The Kforce Story: 50 Plus Years of Great People Delivering Great Results

Chapter 7

“It’s the Culture”

The people of Kforce are understandably proud of the things that differentiate them from other staffing companies—their extraordinary customer service and their cutting-edge technology that helps make that happen. But of all the areas in which they excel, the most striking is the culture itself. In a too-often impersonal world with too many toxic corporate environments, Kforce’s culture, born on mutual respect and admiration, is visible and in action everywhere. From the top performers’ extraordinary efforts to the simplest of courtesies, it is apparent this is a group of people who are passionate about their work and the company they represent. In an atmosphere of mutual respect, associates experience a sense of freedom, an atmosphere in which they are allowed to stretch, to make mistakes from time to time, on the path to excellence. “The moral compass of this firm never changes,” said Randy Marmon. “I never have to worry about the decisions that are being made. It’s very liberating. It gets you through a lot of bad times and frees you to focus on your own challenges.” The culture at Kforce is largely shaped by two elements: the leadership and the core values they developed as the guiding principles under which every activity at Kforce is taken. Unlike the carefully crafted values and mission statements that are so often trotted out for the cover of the annual report and then duly filed away until next year, Kforce’s core values are part and parcel of their everyday lives. When asked what he loved about working at Kforce, New England Market Vice President Jim Casey’s answer was simple “… our people … It’s exciting to get up every day knowing that you are surrounded by a dedicated and talented group of professionals who day in and day out demonstrate the Kforce Core Values. Kforce Core Values are part of the New England region’s culture. When I came on board years ago, I quickly understood the company’s values through the actions of my co-workers and superiors.” Dave Bair, vice president and National Champion, had a unique opportunity when he joined the firm in 2003 to appraise Kforce’s culture after working fourteen years for two major competitors. “The culture of Kforce driven through respect and appreciation for the performers that deliver for our clients is unparalleled in our industry,” Dave said. “This single factor was the reason that I knew Kforce was the place I wanted to be. The firm has found a simple recipe that will provide all of those on the Kforce team a platform to prosper and grow.”

The Gateway West team of Jeremy Crum, Joel Leege, Kris Volker, Christina Tedesco, Jacqueline Coleman, Cara Hurley, Rob Ayres, Paul Montoya, Jeffrey Neal, Tony Ventrano, Belinda Chandler, and Chad Heinrich proudly accept the Overall Market of the Year Award for 2011.

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