“We have one goal and that is to democratize wealth,” says Director of Roots Financial Group, Kevin Donaldson.

Speaking on Taking Stock with Kalilah Reynolds, Donaldson said he is using his over 20 years of experience in the investment banking sector to change how businesses and Jamaicans view wealth creation.

“What we think is best for Jamaica is getting as many people as possible happy, having hope and creating wealth for themselves.”

Donaldson said this vision is the driving force behind the company’s investment and growth strategy.

He explained that Roots Financial offers financing solutions to entrepreneurs who might not be ready for the mainstream financial sector. 

“We take an equity stake in these businesses, we sit on their boards and we’ll meet with the CEOs regularly to talk strategy, provide guidance and figure out how we can grow the business,” he added.

He said an essential part of the plan is establishing a path to have the company ready to list within 24 months.

“That’s how the democratization of wealth happens, because the companies can become fairly wealthy but they also allow their clients and their partners to participate in the growth of the company through an IPO (initial public offer),” he explained.

Roots Financial has invested in 10 companies across five industries; Healthcare, food, technology, construction and real estate.

Roots recently acquired 100% of the restaurant franchise Mother’s. They also bought and rebranded the Knutsford Court Hotel to Summit House. The company has also invested in digital payment provider, WiPay and delivery service QuickCart. Other roots investments include; Home Choice, Amazing Concrete, and Medical Associates. 

“Our goal is to build these industries across the Caribbean to create economic growth. It’s not just to make money it’s to grow the countries that we operate in,” he said.

Donaldson said these industries and companies share synergies and are essential to growing Jamaica’s economy. 

“Why healthcare? Because we believe a healthy person is a better producer and a better contributor to the economy. Food is important because we need to be able to sustain ourselves and technology is just the basis of everything. It is a great equalizer,” he explained.

“And for real estate and construction, what we want is to create commercial spaces that people want to work in. A very inclusive space that is secure and enhances mental health and increases productivity,” he added.

“We’re just supporting entrepreneurs and trying to build the Jamaican economy,” Donaldson said.