Devon Saul, Branch Manager of the RAM George hub, is the proud recipient of a RAM Long Service Award. Devon has been part of the RAM family since 1996. In an interview with RAM News, Devon reminisces about his long road to success.

How long have you been with RAM?
Ten years and seven months.

What positions have you held at RAM over the years?
 I started my career as a driver collecting and delivering parcels of diamonds for various clients. Before I joined RAM I worked in the security industry and this opened many doors for me in the RAM Group. I worked at the Johannesburg branch and was given the option of being transferred to Cape Town to start up the hub there. Greg Bloom and I ran the Cape Town office out of one car. New staff were then recruited and the Cape Town branch quickly grew. I made it my aim to take control of all daily tasks and operational elements within the business. When Nathan moved to Cape Town the business really took off. The George area was run from Cape Town until increasing demand made a George hub necessary. I was offered a position in George and left Cape Town in 2000 with my wife to start from scratch. My wife ran the office and I once more did all the collections and deliveries after a long, tough journey. I was eventually promoted to Branch Manager.

How has RAM changed and grown over the years since you started?
RAM has grown from a simple three letter word to a massive courier business. It has gone from delivering little uncut stones to delivering just about anything today.

What has kept you with RAM for this long?
My clients’ needs and their support through the years, as well as the mutual loyalty and respect between me and my bosses. That’s what’s kept me here and always will.

What makes RAM different from other courier companies?
RAM does ongoing research on how to satisfy our clients. RAM puts our clients’ needs first, no matter how big or small they are.

What is the best part about your job, and what are the biggest challenges it presents?
The best part is closing my office door in the evenings, knowing all my clients are happy and satisfied. The biggest challenge is keeping them that way.

How has the South African courier services industry evolved since you became a part of it?
The industry in South Africa has grown substantially. It has become so competitive that we are continually pressed to offer a top service to remain at the forefront of the business.

Please give us a brief description of a typical day in your life at RAM.
I have to ensure that all operational duties are carried out without any glitches, and that all the staff are performing. I solve problems and address customer complaints. There is no job too big or too small – I still collect and deliver parcels myself. I’ m committed to the success of the business and work 24/7 to ensure a seamless courier offering.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the courier services industry?
You must ensure that you are always on top of your game. Don’t let the business get the better of you. Persevere and believe in yourself, and do everything in your power to meet your challenges and goals.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with my family. I play golf on weekends on my favourite course, Bramble Hill Fancourt. I also enjoy watching rugby and motor racing.

What motivates you as a person?
To be true to my wife with her strong personality, to be true to the Lazarus family and to be true to my clients.