Last week, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill boss Lowell Hawthorne was selected as the Jamaica Observer Business Leader for 2010 at a gala event held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. Based in New York, this Jamaican businessman has built arguably the world’s largest patty operation which now spans 122 branches in nine states, employs 1,800 persons and reports more than US$100 million in gross annual sales. Below is a lightly edited version of his acceptance speech.

TONIGHT I am honoured beyond measure by my selection as the Jamaica Observer Business Leader for 2010. I am also thrilled to join the illustrious group of entrepreneurs who have been so honoured by the Jamaica Observer over the past 15 years.

I must say that even if I were not chosen the winner, in my mind I was already a winner for having been included in such fine company of individuals who are all outstanding trailblazers in the diaspora, who continue to proudly represent Jamaica, land we love, in their chosen fields of endeavour.

I accept with great humility and gratitude the honour bestowed on me tonight. I specially recognise and salute my parents, Mavis and Ephraim Hawthorne (both deceased), whose unconditional love, support and guiding principles laid the foundation on which I stand today and most importantly, fuelled my entrepreneurial spirit.

My family — and here I must recognise my wife Lorna and my daughter Monique, and the entire Golden Krust community — on whose shoulders I stand. Without their support I would not have been able to accomplish all that I have over these 20-odd years that I have been doing business in the United States.

Special thanks to two outstanding Jamaicans who have played a critical role in the growth of Golden Krust. Stephen Hill has created tremendous brand awareness for us, through CIN TV, reaching millions of Caribbean nationals. Monica Campbell’s creativity and marketing expertise have also greatly aided our growth.

I also take this occasion to congratulate Observer chairman ‘Butch’ Stewart; CEO Ed Khoury; Moses Jackson, founder of the award, and the exceptional team at the Jamaica Observer for the unique vision and wisdom displayed in establishing a platform to highlight and applaud the accomplishments of entrepreneurs who are making a difference in Jamaica and also beyond its shores.

The motto on which my life has been built is quite simple: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I believe, therefore, that anything one sets his mind to, if he is willing to apply the hard work and commitment required for its achievement, it can be done.

I am a testament that success does not come easy, but is truly possible. It takes hard work, dedication and a strong sense of determination to pursue your vision — even in the face of insurmountable challenges. As CEO of Golden Krust, I have had numerous doors closed and many nail-biting experiences. In those instances, we held steadfastly to an old adage of my late father, Ephraim: “Where there is a will, there is a way”. I have come to the sobering knowledge that happiness and success come when one holds his ideals and dreams as sacred.

Despite tonight’s honour and prestigious event, which remind me of the Grammys, tomorrow will be a new day, with new challenges that I must face. I am resolved to continue doing all within my power to engender change, and to garner support for the disadvantaged and less fortunate among us. Shirley Chisholm once said “service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth”. It is therefore our responsibility to do our part to make a difference in society.

Golden Krust is not only known throughout the United States for the golden and delicious taste of our signature patties and our mouth-watering, authentic Caribbean meals, but we are also well-respected for the many ways we seek to serve the community — be it through scholarships, health awareness initiatives, feeding the homeless and daily giving.

We have been able to provide numerous scholarships to institutions in Jamaica such as the University of the West Indies, Oberlin High School, Denham Town Primary and Kingston College to name a few. In addition, we have assisted hundreds of ambitious young people in the United States to attain a college education.

I believe that everyone is blessed with enough to bless someone else. It follows therefore that the more blessed we are, the greater our ability to bless. It has been this philosophy that has motivated us as a family and as a company to empower the communities in which we operate to achieve more than they could have on their own.

We will continue to do our utmost best to be good corporate citizens and to remember our roots by giving back to our native home, Jamaica, which has had a profound impact on who we are today. Let me also hasten to add that we are also doing our part to support the Jamaican economy by importing many of our raw materials from local farmers on the island. This helps to ensure that we provide the real taste of our Jamaican cuisine abroad.

Ladies and gentlemen, once again, let me say a big thank you for this phenomenal award. I will never forget this evening and what it represents.

May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless Jamaica, land of my birth.