MARKS

It began as an idea that bore fruit and 10 years later, Jamaica's first bill payment agency is still growing. The company kicked off it's week-long celebration with a service of thanksgiving at Fellowship Tabernacle, Half-Way Tree Road, last Sunday and ended with a long service awards luncheon yesterday. Among the many blessings that Audrey Marks, president and chief executive officer, acknowledged, was her staff.

At a time when the gender gap continues to narrow in the corporate world, it is not surprising that many of the persons who have been driving the process are women. Flair spoke to Ms. Marks and those who have given between six and 10 years to the company.

How has the journey been so far and what would you change?

There have been other business opportunities that emerged over the years that I could have been more aggressive about if I was not so committed to make the core of the business 'bill payment' services. I have leaned that your core business is your most profitable.

What is the most rewarding aspect of the business for you?

Taking an idea that has never been done before, and executing it to the point where it has had such a significant influence on the way the average person embraces and utilises it as a way of life.

Has there been any major disappointment?

Perhaps the greatest disappointment was the unnecessary 'lose-lose' battle with with a competitor. It cost us significant momentum, time and resources.

Where do you see the business in the next 10 years?

A more global focus in scope, considerably different from what we do and how we do it, but at the core, we will remain fundamentally about making business transactions easier for people.

You recently toured all branches across the island, what would you say all customers have in common?

Their discerning sense of value and expectation of service quality.

Would you start another business in the future?

Not necessarily from a blank sheet, but we certainly will be exploring a variety of diversification opportunities which will take us in different and new directions.

How do you cope with the challenge of family, work and public service?

By being balanced and being clear on priorities and what's important in life.

What have you found most surprising about doing business in Jamaica?

The extent to which we tend to discount the equity value of business relationships and partnerships .... 'a rising tide lift all ships', we could learn a lot from the Japanese.

Any advice for someone with a sound business idea?

It's 90 per cent self-belief and execution and 10 per cent luck. Just do it.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com