After 22 years in the thick of the central station action, Stella Bacolas decided to step aside and take another position with the company. Within months, however, she found herself right back at Affiliated Central's monitoring stations. “I know it sounds crazy,” says Stella, “but after all these years monitoring is in my blood.”

It's hard to believe that this amazing run of success started with what Stella describes as a less than spectacular beginning with Affiliated.

“I remember telling my husband that I didn't think this job was for me after my first week,” she recalls. “I was not used to working in an office and I felt a little confined. But that changed quickly and 22 years later I'm still here and very happy.”

Stella soon realized that monitoring for Affiliated Central felt less like being in a confined office and more like traveling around the country every day. Over the years, she has dealt with countless sales reps from all parts of the United States. She has answered alarm situations for properties of all types and dealt with a wide variety of people.

Stella enjoys dealing with the unexpected challenges that come with the job. She excels at problem solving while maintaining an excellent relationship with alarm customers and dealers across the country.

She might have started out unsure, but she has rapidly grown to love the fast pace and hectic nature of central station monitoring. Along the way, she found Affiliated was very much a part of her family.

“I am fortunate to work with very nice people,” she says. “We have a great group of people here from all walks of life. We blend together and we all get along. That is what's important.”

Stella has learned the importance of family from her Greek background. When she isn't at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, including her husband, son and daughter. She loves music and dance, and she routinely gathers with friends and family of her close-knit Greek society to sing traditional songs from Greece.

As for Stella's future: “I plan on working here for as long as Affiliated wants me,” she says. “I never want to retire … well, maybe if I win the lottery!”