We’ve all met at least one person who has “that” job. You know, the one that sounds so fantastic that most people would kill to call their own. Well, Anne Woods gave up the dream career three years ago…but her new role is just as – if not more - satisfying.
The Pasadena Star-News reported Woods was a certified public accountant and divisional vice president at Nestle, a position that meant ample travel as a controller for the North American sales organization – at one point, she even moved her family to Switzerland while working at the company's world headquarters – but as great at that job was, Woods was looking for a change. Three years ago, she made her move and became the owner of an Express Employment Professionals office in Covina, Calif., the fourth largest staffing service in the world.
"I felt I needed a different kind of flexibility. I still work as many hours as I did at Nestle - 50 to 60 hours a week - but now I'm in the same community as my children,” said Woods. “One of reasons I chose this business is that virtually every company that has employees uses a staffing service at some point. It could be a large banking call center or a small machine shop. It really doesn't matter ... it's not limited to any specific industry. Someone is always growing and needing extra help." Woods' strategy has paid off: Her office has doubled its business every year – a feat she attributes to the backing of the entire Express organization. She also said Express’s services are in demand even during these challenging economic times. For example, her client Marman Industries landed a big contract and needed people with a very specific skill set right away and Express was able to deliver several candidates immediately to launch the project on time.
"We're very aggressive in staying involved with the local community," she said. "You have to continue to talk to people through all of the business cycles. Even when they downsize and budgets are being cut, we can help."
Photo: Express Employment Professionals owner Anne Woods.
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