Very few people can leave the comfort and security of a well-paid job of nine years, take on a K100,000 loan, and sacrifice everything to build a successful business. It’s definitely not a path for the faint of heart.
Something James Murray, the founder of JM&SONS Limited did.
Starting JM&SONS was born out of both necessity and conviction. After spending nine incredible years as the National Survey Sales Manager at Theodist, James realized that he had built strong relationships and a solid foundation of experience. That gave him the courage to step out on his own he recalls.
But beyond business, he drew strength from his father. Watching him build Murray & Associates from scratch and win the historic Sandline Inquiry case, standing alone against four Queen’s Counsel from Melbourne and triumphing, was deeply inspiring.
“It taught me that courage, preparation, and faith can move mountains. That lesson continues to fuel me today; that same fire still burns within me, reminding me that belief and persistence can turn any challenge into victory” he says
There was a time when he truly hit the rock bottom. “Government payments were delayed for months, COVID-19 had shut down operations, I was locked out of the office, and my children’s school fees were overdue. As a father, that moment of helplessness was painful, it tested everything he stood for
“But when things were darkest, I looked around and realized I still had one lifeline: my Quantum Trinity F90+ drone, which I had courageously purchased through a loan before the pandemic. That drone became my redemption. It opened doors in large-area mapping when no one else could deliver. It wasn’t just a piece of equipment; it was proof that faith and foresight can save a dream. That experience taught me that rock bottom can be the very foundation you rebuild from, stronger than ever”
There are many ways to start a business. Some more riskier. Some not. Some are hard and some are easy
James opted for the most riskiest of all. Taking a K100, 000 SME loan.
“Taking that SME loan was both terrifying and empowering. I knew it was a huge responsibility, but I also believed in my ability to make it work. Every repayment was a reminder of my commitment to my vision and my family”
With a loan to repay, James double down on his business.
In those early days, I spent endless nights at the office, sometimes sleeping there, because I knew that time wasted was opportunity lost. Over time, that discipline paid off. Today, I can go home at 5 p.m., knowing that the long nights built the structure and systems that now keep JM&SONS LIMITED running efficiently. Risk taught me accountability; responsibility taught me peace. Together, they shaped the leader I’ve become.
He started out modestly, working from home before moving into his Gordons office. Those early days he recalls where some of the most challenging and that he had to made massive sacrifices.
The biggest sacrifice was time, time with family, time with loved ones. In the beginning, working from home allowed me precious moments with my young children. But as the business grew and demands increased, I found myself investing more hours into building trust with clients and delivering results faster than expected.
That dedication, though rewarding professionally, came at a personal cost. My relationship with my children’s mother ended during that period, and it was one of the hardest lessons I’ve faced. It taught me that success must be balanced with presence. Today, I value connection and empathy as much as I do performance, because resilience is not just about surviving challenges, it’s about learning to rebuild what truly matters.
As is usual for tech entrepreneurs, Murray loves his toys. And its not just the love of tech toys but an expression on his deep passion, vision and leadership style. We pushed a little on his priced TAU-K, the Trinity F90+ drone to which he says’
“TAU-K represents more than innovation, it represents vision. I’ve always believed that technology should serve people and nation-building. The Trinity F90+ was acquired not for prestige but for purpose: to help survey vast customary lands and support landowners in registering their ILGs, and to assist the Government with projects like compensatory mapping for road corridors“
As a leader, he embraces technology that solves real problems and opens new opportunities for Papua New Guinea.
“Innovation has taught me humility, to keep learning, to keep adapting, and to always be ready to serve where the nation needs us most” he adds.
As JM&SONS approaches its tenth anniversary, James has much to reflect on—the uncertainty, the fears, the risks both big and small, and the many hard-earned wins along his entrepreneurial journey. His story offers valuable lessons for anyone ready to take the path of entrepreneurship.
For me, ‘making it’ isn’t about wealth or status, t’s about legacy. It’s about creating pathways for the next generation of surveyors in Papua New Guinea. Many graduates reach out, eager to learn, and though I can’t employ them all, I make time to sit down, share tea, and pass on what I’ve learned. I encourage them to be bold, to start their own firms, to believe in their skills, and to never give up.
I’ll know I’ve truly made it the day JM&SONS LIMITED thrives without me, when my surveyors can fly the drones, complete surveys, and manage projects independently, while I’m somewhere out fishing, proud and at peace. Until then, every day is another step forward, and I’m grateful for the journey, the lessons, and the people who’ve walked it with me.
