10 years ago on June 30th 2003, Signia Financial Group Inc. was started. In celebration of the company's 10 Year Anniversary, we look back at how this was achieved with one of the persons who has been with Signia from inception. We asked Karen Johnson - Personal Assistant/ Administrative Assistant, long serving employee of Signia Financial Group to sit and talk to us on the company's growth.
Interviewer: Karen, it must have been exciting being a part of the beginning of Signia Financial Group Inc. Tell us about it.
Karen: I was actually first employed with General Finance Corporation from 1997. General Finance Corporation (B'dos) Ltd had been around for many years, operating from various locations. The final location being that of Geddes Grant Building, White Park Road, St. Michael. It is from this location that we saw the birth of Signia Financial Group Inc.
Signia Financial Group Inc came into being with the backing and foresight of our shareholders Cave Shepherd, United Insurance and Grace Kennedy and Co (Jamaica). With Chief Executive Officer Roger Edghill at the helm, Signia as it is affectionately called, came into being on June 30th, 2003 . Initially, we operated from two locations; Warrens with five staff members in one cubicle and Whitepark Road with four employees. I was in transit between the two locations ferrying documents to and fro. Within mere months however we were able to move from those cramped conditions at Warrens into a more luxurious office space at Carlisle House in November 2003.
Interviewer: What changes have taken place since Signia was formed?
Karen: As with any new company, there is always some apprehension on the future; in terms of its longevity. Those fears were soon put aside as Signia was transformed due to the persistence and dedication of our experienced and valued lender at the time, Allan King.
As business increased so did our staff numbers. Signia Financial began to grow gradually and now in 2013 the company has grown tremendously to thirty two employees. We also started to make great strides with the emergence of our Stock Brokerage department ran by young and energetic Christopher Callender who took this area to an unmatched place in the industry.
In 2005 we saw the departure of Mr. Edghill and the arrival of Mr. Anthony Shaw as the next CEO. Signia continued to grow and with Mr. Shaw's charismatic presence as well as his experience and knowledge of the industry we were in good hands. When Mr. Shaw departed from Signia in 2012, Signia had become a small financial institution (in size only) but one that could stand up against any of the larger financial entities in Barbados. Mr. Paul Ashby then joined Signia as CEO after Mr. Shaw's resignation. He comes with years of experience and knowledge of the financial industry and an energy level that goes beyond normal and a drive that pushes his employees above their limits.
Since inception, we have begun to diversify our portfolio away from the misconception that we are only involved in vehicle loans and leasing of vehicles. We have seen educational loans, travel loans, debt consolidations and a host of loans take greater shape. Mr. Ashby's descending on Signia has brought a newer and fresher level of public engagement to the company. As a result of this we have now begun to guide the youth into more positive areas. This includes partnering with the Ryan Holford Basketball Camp, launching of the artiste gospel workshop during Gospelfest, the Hit Island Radio show which showcases the talents of young and emerging local artistes and a number of other projects.
Interviewer: What is your fondest memory of working at Signia?
Karen: Mr. Edghill thought that no one should be working after 12 noon on Fridays. He would come out of his office and we would have conversations either about current events, personal beliefs and convictions or just about anything. He also made it a point to get to know the people that were important in our lives. One such instance of his genuine care for his staff came out when the son of an employee and close friend took ill and subsequently died. Roger allowed me to be there for her whenever she needed me. He was there at the hospital with us during the illness, shedding tears with us and even when he couldn't be there he would make contact to inquire about both the mother and the child's well being.
Interviewer: How would you describe the culture at Signia?
Karen: I will say that staff have very good relationships with their peers as well as with Management. Our environment is one that fosters openness, honesty and lots of laughter.
Interviewer: In your opinion what have been pivotal turning points in the growth and success of Signia ?
Karen: The growth and success should be attributed to the staff of Signia. We have grown tremendously in our approach to our jobs. The staff is always being encouraged to reach for greater things even if this means maximizing every opportunity that comes along within their current positions.
Interviewer: What do you like about working here at Signia?
Karen: There is no micro managing of employees; you work hard and you are always recognized for that hard work.
Interviewer: What makes Signia different?
Karen: Our customer service and our fast turn around time. These cannot be matched any where else.
Interviewer: What is the usual response when you tell persons you work at Signia?
Karen: Unfortunately, after ten years people are still not aware of Signia. Those who have heard of us are not too sure what we do or they think that we are an insurance company, but our marketing department has made great strides in changing this perception.
Interviewer: I want to thank you Karen for your time and contribution to this interview. We wish you all the best in the future.