Derrimon Trading’s new CEO, Ian Kelly says after a tough year the company is focused on turning challenges into opportunities. 

Speaking on Taking Stock with Kalilah Reynolds, Kelly said his main goal is to make Derrimon a technology-driven, customer-centric company while navigating global trade shifts and the impact of U.S. policies.

Kelly, who took over from founder Derrick Cotterell earlier this year, said the company experienced a major setback last year. The roof of its New York location collapsed in March, shutting down operations for nearly a year and cutting the company’s annual revenue by 40%. Despite this, Kelly remains optimistic.

“As I’ve said before, with every single situation, there’s opportunities,” he shared. His approach is to find solutions rather than dwell on difficulties. That means aligning Derrimon’s strategies with market trends and taking swift action when needed.

One of the biggest concerns is how U.S. policies, particularly tariffs, will affect business. Derrimon’s U.S. subsidiary relies on imports, including avocados from Mexico. With increasing tariffs on Mexican goods, costs could rise, impacting profits.

Kelly acknowledges these challenges but believes Derrimon must stay ahead of market shifts. 

“What we need to do is look at the opportunities and be swift,” he said. The company plans to make strategic moves, whether by finding new suppliers, forming partnerships, or using its Jamaican operations to offset risks.

For Kelly, the future of Derrimon is not just about numbers. He emphasizes the importance of both employees and customers. His vision is a company where customer service is a top priority, and communication flows smoothly at all levels.

“I want us to be a customer-centric organization. I want us to be able to take up the phone at all levels and make a call,” Kelly explained. His goal is to ensure that every employee understands the company’s direction and that customers always receive top-tier service.

To achieve this, Derrimon is investing in technology. By improving its digital infrastructure, the company aims to deliver products faster and at better prices. Technology will also help the company react quickly to market changes, ensuring it stays competitive.