Power Brokers

Mike Bowen
On our first trip to Belize in 2005, we discovered Belikin beer. On following trips we discovered Bowen and Bowen, purveyors of Belikin, Guiness, Coca Cola products and Crystal water. Basically, if you drink it and it isn’t a milk product or a fruit juice, Bowen and Bowen makes it. Founded by patriarch Barry, B & B is a business dynasty in Belize. In addition to drinkables, they grow coffee, farm raise shrimp, make a line of hot sauces, and run a resort in the middle of the jungle near the village of Gallon Jug.
Barry, a Belizean senator much of his adult life, and a private pilot, died in a plane crash several years ago. His estate was divided amongst his kids, several of whom were called back from the States to take on roles of responsibility in the company.
Today Chuck and Mac Kelton and I had lunch with Michael Bowen, Barry’s son and President / CEO of Bowen and Bowen. Joining us was David Vasquez, a Regional Sales Manager. How this came about is a long story worth telling at another time. We had no idea what to expect, and neither (I guess) did he. Michael was younger than I anticipated; probably late 30s. He and David were also both much more open and personable than I had hoped. We had an interesting and wide-ranging lunch discussion, covering a wide range of topics. They even included water! David and Chuck got involved in a detailed discussion about communities that we should investigate for water needs between Belmopan and Jaguar Creek; Mike and I discussed access to their water labs in Ladyville, and whether B&B could help us buy water bottles. Mac and David worked on getting Crystal to provide water for the clients at Jacob’s Farm.
All in all, it was a worthwhile and enjoyable encounter. And, I hope, the beginning of a long and beneficial relationship.
- dan