Associates of the Month

Associate Spotlight: Ashley Bensko

Ashley Express EmployeeMovin’ On Up takes pride in recognizing Express Employment Professionals associates who have been acknowledged by one of our offices as outstanding workers, and we want to give credit where credit is due. In 2012, Express helped more than 367,000 people find jobs, and each one of them has a story to tell.

Express wants to give credit to the accomplishments of those individuals who come to us for work. Without the skills and talents our associates provide to employers, Express wouldn’t be what it is today. Our newest associate spotlight is a great example of the kind of spirit and integrity Express demonstrates with everyone we work with.

In this month’s associate spotlight, we’re recognizing an associate who consistently maintains a positive attitude and strong character despite facing layoffs and downsizing. Her willingness to go above and beyond impressed her local Express office so much that she was named their Associate of the Month.

Ashley Bensko
After attending Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL in 2010, Ashley Bensko faced the same struggle of finding a job that many college graduates faced during The Great Recession. Entry-level jobs were scarce, and most jobs required several years of experience that Ashley didn’t have. To get by, Ashley worked at the Building Blocks Day Care Center for more than two years.
In 2012, Ashley came to Express from a recommendation by a friend who was a manager of a local Wells Fargo bank. The manager used Express employees and knew Ashley could find better work through the Springfield, IL Express office.

After applying to Express, Ashley was assigned to operate wires and notes for the New Loan Reconciliation Dept. for Wells Fargo. Her determination and attitude impressed the bank staff, and within months, she also trained new hires on these functions.

Wells Fargo was very impressed by Ashley and constantly reported to Express about her courtesy and diligence when dealing with clients. Ashley took ownership of client’s problems and devoted herself to resolving their difficulties. Even after Ashley’s time with Wells Fargo, Express still received letters from bank customers praising her commitment to solving their issues and complaints.
“Ashley’s professionalism, initiative, energy level, flexibility, interpersonal skills, and knowledge rank among the very best,” said Kayla Edwards, director of client services for the Springfield Express office. “She has also demonstrated her ability to train others.”

We love hearing stories about the determination and quality work Express associates demonstrate every day.  Ashley is just one example of thousands of Express associates who achieve success through their strong talent and resolve. If you’re searching for a job, consider working with a staffing agency like Express. More and more employers are relying heavily on staffing companies to fill open positions before hiring them on as full-time employees.

If you’re an Express associate and know a fellow associate who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight, let your Express office know. And if you have an Express associate you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, let us know in the comments below.

Associate Spotlight: Lonnie Cain

Associate SportlightExpress Employment Professionals is often placed in the business of building hope. When news and world events seem to spread sad and gloomy stories, it’s refreshing to read something positive. There are a lot of inspiring stories going on within Express, and we’d like to share.

We are always looking to showcase exceptional associates on Movin’ On Up. It’s important to give credit where credit is due, and Express loves to share the stories of our associates as an inspiration to you while you strive to achieve professional success.

What makes this associate so special isn’t what he did for himself or how he overcame obstacles. Rather, it’s what he brings with him and shares with co-workers that makes him unique. Our spotlighted associate, Lonnie Cain, has an amazing ability to spread cheer and happiness to not only his Express office, but also to the companies to which he is assigned.

Lonnie Cain

After years of working as a route manager, Lonnie Cain retired from Aramark. Even though he was retired, Lonnie still wanted a flexible job that allowed him time to travel. One day, he noticed a classified ad for a medical supply driver posted by the Express office in Springfield, IL. After applying and interviewing, he was quickly hired for the job and became an example of the Express values to everyone at work.

Lonnie has proven to be dependable and skilled in his job as a driver for several doctors in the Springfield community. Since 2006, Lonnie has worked more than 7,500 hours and has only called in unavailable once. His sheer commitment and contagious smile have made Lonnie an outstanding worker and a valuable associate to Express.

“He represents Express with a professional and cheerful attitude,” said Julie Hamilton, Staffing Consultant for the Springfield Express office. “He’s the most requested driver by the physicians.”

As a medical driver, Lonnie transports medical files to different hospitals. He relates well with the doctors and medical staff at the hospitals. The Springfield office continuously receives high praise for Lonnie. The secretary of a client, Dr. Raghu Kolluri, called Express just to say, “Lonnie is a great driver, very personable and reliable.”

If you’re looking for the same success that Lonnie is experiencing, find the the Express office closest to you for more information and help with your job search. Express is always looking for associates who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight. If you have an Express associate you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, let us know in the comments below.

Associate Spotlight: Stephen Hughes

Express Employment Professionals AssociateEvery Express Employment Professionals’ associate has a story. To help tell these outstanding stories, we like to showcase exceptional associates each month on Movin’ On Up. It’s important to give credit where credit is due, and Express loves to share the stories of our associates as an inspiration to you while you strive to achieve professional success.

