When you think back to when you first started your business, did you ever think you would be where you are today? "I have always been aware of the potential of the staffing industry so I think that, even when I began ABL, I pictured it growing to these levels and beyond."
To be one of the top 100 Women Entrepreneurs in Canada is a great achievement. What do you believe are the key components to that success? "The Top 100 is an individual recognition yet it is based on size of the company. Growing a company to the size that achieves this level of recognition requires going beyond individual effort and developing both efficient processes and a tremendous support network. ABL is fortunate to have a dedicated staff and the systems and processes that have allowed us to grow and prosper."
What advice would you give to an aspiring staffing entrepreneur? "Establish processes, create a committed team and adhere to the ethics and good practices that are key to helping the industry thrive such as maintaining markups, good hiring practices etc. The Staffing Edge is an excellent source of knowledge on these areas. Always focus on sales and service and never get complacent."
What has been your greatest challenge to date? "In retrospect, our greatest challenge was facing the realization that both customers and staff will come and go. ABL must be set up to have variety and dispersal of risk across our business base and our staffing models so that continued prosperity is not based on any one customer or one person (even me)."
How has The Staffing Edge helped you with your success? "My belief is that true growth and prosperity can happen only with effective processes and a support network. The Staffing Edge gives ABL both of those things and more. The processes are efficient and adaptable to my specific needs. Everything from Stafftrak to payroll processes to invoicing processes are seamless parts of my business. WSIB and Credit issues, which are the two highest risks in this business, are proactively managed by The Staffing Edge’s comprehensive approach. As for a support network, not only have the staff been there to help with issues and provide support, being a member company of The Staffing Edge, I have the opportunity to interact with other staffing company owners who share the same challenges as I do."