RAM News chats to five loyal employees who have been with RAM for over ten years.

Cecil Carelse
Operations Manager

Which positions have you held at RAM over the years?

I started out as a courier, moved into the imports and export division, then into data capturing and billing. I was made the corporate manager of individual deliveries, and today I'm proud to be Operations Manager of the Credit Card division in Isando.

How has RAM changed over the years?

We've grown phenomenally and today we're one of SA's leading courier companies. When I joined RAM in 1997 we were 16 staff members. Ten years down the line I'm one of 1 200 dedicated employees.

What has kept you with RAM for this long?

The management team believes in me - they have helped me to grow with the business. It's a relationship of mutual trust and respect. What more could you want from an employer? I thank Nathan, David and Graeme for their vision and trust in me.

What makes RAM different from other courier companies?

We deliver on time, every time.

What is the best part of your job, and what are its biggest challenges?

It's a priceless reward to come to work every day and be a part of the team that ensures our customers' expectations are exceeded every time. My biggest challenge is to ensure that I accomplish 100% customer satisfaction in the most cost-effective manner.

How has the courier services industry evolved over the past decade?

I've seen many a courier service rise and fall, yet we continue to go from strength to strength.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in courier services?

Start at the bottom and obtain hands-on experience. This would give them a thorough understanding of the process and equip them with critical skills.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I ride my quad with my two sons, Walter (nine) and Luke (two). I also love music and singing.

What motivates you?

My wife Judith and my children Laurelle, Walter and Luke always stand by me, believe in me and trust me - which is all I need to make the best of anything.

Winston Mohamed
Assistant Branch Manager

Which positions have you held at RAM over the years?

I started as a driver and in 2003 I was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of the Midrand Hub.

How has RAM changed over the years?

When I started with RAM there were only three hubs. Now there are over 25 hubs across South Africa. Back then it was hard work, as we had to deal with everything ourselves, including imports, exports, high value and local collections and deliveries.

What has kept you with RAM for this long?

Teamwork and mutual respect between colleagues and management.

What makes RAM different from other courier companies?

RAM is constantly upgrading its systems and we receive regular training to ensure we have the necessary skills to maintain a very high standard of service.

What is the best part of your job, and what are its biggest challenges?

Knowing at the end of each day that my work is complete and our clients are happy. Being based in Vodacom's offices presents its own challenge in that we always have to perform at our best.

How has the courier services industry evolved over the past decade?

The industry has shown substantial growth over the last ten years, which has made it very competitive. All the major players are continually upgrading their services and utilising the latest technology available.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in courier services?

Always be loyal, honest and punctual. At first it will be hard, but perseverance will yield results.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I spend a lot of time with my family and close friends. My interests include soccer, cricket, cars and bikes.

What motivates you?

Knowing that I have the support of my family and the fact that I enjoy what I do.

Aldrich (Muffy) Kelly
Branch Manager

Which positions have you held at RAM over the years?

After working as a driver for a year, I became a nightshift supervisor. When my daughter was born I went back on the road, and when we won the Vodacom contract in 2001 I became Branch Manager.

How has RAM changed over the years?

When I started, the Johannesburg office comprised only 14 people. The growth has been phenomenal. RAM has certainly proved that anything is possible if you apply yourself.

What has kept you with RAM for this long?

I enjoy being part of something and watching it grow and prosper. After ten years, I can definitely say that it was worth the time and hard work I put in.

What makes RAM different from other courier companies?

RAM is constantly upgrading its systems and we receive regular training to ensure we have the necessary skills to maintain a very high standard of service.

What is the best part of your job, and what are its biggest challenges?

Being complimented on our service is just the best. Maintaining one of the company's biggest clients and keeping them happy at all times is a daily challenge.

How has the courier services industry evolved over the past decade?

Back in the day we had to write out proofs of delivery by hand. We used Speed Services to forward some of our parcels to Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. Today everything is computerised and at our fingertips.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in courier services?

Be prepared for hard work and long hours!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and riding my motorcycle. I regularly go on breakfast runs and bike rallies. Racing through the mountains in Nelspruit is awesome!

What motivates you?

I try to stay positive, no matter what the situation is. I believe that if you apply yourself completely, you can overcome anything.

Carol Ennion
Accounts Manager

Which positions have you held at RAM over the years?

I'm currently an Accounts Manager.

How has RAM changed over the years?

RAM has grown so much since I started. We had ten staff countrywide and three branches. We now have over 1 200 staff members and 26 branches countrywide. We started as a small family business and now we're a very large professional company.

What has kept you with RAM for this long?

Job satisfaction, the wonderful people and watching the company grow so successfully.

What makes RAM different from other courier companies?

A unique and dynamic leadership. We always get the job done.

What is the best part of your job, and what are its biggest challenges?

Achieving my goals. The biggest challenges are to meet deadlines and to try and make the accounts department efficient and proactive.

How has the courier services industry evolved over the past decade?

The courier services industry has grown and become more competitive.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in courier services?

Be proactive and apply yourself with dedication.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I play bowls on weekends and enjoy reading and shopping.

What motivates you?

I like to set goals for myself and when I achieve them it motivates me to strive for more.

Nasiem Lenders
Operations Supervisor

Which positions have you held at RAM over the years?

I've worked as a driver and secure courier. I'm currently an Operations Supervisor.

How has RAM changed over the years?

We started off with just few couriers doing imports and exports. Now we deliver almost anything anywhere.

What has kept you with RAM for this long?

The challenges and different changes that we encounter from day to day.

What makes RAM different from other courier companies?

The fact that we strive for excellence: RAM wants to be ‘the' courier company.

What is the best part of your job, and what are its biggest challenges?

The fact that we deal with different clients and their different needs everyday. Getting to satisfy all our clients.

How has the courier services industry evolved over the past decade?

Courier companies started off by doing everything manually, but have since changed to using high technology.

What advice would you give someone considering a career in courier services?

There are lots of opportunities within the courier industry, and this is one industry where you are guaranteed growth.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Listening to music and watching TV.

What motivates you?

My family.