NASSAU, BAHAMAS- It was a night of celebration, pride, and purpose as Leno Corporate Services marked two major milestones — the grand opening of its new national headquarters, the $40 million Leno Corporate Centre, and its 15th anniversary as a premier wholly Bahamian-owned financial services firm.
The event, held on Friday, July 18th, brought together government leaders, business executives, clients, staff, and well-wishers to honour a journey that began with “little but hope and aspiration” and has grown into a symbol of national achievement.
Guests including Prime Minister Philip Davis and Governor General Dame Cynthia “Mother” Pratt were led on a tour of the remarkable edifice prior to the commencement of the proceedings.
“This is our national headquarters going forward,” said Leno founder, president, and CEO Sean K. Longley. “Fifteen years ago, Leno began as a humble but powerful vision, one rooted in determination, integrity, ambition and the belief that a wholly Bahamian-owned firm could deliver first-class service in this country — and I could say wholeheartedly we’ve achieved that.”
The new seven-storey, 50,000-square-foot edifice, which was blessed by Rt Rev Laish Boyd, Anglican Bishop of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, was designed, engineered, and constructed by Bahamian professionals.
“We’ve gone from being zero dollars under management back 15 years ago to over one billion dollars under management and administration — and that’s not just local, that’s international and Bahamian,” Longley said.
“That for me is a testament of what we can achieve as Bahamians.” Longley also emphasized the value of giving back. “One of the things that I’m so proud of is that back in 2018 we were able to donate to the University of The Bahamas an endowment of $250,000. You make money, but the thing is you have to be able to give back.”
He added, “I value my staff. They’ve done a wonderful job. Without them we could not have achieved what we’ve achieved.”
Prime Minister Philip Davis, while delivering the keynote address, praised Leno’s impact on the Bahamian economy and psyche: “Look at what you have done. You have changed the skyline of our capital — but more importantly, you have changed the expectations of a generation.”
He continued, “You didn’t wait on luck. You didn’t wait on praise. You got to work and over 15 years you built something strong.” “You started out with little but hope and aspiration — no shortcuts, no special treatment — just a belief, as you indicated, that if you stay the course, work with discipline, and keep your head high, you can build something that lasts,” Davis said, adding, “We celebrate your business, we celebrate doors. But we must also change the culture. We must celebrate people who build with integrity, who employ others, who take the long road when the easy one is tempting.”
Chairman Montgomery Braithwaite, who was part of Leno’s journey from the beginning, also shared heartfelt remarks during the vote of thanks. “As Chairman of Leno Corporate Services and Leno Trust, I believe that I have provided some guidance along the way — but make no mistake — what you see here today is the product of Sean’s vision, his determination, and the incredible team that surrounds him. This Centre is a tangible symbol of what happens when passion meets persistence, and when a small, nimble company rises to meet the needs of its clients with excellence.”
Braithwaite extended thanks to the company’s partners, employees and valued clients who have all played a meaningful role in helping build Leno into what it is today. “In a business like ours, where trust must be earned and credibility built over time, your support — your confidence — has made all the difference,” said Braithwaite.
Braithwaite also acknowledged the uphill battle the company faced. “Yes, there have been bumps along the road, but in the 15 years, there’s a sense of satisfaction that we have, that the people who have invested with us, the people who have shown their trust in us, we’ve grown with them. And today, there’s a sense of satisfaction that we have not disappointed. We have made some mistakes along the way, but generally the investment, the confidence that was placed in Leno has been manifested in our success and their success.”
Vice President of Business Development and Client Relations Cleora Farquharson spoke with pride about the significance of Leno’s achievement. “It’s a testament to young Bahamian entrepreneurship and what we could do, not just on the domestic level but on an international level,” she said. “This 15 years is a culmination of all that dedication and hard work that was a distant dream 15 years previously — and now it’s a reality.”
She added, “This edifice is a testament to vision, to those hard years of working. It’s a beautiful building. It’s state-of-the-art and I’m very, very proud to be a part of this.”
Board Director Khrystle Rutherford-Ferguson echoed that sentiment. “Leno has come a long way,” she said.
“I’m just so happy to be a part of this venture and to lend my expertise in any way possible, because I really believe in the vision that Sean has set for Leno.
Rutherford-Ferguson added, “I think customer service separates Leno from its competitors. Not only customer service but vision. Vision is very big. The good book says that without vision, the people perish. And it is very much true, because we see it all around. We see it on every level of this building. Not only is there the vision but the customer service and the staff. They’re friendly and they’re knowledgeable. I really believe in the product that Leno has here and that it delivers on a daily basis. In fact, I have investments here and my husband has investments here too. I am not just on the board to say that I’m a part of this, but we also put our funds here because we believe in this vision. And we know that it will continue to succeed and grow leaps and bounds. I’m very much looking forward to the next 15 years and beyond.”
Chief Operating Officer Andre White spoke to Leno’s ongoing commitment to service. “From the time that we started 15 years ago, we’ve had a very hands-on approach to dealing with our customers,” he said. “From the smallest customer in their college savings plan or individual retirement accounts to our private wealth clients — every single one of them is important to us.” White added, “We’ve grown from being an aspiring company to one that’s now at the pinnacle of its success — and we just see the growth continuing from this point on.”
The evening closed with fireworks, a Junkanoo rush-out and fellowship as guests mingled and celebrated the momentous occasion.
