Originally from the Caribbean island of Trinidad, Tommy Ramjattan lived in the states for several years before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. During his four years of service, Ramjattan’s high test scores had earned him the envied title of marine firefighter and aircraft rescue specialist. By Cindy Charette

Originally from the Caribbean island of Trinidad, Tommy Ramjattan lived in the states for several years before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. During his four years of service, Ramjattan’s high test scores had earned him the envied title of marine firefighter and aircraft rescue specialist. After serving active duty, Ramjattan continued as a marine reservist until 2014, while also serving on the New York City police force, where he became a dedicated sergeant until his retirement in 2016.

Having time for a Florida vacation, Ramjattan realized a relocation out of the city and back to warmer climates was exactly the change he needed. A few months after his visit, he and his wife, Grace, and their two children, moved to Orlando, Florida, with plans to look into a franchise to build together.

The Ramjattans had established several key objectives during their franchise search. The business had to work for them, not the other way around. It had to offer a product or service they believed in, and there had to be time left to enjoy life. Having met all of their requirements, Island Fin Poké came in first place. The Ramjattans took a hard pass on pizza and burger joints for this healthy, Hawaiian style poké franchise, and had an October 2020 grand opening in Windermere, Florida.

The Ramjattans boast about Island Fin Poké’s healthy menu options and sustainable sourcing, which make everyone feel good. Ramjattan said: “It actually compliments you a little more when you believe in what you are doing, and you like the product you are selling.” Ramjattan was also impressed with the simplicity and straightforward, no-cook business model Mark Setterington, president and CEO of Island Fin Poké, has created.

Ramjattan’s marine-taught foundation of discipline, hard work, improvising, adapting, and overcoming, will serve their Island Fin Poké customers well, he said. The Marine Corps built his character and self-confidence and taught him how to look at everything with a unique perspective and appreciation. Ramjattan will always remember the things he learned from Day One in the Marine Corps.

For more information on an Island Fin Poké franchise, visit IslandFinPoke.com.

– Cindy Charette