Coffee Break with Zenmar Amir Kellier

Welcome to our new series, Coffee Break. You may have heard about them but do you really know them? They are young, vibrant, rising stars in their respective fields, and, twice per month, we sit and have coffee with these movers and shakers and find out how they really tick. Have coffee with us and enjoy the read!

Zenmar Amir Kellier is the 24-year-old vice-president of sales for the Link Up Media Group of Companies. He attended Cornwall College in St James before transferring to August Martin High in New York. He later attended Borough of Manhattan Community College, and comes from a family of seven.

1. What is your best childhood memory?

One evening, at the age of eight, I went to a livestock farm with a friend and his father, who was an employee there. I told him how much I loved animals and he gave me two chickens. These two chickens taught me responsibility because I had to raise them. I later started a small farm.

2. Why did you choose your profession?

Choosing my profession wasn't that hard. I started out in sales at the age of eight - from raising chickens to later renting and selling DVDs, to selling candy in high school. I migrated to the United States in 2007 at the age of 15 and was no longer in the care of my mother, so I had to do a lot more by myself. It was really hard to get a job, but I got one at Golden Krust (Bakery) for two years. I also worked security just to help fund college.

In 2011, my cousin told me about a call centre owned and operated by David 'Squeeze' Annakie, the head of Linkup Media Group of Companies. I was brought in for an interview and started working the same day. I had only one suit, which I recycled three times a week and dressed down three days. I stayed over late to catch up on product knowledge and took a leadership approach in educating new employees. After working there for a year I was brought in to see Mr Annakie.

He asked me questions about the products which one of his companies provided and I answered without hesitation. After this, he told me that I was now call centre manager. After three years, I was promoted to vice president of sales for the entire Linkup Media Group of Companies. So, honestly, I never really chose my profession; I just did what I was good at to the best of my ability. I applied myself with diligence and persistence and always strive for excellence.

3. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

I would love to go to space and a different planet to experience life beyond Earth. I would specifically love to go to Mars.

4. Who do you most admire?

I admire my father, Zenon. This man taught me that no matter who you are, things will not be handed down to you; you have to work for what you want. He emphasised that hard work kills no one and he spends seven days a week on his farm.

5. What is your strongest personal quality?

My determination and drive for success. I strive to be better than I was yesterday, push the limits and always raise the bar higher. I apply myself in anything I do with diligence and persistence.

6. What is a skill you'd like to learn and why?

I would like to learn how to fly a helicopter. I want to be able to fly from parish to parish and experience Jamaica from a different view.

7. What is your signature style?

My signature style is all about comfort. I spend most of my time in basketball shorts and T-shirts. After a 14-hour work day, all I want to do is relax at home and watch a good movie or chill with my colleagues.

8. If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?

1. iPhone

2. Tested glasses

3. Sapphire Card

4. Laptop

5. Wrist watch

9. How would your friends describe you?

All my friends see me as a very loud, outspoken, vibrant individual, who is always full of energy; always changing their day. Oh, and how could I forget 'Mawga boy' ?

10. What is your favourite type of music?

Hip Hop, dancehall, and reggae.