by Lorna Wright
Miami – For Irvine A. Headley, President of Bilmor With Advertising Specialties, Inc. (“Bilmor”), which offers a variety of advertising and promotional items, key words “perseverance, building and maintaining good relationships, linking with genuine people who are willing to help” can be used to highlight his 22-year achievement with the support of wife and business partner Lillian.
Acknowledged by many community-based organizations, Bilmor was honored with “Bilmor Day” on May 7, 2004 by Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and Board of City Commissioners and at MEDWeek 2005 on September 29, 2005.
Headley migrated to the U.S., attended Valencia Community College, and Florida Atlantic University. He received an A.A. and a B.Sc. in Business, respectively. After a brief stint in banking, he worked with Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) Tourist Board’s. He became a U.S. citizen and embraced life here. A downturn in the economy and personal ambitions inspired Headley and Lillian to found Bilmor.
They started at the kitchen table, moved to the garage and, three years later, moved to a small office. Bilmor has been impacted by negative and positive experiences, some of which spurred growth. Recovery funds from the devastation created by Hurricane Andrew supported Bilmor’s business expansion.
Bilmor produces 100% of embroidery orders and 40% of general promotional items. Bigger orders are outsourced to Hong Kong and/or manufacturers. Headley stated “my link with Hong Kong, developed through a trade mission, has helped us to do high volume work because turnaround time was reduced by technology and fine-tuning [of established processes].” Most orders can be completed in one month and delivered by air-shipment.
Maintaining good relationships and personal integrity have allowed Bilmor to develop a still-existing 20-year relationship with Ryder and also helped Bilmor to snag a $500,000 order from Blockbuster. Perseverance led Bilmor to supply the widely-distributed green pencils with Florida Lottery logo to prime contractor G Tech.
As a business owner Headley believes in maintaining good corporate citizenship. Two ambitious projects which Headley supports include:
Unique Coalition of Minority Business (UCOMB). Collaborating with Founder Jacques LaRoche, Headley formed UCOMB to identify businesspersons of different ethnic backgrounds with which to do business. Members have gotten financial support and recognition from several counties.
Trinidad & Tobago/US Chamber of Commerce (T&T/USCC). T&TUSCC has about 25 active members, is a member of the Bi-National Chamber of Commerce, and has a renewed passion to realize the chamber’s goals: Build membership, establish an official location, host trade missions, develop its website, and support members to raise their competitive standards. President/Founder Headley envisions T&TUSCC, through the Southbound and Northbound Development Programs, encouraging international trade between T&T and the U.S.
Also through the Southbound program, Headley’s wife Lillian has plans to involve students and work closely with the Chamber to establish a College Fair in T&T to facilitate link between students and T&T Government, to educate students and parents about U.S. universities, and help students make a smooth transition.
Headley continues to strive for excellence in business and community!
