Getting to Know Joseph M. Matalon

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Recognized locally and internationally for his role at the head of ICD Group Limited, a well-established holding company that manages many diverse businesses in the Caribbean and North America, as well as for his contribution on any one of the many boards and committees on which he sits, Mr Joseph M. Matalon (Joe) is no stranger to the public eye.

Joe, along with economist Dr. Damien King, will be inducted into the Campion College Alumni Hall of Fame at the Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner set for the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on January 27, 2017. Here are 10 interesting facts about Joe Matalon:

1. First Observer Business Leader Awardee

Joe, along with with his cousin with the same name Joseph A. Matalon, founders of The Mechala Group, were the very first recipients of the Observer Business Leader Award at its inception in 1996. The annual award highlights successful business professionals and their enterprises by showcasing their journey and using them to positively impact that of others.

2. Champion swimmer at age three

Always the overachiever, at just age three, Joe Matalon won his first swimming competition.  

3. Ran away from boarding school three times at age 8

Why Joe did not want to stay at boarding school is still to be determined, but the fact remains that he did not want to be there, and so, by age eight, Joe had already ran away three times. Each time, he would be returned, only to run away again.

4. Is the last of his parents' 5 children

Joe was the last of his parents’ five children, and the only boy in the lot. His father, Mayer Matalon, was a renowned businessman and public servant, serving as an adviser to prime minister Norman Manley in the 1950s.

5. Practices meditation daily

The source of the “zen” he needs to handle his many responsibilities, Joe makes it a point to meditate everyday.

6. Caned by Father Rafferty

It is hard to imagine a man like Joe Matalon ever getting into trouble, but he did. Joe shared that he was probably the last Campion College boy to receive a “caning” from Father William Raftery before his departure. In addition to the caning, he admits to being a founding member and regular attendee of Father Ruddy's after school “study group”, otherwise known as detention.  

7. Enjoys playing table tennis

Always athletic, Joe Matalon is an avid table tennis player, picking up the sport just 10 years ago. He regularly carves time out of his very busy schedule to get into a competitive game of table tennis with friends.

8. Was a competitive equestrian rider and great lover of horses

Add competitive equestrian rider to the list of hats Joe has worn in his life.

9. Three-term PSOJ President

Joe Matalon served three terms as the President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) before handing the reins over to fellow businessman, Christopher Zacca in 2011. Joe says the achievement of which he is proudest during his tenure was his participation in the Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE) Programme led by a coalition of private sector members to increase the employability of unattached youths and then help them to get work experience opportunities with companies.

10. Awarded Order of Distinction

In 2010, Joe Matalon was appointed, by the Government of Jamaica, to the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (C.D.), in recognition of his contribution to the Public and Private Sectors, and to community service. The Order of Distinction is sixth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honor.

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