Going concern

Laurie Goldberg, CA,
President and CEO, People First
HR Services.

Company profile: Winnipeg-based People First HR Services has become the largest human resources firm in Manitoba in just six years by offering HR solutions that are fully integrated with business strategies, and by successfully matching employees with employers. To meet changing needs of companies, People First specializes in five areas: executive search, management recruiting, office and administrative staffing, career transition and HR consulting.

Hot factor: In each of the past three years, People First has ranked in the top four fastest-growing businesses in Manitoba. During this time, it has more than doubled its gross billings, now in excess of $5 million, and doubled its number of employees to 60. It has come a long way since its first year of operation in 2001, when it billed $90,000.

Cool projects: Recognizing a shortage of talented employees will get worse with the pending mass exodus of baby boomers from the workplace, People First is set to roll out its candidate experience program this year. The program is designed to meet the increasingly urgent challenge of attracting and retaining a good staff. In taking an innovativeapproach, the company expects to draw a bigger and better roster of candidates to meet diverse and changing client needs.

In his own words: “What I call the ‘people factor’ is at the top of the business agenda today. Strategies are critical, but your ability to effectively execute your business strategy is dependent on a company’s capability to attract, retain and motivate people and to get them to work effectively as a team. Those companies that are the most effective will be the ultimate winners.”

Tom Arnold