On April 14, 1998, nine years and eight months ago, Nadra Gray began her first job out of college as a customer services representative at Paymaster in Santa Cruz.

It's a date she remembers vividly because the company was only four months old and it was her first job after graduating from Jamaica Bible College and Community Institute in Manchester where she did secretarial science.

"I was young and I wasn't thinking about how young the company was or how long I would be here, I just needed a job," said Gray.

So almost 10 years later, she is still in a job she has fallen in love with, achieved so much from and stayed with by the motivation of her employer Audrey Marks.

"Ms. Marks really motivates me, she's my inspiration. She has invested money, and her strength, courage and faith in the company. I love this company; I know where it is coming from and I understand where she is coming."

Managing what you earn

Gray now owns her own home, an achievement she attributes to the company. "It's not how much you earn, but how you manage what you earn." In her capacity as training officer, she has also been able to see the island, conducting training sessions for new staff throughout the western parishes. These travels have given her immense joy as she enjoys meeting people. "I think I'm a people person and it has given me the opportunity to get to meet people."

So what began as a necessity almost a decade ago has turned into a love affair. "I never thought I would be here so long, but I love this company and I hope 10 years from now, I will be speaking to you again from here," she told Flair.

- Nashauna Drummond