Father and son team, Larry (second left) and Andr McDonald (left), who are both engineers for Sandals Resorts. They are with Larry's other son Dominic, daughter Catherine and daughter Bernice Boivin (right). - Contributed

Of the 20 resorts managed and operated under the Sandals and Beaches brand, chances are that most of their design, construction, and renovation have been undertaken by the father and son engineering team of Larry and Andr McDonald.

Larry McDonald, affectionately called Larry Mac, is group director of engineering for the ATL/Sandals Group of Companies while his son Andr is director of engineering for Sandals Resorts. Combined, they have close to 55 years working experience with the Gordon "Butch" Stewart-led empire.

Although Andr excelled in the science subjects while at Campion College, back then he never thought of following in the career footsteps of his father. Like any young boy, he vacillated between being a fireman, policeman, boxer, and even a priest. "I never focused on any one thing and engineering never even came up on my radar," he explains. Even though he often engaged in countless conversations with his Dad about topics relating to engineering, particularly about his heavy involvement in the invention of the solar drying still used to dehydrate vegetables, Andr did not share the passion his father had for this scientific field.

BACHELOR OR SCIENCE DEGREE

It was not until he went to the University of Colorado that Andr decided to pursue a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. "In retrospect, Dad's passion must have rubbed off on me subconsciously.

"My father loves his job and is totally committed to it. That, coupled with those summer jobs at Appliance Traders Ltd. counting fittings, assembling A/C units and being assigned to all the odd jobs that only a summer intern had to endure, formed the basis for my decision," explains the unassuming engineer who fell in love with the field so much, he furthered his studies at the John's Hopkins University where he graduated with a master of science degree in Engineering.

Immediately after graduating, Mr. Stewart offered Andr a position as a "general dog's body." Having a father of the ilk of Larry Mac, who is credited with opening the first ATL branch in Ocho Rios in 1972, made Andr an easy choice for employment with the group. He admits that his genetic association has helped to make his job easier.

"Dad is a fountain of information, so I can call on him every time I need engineering advice", says the younger McDonald. "Of course, my rapid acclimatisation in the Sandals culture was due to my father being able to take me through the ropes," he continued.

QUALITY SERVICE

Now in his 19th year in the field, Andr has moved through the ranks on the merit of his own on-the-job performance. Like his legendary father, known for being the first employee at work, and the last one out, Andr works tirelessly to ensure top-quality service delivery of the engineering team through the resort chain.

The maxim that the chip does not fly too far from the block certainly applies to this father/son duo, though Andr is quick to make clear, "Dad is perhaps more work inclined than I am. I guess the difference between us is that I will enjoy one day off from work, while Dad will come in on Sundays."

It is his father's dedication to work and ensuring that his family was well.