Almost everyone knows the name Coosal whether they have sought out products and services from the Coosal’s Group of Companies or seen the transport and cement trucks on the roads – it is a name that is hard to miss.

Coosal's has been an active name in the construction sector with it being established over 70 years ago, in which Sieunarine Coosal was appointed CEO of Coosal’s Construction Co Ltd in 1991.

Coosal’s operations focus on asphalt, blocks, concrete, civil engineering and infrastructure development and quarry operations. The company also takes its corporate social responsibility seriously and upgrades its plants and equipment to eco-friendly systems. It is also engaged in minimising its carbon footprint, keeping wastage to minimum and proper treatment of waste disposal.

Coosal's has also expanded within the region and is established in Guyana with hopes of continuing its expansion while maintaining its strong hold in TT.

Recently, the public has seen more of Sieunarine’s daughter Tricia Coosal who serves as the executive director of finance and administration of the company.

She also served as president of the TT Manufacturers Association (TTMA) for two consecutive terms – the maximum allowed – and is now the immediate past president.

The father-daughter duo spoke to Business Day about their working relationship and gave us an insight into what their work interactions look like.

When asked what it is like working together, they laughed before Tricia said, “It was a steep learning curve given the breadth and depth of my father’s experiences. I consider myself fortunate that I am able to have a front row access to his knowledge and experience.”

Her father added, “In that same vein I am proud that I am able to share my knowledge with my children and also to guide them in taking the group, in their future realisation, to its true potential.”

Tricia’s brother Rajiv also works for the company as operations director while her sister Shivaa is set to work for the company once she completes her academic pursuits.

Tricia said their dynamic is unique since she gets her drive and bold persistent way of approaching a task from her dad.

Her father said, “With two strong people working together you could imagine the results to be realised and what we can achieve.”

Tricia added that when she and her dad have a common goal they become laser focused, especially with the excitement and the drive she gets from seeing how passionate her dad is about what he does.

He said, “I believe you must enjoy and have a passion for what you do. That I believe, is one of the most important factors for success.”

As for disagreements when working together, her dad said, “This goes hand in hand with family-run businesses and also forms part of the succession planning process. It is just a part of the dynamic. When there has been a set way of doing things and new ideas and ways of dealing with situations come up, there will always be some friction.”

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