Have you ever wondered if your barista is happy? If the guy checking you into a hotel wouldn't rather be offering you an array of new footwear?
Troy-based recruiters JobApp Network, Inc., hope to solve just that problem--selecting the right person for the right job --and with a $4 million investment from Vineyard Capital, the phone- and Web-based service's efforts can intensify, says Richard Helppie, managing director of Vineyard Capital, also based in Troy, and now chairman of the Job App board.
"Effectiveness in businesses is going to come down to the workforce," he says. "Though it can be hard to see it in Michigan, there is a looming workforce shortage and investment to date has gone into white collar and salaried positions."
Hourly workers - there are roughly 50 million in the U.S., Helppie says - have been overlooked.
"You're dealing with largest workforce but very little has been brought to bear in terms of selectIng the right person for job, and the right job for person," he says. "Higher employee satisfaction leads to lower turnover and helps strengthen the economy."
Helppie says JobApp will add positions, but couldn't say how many.
Source: Richard Helppie, Vineyard Capital/JobApp Inc.
Writer: Nancy Kaffer
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