Movin' On Up

Associate Spotlight: Jimmy Maher

When most people think of staffing agencies, they think of strictly temporary work. The truth is many people have found life-long careers thanks to companies like Express. More and more workers are enjoying the flexibility in their schedule from working with staffing agencies. Employers are also relying more on staffing agencies to fill their open positions before hiring full-time for openings.

Our most recent associate spotlight showcases one of those individuals who finds pride in working with Express as a career for many years. Associates like the ones we showcase are a testament to how work ethic and positive attitude can go a long way in your profession, even in the roughest of economic conditions.

Jimmy Maher

Jimmy Maher started working for the Greensboro, NC Express office in 1992 as a lawn and building maintenance technician.  During his time with Express, Jimmy worked with five different clients.  Throughout Jimmy’s nearly 20-year career with Express, he worked for a single client for 14 years.  In that time, Jimmy’s commitment and enthusiasm were apparent because he didn’t own a car and had to take the bus to work from one side of town to the other. 

Over the years, Jimmy was given many raises due to his integrity and dependability.  When he celebrated his ten year anniversary with Express, he was given a cash bonus for his loyalty to Express, its clients, and his job. 

“Jimmy is a man who believes in hard work, doing the right thing, and being responsible.  He was a shining example to others on the job,” said Hope Daniel, Front Office Coordinator of the Greensboro Express office.   

When Jimmy decided to retire, the client did not want him to leave. They knew they would be losing a cherished employee.  The client wanted him so badly, Jimmy decided to extend his retirement date three times and keep working to aid the client.  He is now happily retired and settling down after a fulfilled career. 

We are very grateful for having Jimmy as a part of the Express family for so many years.  The Greensboro office will miss him, and everyone at Express wishes him the very best in his retirement and future achievements.

When looking for a job, don’t discount what staffing agencies like Express can provide. You may find a long, fulfilling career like Jimmy did through the experience and opportunities that can come from working with Express. If you’re interested, check it out.

Associate Spotlight: Erin Wharton

When looking for a job, it’s easy to overlook the benefits of working for a staffing agency. In fact, companies like Express Employment Professionals can help change lives in the midst of economic uncertainty and provide job opportunities for some of the most hardworking individuals around.

Express takes pride in the accomplishments of those individuals who come to us for work. Without the skills and talents of our associates who provide what companies are looking for, Express wouldn’t be what it is today.

To help recognize outstanding associates and their dedication to Express and the companies they work for, we would like to showcase select associates each month on Movin’ On Up. It’s important to give credit where credit is due, and Express would like to share stories of our associates as an inspiration to you while you strive to achieve professional success.

Erin Wharton 

Erin found her current job through the South Indianapolis office in Greenwood, Ind. She came to Express after a rough job search. She spent 14 years with a previous employer in a less-than-constructive work environment. She left in hopes of finding a better place to work, but ended up facing a fiercely competitive job market, sending countless résumés and submitting numerous job applications for weeks with no response.

Fearing the worst, she noticed a job posting for an administrative position through Express. She had no previous experience dealing with staffing companies like Express and was a little cautious about calling to apply, but ended up emailing her résumé and application anyway. Within a couple of days, she was called by Michelle Bright from the Greenwood office for an interview.

“During the phone call, Michelle made me feel comfortable, confident, and helped ease what little fear I had.” Erin said.

When Erin came to the Express office for an interview, her anxiety returned until she met someone in the waiting room who had been working for Express for a few years. The woman told Erin that Express was “great to work with,” and “you’re working with the best.” When Erin sat down for the interview with Express, she was almost immediately told that there was a perfect position for her. After interviewing with McAllister Power on a Friday morning, she was offered a job to start the next Monday.

“Working with Express was by far the best choice I have made. I have even referred people to them. You don’t know how good it feels to be happy, enjoy getting up in the morning and coming to work. I look forward to the next day and what it is going to bring. Every day is something new. The employees here at MacAllister are absolutely wonderful,” Erin said.

We’re excited to have Erin as a part of our Express family. If you haven’t already considered looking into working with a staffing agency like Express, give it a try. You could find the same success that Erin did.

“I owe my happiness and my life to Michelle for matching me with the perfect company. I give everyone at Express my sincere gratitude!”

National Staffing Employee Week: A Great Time to Say Thanks

National Staffing Employee Week just began and with it comes a time of appreciation for the 2.5 million men and women who make up the temporary and contract workforce in the United States. Many may think that only a small percentage of U.S. workers are temporary or contract workers. However, according to the American Staffing Association (ASA), 9.7 million workers are hired by U.S. staffing firms during the course of a year.

The Benefits of Being a Temporary Worker         

Being employed by a staffing company can provide flexibility that otherwise might not be available in an average full- or part-time position. It is reported by ASA that 88% of staffing employees said temporary or contract work made them more employable. And, 77% said it was a good way to obtain a full-time position. With this flexibility comes an alleviation of stress and an increase in career satisfaction that may not be possible in a traditional job.

In honor of National Staffing Employee Week, Express holds a contest to select the Express Associate of the Year and to find a truly remarkable associate to nominate to ASA for the 2012 National Staffing Employee of the Year. These associates are selected from nominations submitted by our 550 locations and are chosen based on the staffing industry’s 5 key messages.

Associate of the Year - April Birch

“I had a hard time finding work when I was laid off, but Express helped me find a job in just a few days. But they didn’t just help me find a job, they helped me build my clerical skills. My experience at Express has taught me to focus on what I want from life. Now I’m going back to school to get my degree in education.”

— April Birch

 

First Runner-Up - Jamal Al Ameri

 

“I can’t thank Express enough for finding me work using my mechanical experience. This opportunity allows me to bring the remaining members of my family to this country and for us to live a life not otherwise possible.”

— Jamal Al Ameri

 

 

 Second Runner-Up -Colleen Horr

“Since joining Express more than 5 years ago, I have referred many associates and clients to the Plymouth Express office because the office staff makes you feel like a valuable part of the Express family. I am now currently employed full-time through the efforts of the Express Plymouth team.”

— Colleen Horr

 

 

2011 National Staffing Employee of the Year Nominee - Michael Coleman

 

“Thanks to Express, I got a new start.”

 

 

— Michael Coleman

 

 

So, whether you are employed by a staffing firm or considering pursuing a new career path, take this week as a moment to take pride in the integral part you play in not only furthering your career, but also building a stronger economy. We salute your hard work and dedication.

 

By Mike Smith