From poverty to owning their own business- the Algoo family shares their success story

You don’t have to be born with a “gold spoon” in your mouth to achieve great things in life — though it certainly helps. Still, many of today’s most successful people had very humble beginnings. Growing up in poverty didn’t stop Sabrina and Nandalall Algoo from reaching the pinnacle of success — and it shouldn’t stop you, either.

But the couple’s life journey speaks to the famous quote, “what is meant to be, will always find its way to you.” Nandalall was born on the 11th December 1977 at home on the beautiful island of Richmond Hill Leguan, Region Two, and was the first child to Seeta and Badish Algoo. 

He completed his primary and secondary education on the island and was successful at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination (CSEC). 

Wanting to pursue a bright future given that Leguan is a farming community, Nandalall’s uncle, Jerry Chandraban, encouraged him to move to Georgetown, where he would be able to tap into the many opportunities and reach his full potential. 

Heeding the advice, Nandalall, who was 17-year-old at the time, took the bold step and left his parents and only sister behind and ventured off to the capital city and started his new life. 

“Nandalall and I both came from humble beginnings, we have tasted poverty, and we did not quit; instead, we embrace our hardships and work and is still working tirelessly for our children, our parents, and loved ones to enjoy a happy life with us,” Sabrina said. 

Sabrina and Nandalall met briefly in their early teens as Nandalall used to bring his mother’s kitchen garden produce to sell at the Zeeburg Market every Saturday to support his family financially. 

“I used to be his shy customer; all we ever exchanged were smiles. Years passed, and we never saw each other again, but in heart, I had this great urge to meet this boy but knew nothing about him or his name,” Sabrina relayed. 

In February 1998, the two met at their first place of employment – Didco Trading Co, where they both worked in the Shipping & Customs Brokerage Department. 

“The rekindling was the best part; we both fell in love with each other quickly, but as Nandalall would say, ‘love at the first glance’.”

Launching of N&S Algoo Lcbs Inc.

In December 2000, the couple got married, and in August 2001, Nandalall sat the Customs Brokerage Examination and became a successful licensed Customs Broker. He was dubbed as the youngest person back then to be qualified as a licensed Customs Broker at the age of 23. 

“Success began to follow him by the blessings of Allah, and he began to build a name and good reputation singlehandedly for himself as a broker with efficient service. The launching of our office and staff became an absolute essential/necessity for our customer’s satisfaction.”

As her husband’s then small business began to grow, Sabrina had to resign from her post as Marketing Director at C&V Caribbean Shipping Ltd after ten (10) years to assist him with opening the first office, which was located at the Kaylaan Mall on Lamaha Street.

On the 3rd of December 2012, they were forced to acquire a bigger office and bought a building at 49 Public Road Kitty, Georgetown. They are still housed at this location. They are currently in the process of opening another branch at Lot 10 ‘A’ Public Road, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD). 

Sabrina relayed to this publication that they treat each one of their staff with dignity and respect as she noted that without them, they wouldn’t have been successful. 

“We see them as a family and as a big brother because they can come to us for any matter. We know how busy it is to get to work and as such from the beginning of our company, we have an in house kitchen where hot delicious lunches according to their likeness and snacks are prepared every day.”  

She added, “Birthdays are also celebrated at the office, and cake is a must. We extend this gesture as a courtesy to the team. They are part of our family also.”

When asked to describe her husband, a joyful Sabrina said; 

“A people’s person, always friendly and neat, he takes pride in the clothes he wears, very loving and dedicated husband and father to our beautiful daughters Lucy and Liah. A great son to his parents, and overall a hardworking, caring person who loves his religion. Islam and a practicing Muslim. We both need and depend on each other for everything we do.” 

She also shared that her husband is very time conscious and takes it very seriously. Besides, she noted that he has a hidden creativity to add life to any building structure. Apart from that, she also shared that he is very determined towards achieving his goals and dreams. 

“He will never be interested in bank loans/ life insurance because of interest. He starts his day at 4:30 am and is full of zest all day until he retires to bed in the evening. Always smiling and can become your friend within two minutes. He is always careful and patient and must be admired for that.” 

Like any married couple, Sabrina said they would disagree but would work out their differences. She also noted that they are the “perfect pair” who are like ordinary people. 

“We are compassionate towards people and their own struggles, but sometimes people take advantage of the situation for financial gains. Orphans, the elderly, and the disabled have a very close place in our heart, and we would go an extra mile to help, but it has to be genuine cases.”

According to Sabrina, Nandalall hopes to retire at the age of 45 instead of 65. She also shared that he aspires to make his company grow where staff would be able to benefit.

“We would like for our name and that of the company to live on with a good impression and as an encouragement for our future generation to remember our ladder of success,” Sabrina concluded.