With a career that began more than 70 years ago, Betty White is known as “the first lady of television.” And at age 96, she still loves the challenge of working.
Active Staffing may not be a comedic personality or television celebrity, but we share a number of traits with Ms. White that help explain why both of us remain relevant today.
We also began our career more than 70 years ago. Our vision is to be known as a pioneer in the staffing industry. Like Betty White, who’s a pioneer of television, over the years we’ve survived economic ups and downs, wars and social change, and the growth of modern technology.
How have we done it? “We are innovators,” says Elliot Elzweig, president of Active Staffing. “Our business has thrived because we’ve stayed current with technology, employment and job trends. We are progressive, always evolving to meet the needs of our clients and associates.”
We’re a lot like Betty White in that way. She knows what’s fresh and hip. At 96, she’s trendy! She’s moved seamlessly from game shows to sitcoms, advertising gigs to hosting Saturday Night Live. Betty White doesn’t sit still. Neither does Active.
Active’s mission is to improve the lives of others through work. We love the challenges and the rewards of connecting people to opportunity. Of course, we are in business to grow and make a profit. But we have a higher purpose: to make a living by helping others make a living.
Betty White also has a higher purpose than making a living by making people laugh. She is an activist who has worked for the benefits of animal health and welfare, supporting a number of organizations through her financial support and advocacy.
Today, Betty White is considered one of America’s most trusted and popular personalities. Yes, she’s entertaining, charismatic and appears to have a terrific agent. But more than that, she is positive. Her messages about aging, patience and resilience are inspiring to people in all ages and stages of life. She’s honest, daring, and not afraid to get her hands dirty.
Staffing is like that. Just ask any of Active’s branch managers what it takes to open their doors at 5:30 a.m. every day and work hands-on with job seekers and business people who need to get work done. It’s a hands-on business.
We have to be caring, honest and optimistic. In fact, these are some of Active Staffing’s core values. We’ve built trusting, personal relationships with our associates and clients for decades by being available, flexible and responsive.
“Success in the staffing industry requires the patience of a marathoner and the quick-thinking responsiveness of a sprinter,” Elzweig said. “Betty White’s quick wit and ability to think on her feet is a lot like the skills our team brings to work every day. We are ‘always Active’.”
At the risk of taking the analogy too far, we’ll conclude by acknowledging that Active Staffing isn’t likely to become nationally-known and beloved by millions like Betty White is. But we can aspire to demonstrate her staying power, contribution to a greater good, and respect of others in the relationships we build with our clients, associates and staff members. Betty White inspires us. Active Staffing works to inspire those we serve.
We look forward to celebrating Active Staffing in 2043 at age 96 like America has celebrated Betty White in 2018.