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Kenny Benjamin founded security company Guardsman in 1977 and, over nearly fifty years, grew it to become the first leader in its field in Jamaica before establishing operations across the Caribbean.

It is remarkable how he was able to begin with a canine division and just a few guards to now employs thousands of people.

One of Kenny Benjamin’s strengths is the ability to form a team and select senior executives to help diversify the Group.

A trusted senior executive over the decades has been Valerie Juggan Brown. She has been along the Guardsman journey and served as its first Managing Director.

She is quiet, self-effacing, and doesn’t like to bring attention to herself. She was educated in Germany, speaks fluent German and brings that efficiency and attention to detail to her work.

Valerie Juggan Brown is both loved and referred at the Guardsman Group. Other female senior executives there cite her influence and laud her contribution to Guardsman. She paved the way for many who now thrive in “ King Kenny’s Kingdom”. 

She attributes Guardsman’s good fortune to the mercurial abilities of its Executive Chairman, Kenny Benjamin, humbly saying that she stands on his shoulders. 

Valerie Juggan Brown has held senior positions across the Group, including Marksman and now heads Hope Zoo, turning it into the leading zoo in the Caribbean set in splendid botanical gardens. 

Speaking about the development of Hope Zoo and how it has become a leading attraction in Kingston, Valerie Juggan Brown said: “ The desire of the Chairman and I was to make the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation a world-class facility to all Jamaicans and visitors who like to enjoy a wholesome, clean and exciting experience.

“We are proud to say we have established that. We continue to raise the bar every day.”

She has seen a number of young managers rise at Guardsman  and she serves as a fine example of what can be accomplished and how to operate.

Valerie Juggan Brown sees the development of young managers as a vital aspect of organisational growth. Effective mentorship and guidance can significantly enhance their leadership capabilities.

“As a role model, Kenny Benjamin advises executives joining the Group to focus on their passion and treat others with respect. He also emphasises the importance of giving back to the community,” said Guardsman’s matriarch. 

Speaking with Our Today about Valerie Juggan Brown’s contribution to Guardsman, Kenny Benjamin said: Valerie joined Guardsman many years ago, and from day one, we knew how dedicated she was to the task at hand. She has been a pillar of our group of companies. She kept ascending. There was a time she wanted to retire, but I wasn’t having it. There is so much she has to give, she is marvellous. 

“We brought her back to run the Zoo, and her’ go-get mentality’ has helped transform that project. She made a hell of a difference, and you can see what Hope Zoo has become.  Anything Valerie does, she does well. 

“We are all ageing, and we are a little weary because I don’t think we can find another executive like Valerie that easily.”

What Kenny Benjamin is taken with about Valerie Juggan Brown is her exacting standards and her drive to make Guardsman better. He said she has always suggested improvements, “ Can we do this?” ” What about implementing this practice?” She always pursues excellence. She is a very dedicated person, very principled. She is a stickler for how things must be done. She is cut and dry-either you do this , if you don’t do this , you will be out the door.”

” I could go away for a month and I could say, Valerie, look after the company and I knew I had nothing to worry about, she could handle things.  Valerie paved the way for many of our senior managers and is a valued member of the Board of Directors. 

Although we are known for being a major security company, we do have other businesses and we are hoping that the new generation of Guardsman Group executives will take us to even greater heights. “