Ron Alvarado, President, Novus Staffing Solutions, Inc.
Ron Alvarado considered the economic turmoil of 2008 but armed with a solid business plan and more than 25 years experience in all aspects of the staffing industry he weighed the risks against the opportunities and the scale tipped toward the opportunities. So in October 2008, Ron launched a full-service staffing and recruitment outsourcing company — Novus Staffing Solutions, Inc. — based in Robinson Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
A former boss had once told him, “We don’t expand into new markets (in the staffing industry) when there is a vibrant economy.” With this in mind, Alvarado predicted that the severe conditions in the market would result in companies looking more toward temporary workers, creating a need that Novus Staffing Solutions could fill and build upon. This clear understanding and research of the market convinced his financial partners to come on board. And Alvarado’s prediction of the market was confirmed. In 2009 the temporary staffing industry created more new jobs in the US than any other private sector industry and Novus created 189 of them in the greater Pittsburgh region.
Alvarado’s business philosophy is based on the belief that his company has an inherent responsibility to approach client relationships from a problem solving perspective and to present solutions that will have a positive influence on the client’s competitive position. This approach is the basis for Novus’ strategic partnerships with leading firms in Pittsburgh and across the U.S. and is helping grow Novus into a market leader.
Part of the strategy at Novus Staffing Solutions is to develop a highly effective service delivery system, the cost savings from which are passed on to the client. For example, web based functionalities drive the entire candidate application process and is also used for temporary employee time capture and invoicing.
Attention to detail combined with innovative use of technology drives all elements of the Novus organization. Since human resource functions tend to be paper intensive, Alvarado positioned Novus on the cutting edge by reworking in-office processes to reduce paper usage by 98% while increasing productivity. This allows staff more time and energy to focus on Novus client needs, employment candidates and temporary associates.
When asked the following questions, Mr. Alvarado was happy to take time from his busy day to provide his observations.
Q: Is there something specific about Pittsburgh that makes it a good environment for entrepreneurs?
A: I was surprised by the many resources available to entrepreneurs here. I received very beneficial assistance from the Diversity Business Resource Center as well as Duquesne’s Small Business Development Center and the Western PA Minority Supplier Development Council.
Q: What would you advise someone contemplating starting his/her own business?
A: First, don’t let a fear of failure keep you from starting your business. Second, save enough money to keep you and your family going for six months longer than you predict it will take to be able to pay yourself a salary. And third, if your experience is slanted toward one end of your business (sales, operations, etc.) try to bring in a partner whose skills and experience are stronger in the areas where you are weaker.
Q: What has been an especially significant lesson you have learned since starting Novus Staffing Solutions?
A: A clear vision and a solid plan will develop into the business you dreamed of creating if you hire, train and manage to that vision.
Q: Why did you choose the name “Novus” for your company?
A: I knew that the market for staffing companies in the Greater Pittsburgh area was somewhat stale. There weren’t any local competitors that were providing the breadth of services and innovation I wanted to develop. Hence the name Novus, which in Latin means extraordinary, revived, refreshed.
Find out more about Novus Staffing Solutions, Inc. at: novusstaffing.com.
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