reduces an organisation's carbon footprint," said Dean.

They offer a five-year warranty on the equipment.

As a part of their service, they offer their clients monthly or quarterly reports and free estimates for jobs.

They also provide commercial services to clients.

They provide services for organisations like the Bureau of Standards Jamaica and light to heavy commercial companies.

The business is located at 226 Spanish Town Road, Kingston.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com