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INVESTING IN THE
REGION
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By Debra Solomon
Baker
 CRAIG
ROBINSON
managing director, Jefferson Wells
Work is work and fun is fun, right? For many, these two are mutually
exclusive. However, Craig Robinson, the new managing director of
Jefferson Wells, believes firmly in building an atmosphere where
people genuinely look forward to coming to work.
Robinson, who came on board in December to oversee not only the
local market, but that of Memphis, and Arkansas, describes the personality
of the St. Louis office as “very upbeat.” He attributes this to
effective team-building, but also to a company business model that
empowers the employees.
“We don’t hire kids a year or two out of school and then turn them
loose on clients,” says Robinson. “We hire seasoned, talented people,
and then we try to stay out of their way. That makes this an exciting
place to work.”
This commitment to hiring experienced individuals is a key component,
Robinson says, in differentiating Jefferson Wells from its competition.
Candidates typically need at least seven years of experience just
to be granted an interview.
While currently there are 62 local employees, Robinson plans to
take his office to its full potential, and, in doing so, increase
that number to 150 by the end of 2008. He hopes to make Jefferson
Wells one of the employers of choice in the metro area, creating
a backlog of individuals who want to join his team.
Jefferson Wells, an independently operating, wholly owned subsidiary
of Manpower Inc. (NYSE:MAN), is a global provider of professional
services in the areas of risk, controls, compliance, and financial
process improvement. The firm specializes in internal audit, technology
risk management, tax, and accounting and finance. It has begun an
aggressive expansion in Europe and, down the road, plans to enter
the Asian market.
Locally, Robinson hopes to improve the name recognition of Jefferson
Wells. He wants the community to know that this company is, in essence,
a “one-stop shop” for people who need help running their business.
“We’re lean and mean,” he says. “We deliver a high quality product
with a very efficient quality control process. We have the experience
to do the job…and to do it right.”
Although Robinson is new to Jefferson Wells, this Las Vegas native
has been in St. Louis for about five years. Upon leaving his previous
position with Argosy Gaming Company, Robinson could have relocated
anywhere, but, instead, opted to remain in St. Louis.
“From a work force standpoint, a geographic standpoint, and a cost-of-living
standpoint, St. Louis is an incredible area,” he says.
This is one Managing Director who is proud of his team. They work
hard; they understand the importance of having a positive attitude.
And in an office hit hard by cancer (including Robinson’s own two-and-a-half-year-old
daughter), they have also proven themselves to be dedicated to important
causes; earlier this month, Jefferson Wells was a Pewter Sponsor
of the Komen Race for the Cure.
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INSIGHTS
What is your favorite cultural institution in the region, and
why?
“The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Arts & Issues Series
brings top name acts and lecturers to the Metro East, and our music,
theater and art programs provide a plethora of cultural events and
opportunities for the region.”
Vaughn Vandegrift
chancellor,
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
“It is truly a challenge to single out one ‘cultural institution
or event’ as my favorite from such a rich and wide selection in
our wonderful city. If I had to pick one, my choice would be ‘The
annual Shakespeare in the Park’ play in Forest Park which is also
held at a nice time of the year and is a great family event.”
Jai P. Nagarkatti
president and CEO,
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation
“Our favorite ‘cultural institution,’ if you can call it that, is
the annual Mastodon Regional Arts and Science Fair held at Jefferson
College, in Hillsboro. It is the largest arts and science fair in
the country and was started by a small group of volunteers over
20 years ago.”
David E. Mangelsdorf
president,
Home Service Oil Company |
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