Donovan Lewis, founder and chairman of the Ideal Group of Companies, will be the special guest speaker at this Tuesday’s (December 2) third edition of St. George’s College’s ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow: A Knight’s Dialogue’ lecture series, to be held in the Abe Issa Auditorium.

Lewis is Jamaica’s foremost investor and holds significant shareholdings in many of the oldest domestic blue-chip companies.

Always understated, Donovan Lewis goes about his life without fanfare; his accomplishments do not make blaring headlines, and his personal life is not for public consumption. 

In an interview before his St George’s College presentation, Lewis declared, “In order to succeed and not only just financially, one needs to focus on their goals, have the right attitude and maintain discipline. Pay attention to what you do. You have to exhibit the right behaviour towards other people. We see people who have done well,  we read about their accomplishments, but success is not attained by chance.”

Donovan Lewis attended St Aloysius Boys School, then went on to J.C. Institute. He then went to the College of Arts, Science and Technology (now University of Technology) and the University of the West Indies, where he earned a certificate in management studies. 

He began his career as an accountant and auditor, first working for A.E. Phillips and then K.V. Forrester. He was later appointed chief financial officer at Watson’s Off Course Betting Group Limited.

Donovan Lewis undoubtedly has a head for figures, and his ability to discern the finances of companies was honed early. 

“There are a number of motivational forces in life. You have to control your fear, control desire, control your emotions, eat well and get enough sleep.

“Life is a table that sits on four legs—the spiritual, the physical, the mental, and the financial. Top of that table is time. As you proceed through life, you should set goals. Go to college, buy a house, marry, have children, build a career. Once you have attained one goal, you then set another. It must be understood that goals are in the future and are intentional. Problems are a part of living and are to be overcome.”

“It’s not the present circumstances that count. It’s the courage to press on and find something that takes a special effort of will—then your reward follows.”

“Life is about forming the right habits. There are plenty of people who drift through life. Yes, life presents problems, but a problem is waiting to be solved, and you have to face it with faith and solve it, you will.”

Lewis was determined to run his own business and not settle for being an employee. Today, he has started twelve companies within the group, and though they are established, he still sets goals for them. He founded the Ideal Group of Companies, which includes Ideal Betting Company Limited, Ideal Finance Corporation Ltd, Ideal Portfolio Services Co. Ltd, Ideal Securities Brokers Limited, Resource in Motion Ltd, Ideal Global Investment Company Limited, Ideal Group Corporation Ltd, Resource Assets Ltd, Donwis Limited, Children’s Health, Education and Wealth Foundation.

He is also a notable real estate developer. His portfolio of enterprises is wide and varied, making him an entrepreneur in the true meaning of the word. 

His expertise and acumen are sought after, and it therefore comes as little surprise that he has sat on the boards of directors of CVM TV, International Trust Merchant Bank, Barita Unit Trust, NCB, Advantage General Insurance and Century National Bank.

Donovan Lewis is a dedicated and devoted family man and has been married to Andrea for fifty-one years, and they have two children, Kathryn and Luke.

“Family life and structure are important for our growth and development. I cannot stress enough how important it is to share your life with someone.

“We all aspire to success, but one’s peace of mind cannot be discounted. One’s ability to solve problems and to recognise that you are the sum total of your thoughts is vital. I have no Master’s degree, but I do have common sense.”

Donovan Lewis has looked at life through both sides now, and he attributes environmental conditioning to most people’s fortunes or lack thereof.

“Environmental conditioning determines how one acts, talk, think. We are conditioned by the people we are surrounded by. It is not that we are denied opportunities, but many of us are surrounded by people who do not stress the importance of financial independence. Many of us do not possess the ability to think objectively and to assess what we are working towards. No horse gets anywhere unless it is harnessed. No life has ever grown great unless it is focused. You have to understand what you are all about.”

Many companies want to establish a footprint abroad, have subsidiaries, and conquer foreign territories. When asked about companies in Jamaica eager to expand abroad, Lewis ruefully smiled and, with a twinkle in his eye, said: “You have to dance a yard before you can dance abroad.” 

In other words, concentrate on your home market, master it before delving into the unknown.

So what does he attribute his success to?

“I came from a poor family, but it is the destination of our life that matters. You have to live life with truth and honesty. Pay people the compliment they deserve. It’s been a long struggle, but you have to embrace every moment of your life.  Do the best for your children, don’t dwell too much on the past and help others if you can. God will open doors for you.”

“I attribute my success to my mother, and I fully embrace what she taught me, and it has held me in good stead.”