This month’s associate has a heartwarming story about overcoming obstacles. As thousands of soldiers return from Iraq and Afghanistan, many veterans with years, even decades, of military experience will look to build a civilian career. But, many veterans find it challenging to adapt their military skill set to a civilian job market. But because of this associate’s determination, and with a little help from Express, he was able to overcome these challenges.

Stephen Hughes
As a graduate of West Point, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Hughes served 31 years in the United States Army. In 2012, Stephen started to look for his first job outside of the military. It’s easy to assume that someone who has traveled all over the world, seen the best and the worst that humanity can produce, and led soldiers in both peace and war, could easily find work. But, that wasn’t the case. He struggled for months looking for a job but didn’t find any leads, call backs, or interviews.

It wasn’t until he attended a job fair for military spouses and transitioning military members in Fort Richardson, AK when his luck changed. Rodger Hargis, Business Developer for the Anchorage Express office, had a booth at the fair. Having served 12 years in the Army, with many of those years on Fort Richardson, Rodger knew who Stephen was by reputation, but never met him in person. Stephen hesitantly approached the Express booth and introduced himself to Rodger.

“We talked for a few minutes and Stephen handed me a resume that truly resembled an ‘After Action Review Report’ from a military operation.” Rodger said. “We discussed the need to ‘translate’ his resume into ‘civilian’ terms and I offered our office’s assistance.”

They set up an appointment and sat down to go over the details, and Rodger asked Stephen for the opportunity to help him in his search for a new career. Rodger quickly looked for opportunities to place Stephen, but soon wasn’t sure if we was going to have any success.

Eventually, there was an opening for the Director of Operations position with the Arc of Anchorage. Rodger presented Stephen and the Arc loved him. The timing was perfect as he was officially separating from service on retirement orders. After extensive interviews, including one on Skype from the east coast, he was offered the position. Stephen has now been with the organization for almost a month and is excited about the opportunity to continue serving his community.

“While the nature of his service has changed, the heart of that service beats strong and true,” Rodger said.

If you are a military veteran who is struggling with the same hurdles Stephen was, check out this blog post on how your military experience can help you find a job. Search for the Express office closest to you for more information and help with your job search. If you know a fellow associate who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight, let your Express office know. If you have an Express associate you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, let us know in the comments below.

Associate Spotlight: James Price

Associate spotlight james price jobsEvery month, Movin’ On Up likes to tell the story of outstanding Express Employment Professionals’ associates and the success they have found in their life. There are countless stories to from the 335,000 workers Express employes in the United States, Canada, and South Africa.

This month’s associate spotlight tells the story of an associate who wasn’t placed in any outside business or organization, but was hired for his talents and skills at the Express International headquarters in Oklahoma City, OK.  This associate’s professionalism and willingness to work helped the Marketing and Communications department tackle large projects when it was understaffed.

James Price
A Houston native, James Price attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK majoring in journalism and broadcasting. All was well until he faced graduating during he Great Recession in 2008. Entry-level jobs in his industry were scarce, and James needed help finding work in a sluggish economy. Eventually, James heard about Express after receiving a referral from a friend. Once he applied, he was contacted by the downtown Oklahoma City office about an opportunity writing for the Express headquarters.

James was assigned to a longer-term placement at the Express International Headquarters when one of the members of the Marketing and Communications department went on maternity leave. The department faced some large projects due in a short amount of time, and James helped write promotional material, blogs, and newsletters to help finish the projects on time. He is still working on projects for the headquarters and greatly enjoys it. His flexible schedule helps him develop skills, but also allows him to continue following his other passion, music. When not working for Express, James enjoys writing and recording music for his band and serves as music director for First Baptist Church of Stillwater.

“Working with Express has been a growing experience. I have been able to develop several different skills which I never had the opportunity to use before. Looking toward the future, Express has helped me build my portfolio to become a more desirable employee. For those of us who are entering the workforce with little to no professional experience, Express is a great opportunity and will be a stepping stone to greater things,” James said.

We love hearing stories about the determination and quality work Express associates demonstrate every day.  James is just one example of thousands of Express associates who achieve success through their strong talent and resolve. If you’re searching for a job, consider working with a staffing agency like Express. More and more employers are relying heavily on staffing companies to fill open positions before hiring them on as full-time employees.

If you’re an Express associate and know a fellow associate who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight, let your Express office know. If you have an Express associate you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, let us know in the comments below.

Associate Spotlight: Ana Bohn

Ana Bohn Express Employment Professionals Associate Every month, Movin’ On Up recognizes Express Employment Professionals’ associates who have been recommended by one of our offices as outstanding workers, and we want to give credit where credit is due. Express employed more than 335,000 workers in the United States and Canada in 2011, and each one of them has a story to tell.

Express takes pride in the accomplishments of those individuals who come to us for work. Without the skills and talents our associates provide to employers, Express wouldn’t be what it is today. Our newest associate spotlight is a great example of the kind of spirit and effectiveness Express Employment Professionals demonstrates with everyone we work with.

