About Us
Forced from the construction and design industry in the early 90’s due to economic conditions, Joshua Bate took a position with a company that had just opened its first retail outlet in the northeast, The Home Depot. It was a great opportunity to acquire buying skills, broad-based product knowledge, and appeared to provide excellent career potential as a fast rising star in the retail “Home Improvement” market.
Having previously been happily self-employed, Josh found retailing and working in the fast-paced corporate environment extremely trying. His entrepreneurial spirit sought any niche that might get him back working for himself again.
After assisting a Bermudian in early 1992, Josh was surprised when, a week later, another Bermudian and his young family came asking for him. He was amazed that this family had heard of him personally, flown to Newark, stayed at the Marriott, rented a car, and driven 25 miles to have him take care of their purchasing needs.
Josh soon realized that Bermuda residents looking for appliances and building materials were not getting the best deals available when purchasing through retailers. After learning more about Bermudians and their shopping limitations, he began to make contacts and started Joshua Bate Trading from his kitchen table in New Jersey.
As Josh’s business started to grow, he had an opportunity to purchase some family waterfront property in mid-coast Maine and he took advantage of it. He moved his business to the small town of Phippsburg, Maine while he continued to build his vendor base in New Jersey and his clientele in Bermuda. Within 10 years time, he worked with a few select local agents in Bermuda who helped him establish his business, and he will be forever grateful. In 2001, Josh joined forces with his very first customer, Robin Gray, owner of Ornamental Iron Works in Devonshire, to establish Joshua Bate Trading Bermuda Ltd. The business then grew to the next level.
As President of Joshua Bate Trading Bermuda Ltd., Robin took the risks necessary to build the company to more than just “Importers.” By establishing an Inventory of Air Conditioners and other assorted goods, Robin and Josh have built their business to become a successful, retail competitor within Bermuda.
Jill Hanson is the Operations Manager and handles most of the quoting, sales, purchasing and shipping of orders while also overseeing day-to-day activities and marketing details.
All of the Joshua Bate Trading Bermuda Ltd. team works hard to provide not only exceptional value to their Bermudian customers, but also unbeatable customer service. Robin and Josh believe in treating customers as they want to be treated as customers, and the rest of the team agrees. |
