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:
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.
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.
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.
The source of the “zen” he needs to handle his many responsibilities, Joe makes it a point to meditate everyday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About The Desk at 13 West
Market Me Consulting Limited is a Jamaican owned and operated communications company.