In this month’s associate spotlight, a certain associate’s professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty has not only earned the respect and admiration of her employer, but her local Express office as well.

Ana Bohn
Ana Bohn came to the South Indianapolis, IN, Express office a year ago and was assigned to work in the Amtrak Claim Office. Working at Amtrak has been a wonderful experience for Ana as well as Amtrak. Since starting, Ana’s dedication, professionalism, and willingness to learn has helped her consistently prove that she was up to the task, which earned more and more responsibilities in her role as an Administrative Assistant.

When workloads have gotten unmanageable, Amtrak has become increasingly reliant on Ana for her support and always coming through. Specifically, Ana has demonstrated a strong work ethic and is very willing to learn new programs or processes that support the office.

“Ana has adjusted to the ‘Amtrak way’ and has a good working relationship with others outside of the department who we depend upon for information. She is the epitome of a professional in every sense of the word,” said Parrish Gross, Ana’s direct supervisor.

We love hearing stories about the determination and quality work Express associates demonstrate every day.  Ana is just one example of thousands of Express associates who achieve success through their strong talent and resolve. If you’re searching for a job, consider working with a staffing agency like Express. More and more employers are relying heavily on staffing companies to fill open positions before hiring them on as full-time employees.

If you’re an Express associate and know a fellow associate who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight, let your Express office know. If you have an Express associate you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, let us know in the comments below.

Associate Spotlight: Sarah Reid

Sarah Reid Associate for Express Employment ProfessionalsTo help recognize outstanding associates’ dedication to Express Employment Professionals and the companies they work for, we like to showcase exceptional associates each month on Movin’ On Up. It’s important to give credit where credit is due, and Express loves to share the stories of our associates as an inspiration to you while you strive to achieve professional success

Our most recent associate spotlight showcases one of those individuals who finds pride in working with Express as a career. Associates like the ones we feature are a testament to how a good work ethic and positive attitude can go a long way in your profession, even in the roughest of economic conditions.

Sarah Reid
Sarah has been recognized by the Express office in Greenwood, IN as an excellent associate. She’s currently assigned to JT International, a leading international horse equipment wholesaler, who has had nothing but great things to say about her.

When Sarah started at JTI, she had little experience with or knowledge about horse products, but in a few short months, she took on a leadership role and brought improvement and productivity to the administrative office. Sarah has never missed a day on the job, has a great attitude towards her work, and strives to better herself and the company.

“Sarah has been a true blessing for our company. She gets along with everyone, works hard each and every day and has really helped keep the morale up in our office,” said Jan Knepp, Sales Supervisor at JTI. “Every time Express calls me asking what my needs are at this time, I ask to find me another Sarah, find me a clone of her. That is simply how thankful we are to have her on our team!”

We’re excited to have Sarah as a part of our Express family. If you haven’t already considered looking into working with a staffing agency like Express, give it a try. You could find the same success that Sarah did.

If you know an Express associate who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight, let your Express office know. If you have Express associates you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, you can nominate them in the comments below.

“I am so thankful that Express gave me the opportunity to branch out into a new profession. I love my job and I am very grateful that Express found this placement for me,” Sarah said.

Associate Spotlight: Jomon Raju

Express Employment Professionals employs more than 335,000 workers in the United States and Canada each year, and they all have a story to tell. They represent a diverse group of workers with different skills, backgrounds, and traditions that have a global impact on the economy. Our associates come from all walks of life and hold with them true stories of inspiration.

As we continue our series highlighting Express’ associates, we look at an associate who chased after opportunity and found that dream in an unlikely situation. Sometimes you may not start where you expect, but a solid work ethic and determination can help you end up where you want to be.

Jomon Raju
Jomon graduated from college in 2010 with a computer sciences degree, but was having trouble finding a job in the IT field.  As time went on with little to no position openings, he needed some sort of income until he could find a job in his field. One day, Jomon was driving down the highway and saw a sign for the downtown Fort Worth, TX, Express office, advertising openings for call center positions.

He jumped on the opportunity, applied, and was initially placed in a warehouse position he worked for six months. While working there, his supervisor found out that Jomon had a computer sciences degree.  The supervisor contacted the vice president of IT to let him know about Jomon and his education.  The VP and his group set up an interview with Jamon and were very impressed by his hard work and dedication. Even though the IT group concluded that Jamon didn’t have experience in the particular application they work with, they decided to invest the time in training him.

With training from the IT department, Jamon’s hourly rate increased by nearly 300%!  He’s been working on the documentation of their processes and the IT department has been very pleased with his performance. They’re now training him on their applications in hopes of having him on their development team.

“I never thought I’d find an IT position by taking a warehouse job,” Jomon said.

Express takes pride in the accomplishments of those individuals who come to us for work. Without the skills and talents our associates provide to employers, Express wouldn’t be what it is today. If you’re an Express associate and know a fellow associate who would be a great candidate for our associate spotlight, let your Express office know. If you have an Express associate you’d like to feature on Movin’ On Up, let us know in the comments below.