BT: Tell us a little bit about your background and how Inter-Brand Inc. got started.
PG: Following his move from Jamaica to Florida, my father, Ronald Grant, founded Inter-Brand Inc. in 1978 as a full-service distributor to the hospitality industry in the Caribbean. I joined the company in 1987 in a sales capacity, responsible for developing new customers and expanding our market presence in the region. In 2002, my sister Michele and I acquired Inter-Brand, and our third sister, Helen, joined us as our interior design consultant. Although we were a small company, we had a big presence in the Caribbean.
BT: How did Inter-Brand first begin working with Boca Terry, and what has helped sustain that partnership over the years?
PG: With the growth of hotels in the Caribbean and increased competition, owners and operators had to offer additional services and amenities to set themselves apart. These amenities included providing guests with robes and slippers either in the rooms and spa, or as a gift (often with a customized logo), to take home. Inter-Brand started working with Boca Terry in 2002. There were several similarities between our companies, which influenced our decision to work with Boca Terry; both were family-owned and operated and were committed to providing quality products at competitive prices, along with prompt, personalized service.
BT: From a vendor’s perspective, what stands out most about Boca Terry’s robes and spa products in terms of quality, consistency, or reliability?
PG: I am pleased to be a member of Boca Terry’s sales team. They remain an innovator and leader in the industry, and continue to expand their robe collections as well as adding terry, bedding, pillows, and spa accessories to their portfolio.
BT: Many of your customers are in the Caribbean. What challenges do they face, and how does Boca Terry help address them?
PG: Caribbean hoteliers face many challenges, which have to be taken into consideration. They are faced with added costs for shipping, duties, and taxes; therefore, it’s important to maintain competitive prices. Also, the fabrics/materials used must be durable, and the finished product well-made since they have to withstand the frequency and rigors of commercial laundering.
BT: Which Boca Terry products are your personal favorite?
PG: Considering the warm Caribbean climate, my personal favorites are the cooler, lightweight options such as the Basic Waffle Robes (White and Grey), Large Diamond, Seashell Kimono and Shawl Robes, and our new Seersucker Robe. For a more luxurious feel without added weight, the Cat’s Eye and Microterry Robes are also excellent choices.
When it comes to terry products, I recommend the new Eco-Friendly Roma Towel, along with the Imperial 100% Ringspun Cotton and 100% Zero Twist Collections for their strength, durability, soft hand feel, and superior absorbency. Additional favorites include the new Lightweight Microcheck 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket and the Terry Chaise Lounge Covers in White and Ecru, ideal for pools, beaches, and spas. Protecting the region’s beautiful environment and ocean life is a key priority for these islands, which rely heavily on tourism, making Boca Terry’s eco-friendly products especially thoughtful options.
BT: What do you think makes Boca Terry unique and different?
PG: In this new age of technology and AI, it is ever more important that technology and personal relationships coexist. Although technology can help us work faster and more efficiently, I am a firm believer that there is no replacement for personal relationships and human interaction. At Boca Terry, we embrace technology to enhance our operations, but we pride ourselves on delivering personal, hands-on service, and that personal service is what truly sets Boca Terry apart.