‘National’ Business Mogul, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, Being Conferred with Order of Jamaica

When the phone rang in his London hotel room on the morning of August 19, businessman, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, found himself facing a moment of disbelief and overwhelming gratitude.

The voice on the other end of the line informed him that he was to receive the prestigious Order of Jamaica (OJ) during the 2024 National Honours and Awards ceremony at King’s House.

The investiture ceremony is slated for National Heroes Day, Monday, October 21.

For more than half a century, Mr. Hendrickson has been a prominent stalwart in the realms of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, embodying a spirit of dedication and service to his country.

Reflecting on the unexpected news, he shared details of the pivotal moment when he received the call from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and was struck by the gravity of the situation.

With a mix of surprise and humility, he expressed, “I never saw this coming… especially at that time in London.”

The busy days of work and travel had kept him occupied, but the recognition for his contributions to Jamaica stirred a deep sense of pride and introspection within him.

Mr. Hendrickson is the driving force behind and Board Chairman of Continental Baking Company, and brings decades of industry expertise to the forefront.

With a remarkable track record, he has steered the company to unprecedented growth and profitability.

Mr. Hendrickson is the current Board Chairman for the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank, a Vice President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Rainforest Seafoods and Stationery and Office Supplies Limited.

He also sits on the Kings House Foundation and serves as President of the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS).

The business mogul has received several prestigious awards, including the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) in 2014.

Throughout his career, Mr. Hendrickson has not only excelled in the business arena, but has also made significant strides in giving back to the community through philanthropic endeavours.

He explains that his entrepreneurial journey and philanthropic pursuits are intertwined, adding “you can’t be philanthropic if you are not making profit”.

That aside, Mr. Hendrickson shares that he inherited much of his inspiration for giving back from his grandmother.

“She used to put the old shopping bag on the ground and double it and she’d tell all the grandchildren to fill the bags with rice, flour and other food stuff, and she’d give away, like, 300 bags at Christmas. When I asked, she’d say ‘well there’s people who can’t afford to eat, Butch… so, maybe. I learned something from that,” he recounts.

Mr. Hendrickson’s commitment to prioritising the customer and maintaining a focus on serving others has shaped his approach to both business and charity.

“Put your customer first,” he states, emphasising the simplicity and effectiveness of this guiding principle.

“That high I get when I can help somebody really makes a difference, whether in business or big-time education… . All the money I give away can’t buy that,” he adds.

One of Mr. Hendrickson’s notable philanthropic initiatives is his involvement with the Mustard Seed Communities, a project that dates back to the early 1980s.

His dedication to supporting those in need reflects a deep-rooted belief in the importance of giving back to society.

“If they need it and it’s affordable, then you can just do it,” the businessman remarks, underscoring the idea of collective responsibility towards one’s fellow citizens.

As Mr. Hendrickson prepares to receive the nation’s fifth-highest national honour, he is encouraging all Jamaicans to prioritise early-childhood education, which he notes is the key to national development.

He commits to remaining focused on his ongoing efforts to uplift his country and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Through his unwavering dedication to business excellence and community service, Mr. Hendrickson has set an inspiring example for future generations to follow.

The recognition bestowed upon Gary “Butch” Hendrickson serves as a testament to his outstanding contributions to Jamaica and legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy that has left an indelible mark on the nation.