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Heartline Magazine July-September 2003
Health and Beauty: Lasco delivers them both
Just over two years ago Lasco (Barbados) limited moved into
their spanking new offices in Maxwell, Christ Church. The move was a firm
statement of the development and success of this relatively young but
well-established company, which started operations only 12 years earlier, in
1989, at the Grantley Adams Industrial Park, Christ Church. Good and steady
growth has seen Lasco quickly acquire a solid reputation as a leading
distributor of pharmaceuticals, also personal and beauty products in Barbados.
Headed by managing director Cicely Reid-Sealey, and with a
staff of 26, Lasco today represents leading pharmaceutical companies such as
Schering, Novartis, Roche and Biochemie. The pharmaceutical arm accounts for 60%
of the company's business. Lasco is also the local distributor for Ontex, a
leading manufacturer of hygienic disposables for babies, as well as for adults.
Soft Sheen, Organic Roots Stimulator and Wave by Design are
some of the well known, quality brands of cosmetics and hair care products
distributed by Lasco (Barbados) limited. Said Mrs. Reid-Sealey: "We take pride
in offering these top lines, not only to the professional stylist, but also to
the general consumer. We are very aware that, to the average woman and man,
these products are not only seen as beauty aids, but they offer a degree of
boosting of self-esteem. People who look good, feel good, and they exude self
confidence."
One of the company's slogans is "health and beauty," and the
health portion is adequately represented by their distribution of the Lasco food
products, which have become popular selections in supermarkets, pharmacies and
stores across the island. Manufactured in Jamaica, the range includes Lasco Food
Drink (regular and diet), Lasco Lasoy, Lasco Lasoy Lite, Lasco Lasoy (Milk Free)
and Lasco Porridge Mix. All contain the important ingredient SOY Protein
Isolate.
Soy Protein Isolate comes from the original soya bean, and
is a high quality protein that offers significant health and nutrition benefits.
High among these is the role it can play in reducing the risk of heart disease
by its affect on cholesterol level. It has been found that a 10% reduction in
blood cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease by 20%. Soy Protein Isolate
can lower blood cholesterol (LDL) by 9.3%.
Other properties of Soy Protein Isolate include the ability
to inhibit cancer growth, also to affect bone density, thereby reducing the risk
of osteoporosis. Soy Protein Isolate can also contribute to a decrease in
coronary artery atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
What's the secret of Lasco's success? "Product, and
service," said Mrs. Reid-Sealey. "We assess the market carefully to make sure
that the products we offer fit the needs of the consumer, and then we back it up
with quality service. And, of course, nothing can be achieved without the help
and support of our staff, who go all out to ensure that our customers' needs are
taken care of. I am myself fortunate and happy to have been part of a dedicated
team that worked towards the growth of the company.
A pharmacist by profession, Mrs. Reid-Sealey had spent some
years in the retail business before joining Lasco in 1989, from the inception of
the company. She needed to make the adjustment to the world of wholesale and
distribution. "It wasn't all that difficult," she said. “I realized that it
required a change in my focus, but I found that my grounding in retail sales
helped me tremendously and prepared me for the new field. For one thing, I had
experience in client contact, and a good understanding of the two critical
elements in sales - product and service."
Mrs. Reid-Sealey joined Lasco with a mandate to establish
the pharmaceutical section. However, within a year she was promoted to general
manager, and shortly after that, in 1991, she was appointed managing director,
the position she now holds.
Never one to be found too often behind her desk, Mrs. Reid-Sealey
prefers to be "on the floor" with her staff. "I' m very much a hands-on person,”
she said, "I like to be involved in the day-to-day operations at all levels. It
gives me the opportunity to keep close to the business. Also, having a first
hand knowledge of the various jobs allows me to fully appreciate the
contributions of the staff and the challenges that they face; and to assist them
where necessary. “
"I must admit that I enjoy the world of business," continued
the top executive. "The environment is very competitive, and sometimes there are
challenges to be faced; but altogether it is very rewarding. I certainly have
grown as an individual, and I also believe that I have aided in the development
of others."
"That's what it really comes down to," said Mrs. Reid -Sealey,
"giving service and caring. That's why we at Lasco are so pleased to be part of
the Heart Foundation's out reach programme, and to be able to help our fellow
Barbadians. We look forward to continuing our commitment in the future. "
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