Reshma Advani Rojas, CEO of Advanced Commercial Equipment (ACEL), has turned a family legacy into the Caribbean’s most respected restaurant supply companies. Based in Trinidad & Tobago, ACEL serves 14 countries across the region and generates approximately $30 million in revenue. In this episode of ScaleApp Podcasts, Reshma shares how leadership, culture, and clarity drive scale—not just capital.

Favorite Quotes

·       “Soft skills are not optional—they’re the foundation of company culture.”

·       “Scaling starts when you know exactly who you are as a brand.”

·       “Our diversity in T&T gives us a groundbreaking view of the world—we’re not trapped by one culture.”

·       “Breaking and rebuilding your business process and structure is hard—but it’s how real growth happens.”

·       “One big win from ScaleratorT&T was alignment—we all finally spoke the same language.”

·       “I asked my 10-year-old if she’d take over the business. She said, ‘Yes—but I also want to own a hospital.’ I love that ambition.”

Key Themes

• **Legacy Reinvented:** Reshma inherited a legacy company from her father but reshaped it into a modern, scalable venture with international reach.

• **Culture and Soft Skills:** In a world of automation, she champions empathy and communication as a competitive edge.

• **Women Leading Change:** As a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, Reshma redefines what authority and expertise look like. Her success challenges outdated cultural and gender assumptions.

• **Scaling with Identity:** ACE’s success stems from deep brand clarity and consistent follow‑through. Service excellence and relationship‑based selling are what set them apart.

• **The Scalerator Effect:** Through ScaleratorT&T, Reshma and her team built shared understanding and focus, aligning on what success truly means. The result: a stronger, smarter organization ready for the next level.