Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Matthews.
Tom, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Matthews Professional Employment was founded in 1969 based on the premise that there is an ongoing need for a first-class staffing service that provides value, integrity, and superior service to its applicants and clients. It is Lake County’s longest running private employment service that provides placement for both permanent and temporary employees.
We feel that the success of any company ultimately depends on the character of its employees, so we have always emphasized quality more than size. Our team of seasoned professional consultants are experienced and familiar with the local job market and have, on average, 8 years of experience at Matthews.
In 1995 Chuck Matthews, the founder and President, sold the company and retired after staying onboard for two years helping the new owners. In 2001 he got together with some of his former employees and decided to reopen the business. “Our goal at both the old and new Matthews is to provide the best available applicant to the employer, and the best available job for the employee.”
After weathering the Great Recession, and being one of the only local private employment services to do so (if not the only), we are experiencing outstanding growth due to our adherence to our Core Values and the exceptional effort of our wonderful employees. Serving our local economy, businesses, and employees is, and will always be, the greatest honor and a privilege.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not. But then building a successful and meaningful organization would not be as rewarding, meaningful, or lasting if it were easy.
We have weathered every economic downturn and recession since the late 60’s, to include the Great Recession that started in 2007. This is entirely due to our insistence on providing the best, most integrity-based service possible and not trying to fit “round pegs into square holes.”
The single hardest event we’ve had was earlier this year we lost one of our consultants, Cristina Sanchez. We were extremely blessed when Cristina decided to join our team in 2013. She brought a vibrant zest for life and enthusiasm to all she did, to say nothing of the deep connections she formed with everyone she met. As a consultant, she was determined to be the best advocate for clients and candidates that was humanly possible, and always wore her infectious smile. As a friend, she was selfless and exceptional. On May 1st, 2017 her battle with cancer ended. She is loved, missed and warmly remembered.
Matthews Professional Employment – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Matthews Professional Employment was established in 1969 based on the premise that there was a need for a first-class staffing service that provides value, integrity, and superior service to its applicants and clients. Quickly we grew into the top local staffing firm providing primarily direct hire services. With time and expertise, our capabilities expanded to include both temporary and temp-to-hire while continuing our recognized direct hire service. As the longest-running, privately owned agency in the area, we pride ourselves in knowing the local job market better than anyone else.
To this day we continue to focus on the specific and unique needs of each employer and candidate to ensure we understand every unique requirement. Our professional Consultants provide this unparalleled level of service by listening, counseling, and thorough involvement. We strive to pinpoint the most qualified individual for each employer and, conversely, the highest and best position for each candidate in the market today. Our interest is the success of both our applicants and clients.
Matthews is highly involved with the local community and do our best to help our young leaders of the future. As such, we created the John M. Cunnea Business Scholarship for local high school students who plan to continue their education in business. Since its inception, nearly half a million dollars have been awarded to recipients.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There is nothing better than creating and nurturing something that turns into a success. And not just a success for the organization created, but for all of those we serve, both clients and candidates, and those who work here.
Actually, the only thing better is to know this has all been done in a moral and honest way since day one.
Contact Info:
- Address: 321 Grand Ave.
Waukegan, IL 60085 - Website: www.matthewsemploys.com
- Phone: 847-249-1100
- Email: marketing@matthewsemploys.com
- Facebook: @matthewsemployment
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