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It is brought to you by Northwest Bank: The power of yes, 50 years in the making.
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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Business: FurstStaffing
Headquarters: 120 W. State St., Suite 100, Rockford (It also has offices in Darlington and Stockton)
What they do: Since 1971, FurstStaffing has served companies looking for new talent and individuals seeking a job or career change. They handle everything from entry-level workforce all the way up to executive leadership “and everything inbetween,” said Jennifer Furst, president of FurstStaffing.
“Our business is about people,” she said. “We place and support the workforce in our local community.”
What advice would you give to a woman who wants to start her own business? “Don’t limit yourself. You can do whatever you want to do,” Furst said. “Yes, we’re a certified woman-owned business. We are run by a woman, but that’s not why we want to earn business. We want to earn it because we do the best that we can do. I think that’s what business owners, male or female, need to focus on: Do what you say you’re going to do and exceed those expectations.”
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Inside the office: The walls at Furst Staffing’s downtown Rockford office are decorated with work from local artists, including a piece by Furst herself.
“I get energized by color and by movement, and I hope other people enjoy it when they come in here. I do think people kind of pick a favorite as they’re walking through the space.”
The work provides a little life and color to the office.
“I think it brings a calming sense to some people, as well … it’s welcoming,” she said. “It encourages conversation.”
About the founder: The company was founded in 1971 by Darlene Furst, mother to current company president Jennifer Furst.
“She has been an incredible leader and an incredible mentor, and I think everyone in our company who had the opportunity to work with her has experience that,” Jennifer Furst said. “That is just a legacy that I want to carry on.”
Learn more: FurstStaff.com or 815-229-7810.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.