Karen Murphy and Kris Swanson are both business partners and sisters, a combination that works well in their business, Flex Execs Management Solutions in Willowbrook.
”Four to six months after downsizing, companies realize that they have all the same work and they still need the manpower,” Murphy said. ”We believe the answer is the temporary executive. We rent interim executive talent on a full-time or part-time basis for anywhere from a couple of days to several months.”
In business for a little more than a year (The company`s slogan:
Sometimes the best solutions are temporary), Swanson said she sees the executive temporary market as the fastest growing market in the business.
With more than 1,000 names in their database and a 150-word summary on each prospective employee, Flex Execs works with clients who are looking for skilled personnel with 10 years or more experience to work in sales management, human resources, marketing, public relations, copywriting and other middle to upper management positions.
”We can present two or three qualified candidates for an executive-level job in as little as 48 hours,” Murphy said.
Swanson added, ”We work in cooperation with outplacement agencies in Du Page County as well.”
Placing part-time executives is an idea that originated on the East Coast but is still very new to the Midwest, Murphy said.
”Many of our clients are small companies trying to grow and in need of seasoned professionals. We also draw upon entrepreneurs who are starting out and need experience. It`s a perfect match,” she said.
Twenty percent of their candidates are homemakers and many have advanced degrees.
”But we have a little of everything,” Swanson said.
The two sisters consider themselves generalists.
”We have people in every level-from high-powered to middle management,” Murphy said.
After placing an executive, Murphy said her firm maintains weekly contact with the client.
”There`s a great savings to the company because benefits are limited and wages are generally hourly,” she said.
