Keilon Johnson turns CSEC setback into business success

When Keilon Johnson wrote the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) examination for six subjects, in 2017, he only passed three.

For Johnson, who was graduating from Matura Secondary School at the time, the results were disappointing.

Those around him, including his parents, were also critical.

But Johnson was determined not to be defined by the results or defeated by the criticism. The next year, as a private candidate, he wrote and passed three additional CSEC subjects.

Upon doing so, his parents gave him money and an ultimatum – use the money to open a business or pursue extra studies at an educational institution.

True to Johnson’s fashion of taking challenges head on, he chose both.

Today, the 21-year-old proudly owns two registered small businesses: Keilon’s Construction Business and Keilon’s General Marketing, and is a student at the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC).

At nights, to support his studies and businesses, Johnson works at KFC.

“I kept taking the stones people were pelting at me and pushing forward," he told Business Day. “To hear people saying things (about my exam performance) brought down my self-esteem."

“But I told myself not to give up so easy and keep pushing. So, I went back to school and got three more passes,” he said.

In his first attempt at CSEC, Johnson got a grade one in information technology, grade two in English A and grade three in social studies.

Johnson was an active student, even being a school prefect.

But being unable to balance extracurricular activities and studies affected his exam performance.

“People asked how I went to school for so long and came out of school with three passes.

“Leaving school with three passes was disturbing for my parents and people around me.”

While disappointed, Johnson wasn’t defeated.

He still aspired to live a comfortable and productive life which led to his decision to do three more subjects. In those exams, Johnson got a grade one in human and social biology, a grade two in integrated science and a grade two in maths.

“When I got the six passes, they (my parents) gave me a portion of money.

“They said it was either I took the money to open my own business or go back to school.”

The decision wasn’t that difficult.

Johnson always liked the idea of being a businessman.

Why? His father owns Dillon’s Construction Company. As a boy, Johnson often went to his father’s worksites.

“I started to like the construction field and wanted to be the owner of my own business to see how it felt.”

“I always liked the idea of being a young entrepreneur and have my own business.”

In fact, Johnson said if he had performed differently in CSEC, there was a chance he would have studied business management at university.

He still has plans to do so, but they are on hold while he builds his two businesses.

In 2019, he started Keilon’s Construction Business and, earlier this year, he crated Keilon’s Marketing Company.

So far, Johnson’s construction business has worked on over six home-building projects. His clients were found on social media and based on recommendations.

His experience in business, so far, has been a learning curve.

“When you’re now starting a business, you’re going to be nervous.

“Sometimes you may do something wrong and then a client may not be pleased.

“It’s important to know that I am now learning, accept the mistakes and try to improve on them.”

Being a young employer, managing older employees on a construction site, is also a learning experience. He has learnt different skills in construction from his employees.

“Sometimes they (older workers) may talk to you how they feel like (as a young employer) but there’s a line I’m learning to draw and how to deal with those situations.”

Johnson’s father has provided him with advice and support when needed.

When he created Keilon’s General Marketing, earlier this year, the decision was made to expand his business and diversify his income.

Due to covid19, business has been slow for the construction company.

“Construction has its up and downs. It’s slow right now, so I said to myself why don’t I grow my marketing business.

“Right now, the business looks at different aspects of event management.”

Johnson’s friend, Afiya Thomas, has given him advice on how to navigate the marketing world.

Thomas is the owner of Genuine Marketing Ltd.

“I watch her as a role model. Even if I feel to give up, at any time, she is always there to push me and say don’t give up.”

While new, Johnson’s marketing has served several clients.

He is now assisting with the production of a Christmas event.

As a student at MIC, he is studying carpentry and masonry.

He hopes to build the list of services he can provide to his clients with the skills gained at the institute.

Even working at KFC is meant to develop his businesses and support his studies.

“To people who stigmatise working in a fast-food restaurant, I want to tell them that you’ll never know where life is going to lead you.

“One day, your main job may be slow or gone and you’ll have to work in a fast-food restaurant to earn something. Never look down on people.”

How does he balance his businesses, working part-time and going to school?

“It’s can be a bit challenging for me (keeping up with everything) especially working KFC in the night and going to school in the morning.

“Sometimes it can be frustrating especially when I have assignments, but a client calls me to complete a task.”

Johnson makes time for self-care and relaxation by playing football. He also has a strong support system of his parents – Rhonda Cudjoe and Dillon Johnson – siblings, friends, teachers and coworkers.

Johnson hopes to take his businesses worldwide, build his own home and provide employment for young people.

He wants also wants youths to dream big.

“Never give up in life, that’s the key. Even if you may not have (school) qualifications, there must be a particular skill you have.

“If you like drawing, go further in drawing. If you like construction, go further in construction. Keep pushing forward.”

Anyone interested in Johnson’s businesses can find them on Facebook (Keilon’s General Marketing and Keilon’s Construction Business) and Instagram (@keilon_construction.1 and @keilon_general_marketing1). Johnson can also be contacted by calling 293-0587 (marketing company) and 726-5624 (construction).