Joseph J. Issa

Chairman & Founder of the Cool Group

About

Joseph Issa, affectionately known as Joey, is the CEO and ​founder of The Cool Group of Companies — arguably the most unique home-grown Jamaican brand.

An ideator and consummate businessman, Joseph has well and truly established himself as a business mogul with over 31 years of experience in management, sales and marketing. He has devoted his entire career ​to business and service. His many and varied ventures, initiatives and programs have all undoubtedly contributed to the economic empowerment of many Jamaicans.

The success of Cool is as a direct result of his careful planning, eye for talent, and strong leadership. He is credited by several team members as having played a significant role in their development as a professional and as a person.

Joey is an altruistic and civic minded Jamaican who, despite running such a large organization has at every opportunity volunteered his time and resources in service.

He holds a degree in Economics and Accounting from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts as well as numerous accolades, titles and positions on several public as well as private boards.

Fun Facts

  • He is the first foreign student majoring in Economics/Accounting to graduate as valedictorian from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusett.

  • He earned recognition as Young Hotelier of the World in 1994 through the International Hotel Association.

  • In 1988 at the age of 22, he was the youngest resident Jamaican to pass all 4 parts of the CPA examination in one sitting

  • Joey Issa was given the keys to the city of Lauderhill in 1997