His success in the industry can be traced to Long Island, United States of America where in 1995 he started his own Used Car Dealership.

After seven years, he moved on to the Major World Auto Group where first as Sales Manager and then General Manager, he managed several dealerships including Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi. Despite the success that he enjoyed, his love for his homeland and devout belief in nation building led him to return to Jamaica.

Since his return, a number of Car Dealerships have benefited from his international experience and ‘Midas touch’, namely Kia WorldTron and Motor Sales and Service Company Limited. During his two and a half years (2 ½) as Brand Sales and Marketing Manager for Mitsubishi at Motor Sales and Service, the company increased its sales by 50% within his first year, in the process recording its first profitable year in over 6 years. 

Additionally, Motor Sales was able to increase its market share in the Jamaican Automobile Market and establish the Mitsubishi automobile as one of the most popular and sought-after brands in Jamaica.

Ian Lyn was born to parents Errol and Elaine Lyn and is a graduate of the St. Cecelia Preparatory School and St. Georges College.

Interview

JAYP:     As a child, what did you want to be growing up?

IL:   When I was a child, I wanted to be a Pilot but I changed my mind when I found out that I had to be good at Maths.  I got into the car business when I was around 18 years old. I was trying to get a 1990 Honda Accord and I had a 1984 Toyota Celica, so I kept selling what I had and buying something better over and over trying to get to this Honda Accord. I did it so many times that in the process; I found that it was something that I really liked to do. Right there, I realized that this was the career for me. Also, it didn’t hurt that it had the potential to be quite profitable. 

   
JAYP: Who had the greatest influence on you during your childhood?

IL:    Michael Manley. I met him at Priory Prep in 1983 when he was in opposition and I went up to him because I had so admired him and called him Prime Minister, (which he wasn’t at the time). Even though I made that mistake, he corrected me, put his hands on my shoulder and walked and talked with me until we reached his daughter, Natasha’s class. That left an impact on me throughout my childhood.

JAYP: Prior to working at New Line Motors, you were the brand manager for Mitsubishi at Motor Sales and Service. During your tenure, sales are said to have increased by over 50%. What was your strategy for achieving this?

IL:    With Team Spirit! I united the sales and marketing staff and made them a part of the decision making process of that operation. The other strategy was to out-market and out-brand all the competitors which we did. In 2007 and 2008, no other vehicle in the automobile industry was more known than Mitsubishi.

JAYP:     Presently you serve as the General Manager for New Line Motors, what do you like the most and the least about your job?

IL:   What I like most about working at New Line Motors is working for a Jamaican; I find that too many corporations in Jamaica are headed by foreigners. What I like the least is being in the business overall in this economic crisis without the needed support from Government to boost sales.

JAYP:     Everyone has been talking of “going green” and its potential to aid us in curbing fuel costs. What are your feelings on the hybrid vehicle, for example the popular Prius, and do you think that this trend is something Jamaica can benefit from?

IL:    Jamaicans can and will benefit from going green and I look forward to that time when we realise as Brazil, that our sugar cane is a gold mine. It is so necessary for us to explore alternate fuel sources; so while I like the idea of a Hybrid car, I like the idea of using flex fuel more.

JAYP:     The automobile industry in Jamaica is very competitive. Can you share with us some of the initiatives that the public can expect from New Line Motors as it positions itself over the next few years?

IL:    Well we started a campaign called ‘The Million Dollar Sales’ and we sold so many vehicles that we are rushing to order more, so we recognize that cost effective, economical vehicles are the way to go for the next 2 years.

JAYP:     For someone who works in the automobile industry, you have to tell us, what is the “must have” motor vehicle accessory right now?

IL:    I would say that a Bluetooth radio is the “must have” accessory right now.

JAYP:     What is your idea of the perfect vacation?

IL:     My idea of a perfect vacation is relaxing in Montego Bay at Half Moon Hotel.

JAYP:     What one word would your friends use to describe you?

IL:     Courageous!

JAYP:     What CD are you currently playing in your car?

IL:    Right now, I am currently playing Michael Jackson’s History in my car.

JAYP:     OK, History, from the late and great ‘King of Pop’.  Taking it that you are a fan; we have to ask, what is your favourite Michael Jackson song?

IL:    My favourite song is “They don’t really care about us” because I know he was speaking of a particular race that has been mistreated despite all the good that he did.  Realizing this, he woke up to the reality that, hey, they really don’t care about us.

JAYP:     What does Ian enjoy dong in his limited spare time? Do you like sports for example?

IL:    In my spare time… well I enjoy watching TV and just relaxing at home. I don’t really like sports that much.

JAYP:     As a successful man, what advice would you give to a group of unmotivated young males?

IL:    My advice to a group of unmotivated young males would be to learn your history especially if you are a black man. It is important to understand and reclaim your identity that was stolen from your ancestors. Understand that you are not inferior; work hard, get motivated and take back your country! Of course to achieve this, you will first have to take back yourself and know that you can accomplish whatever you want in life.

JAYP:     What does receiving this award/recognition mean to you?

IL:     Winning this award is a good feeling. It’s always good to be recognized by your peers for hard work. It also means that whether I realise it or not, I am able to positively impact people in my profession.