Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1513950
24 Worcester Business Journal | January 8, 2024 | wbjournal.com DAVIS prioritizes finding the right employees for its clients BY ISABEL TEHAN WBJ Staff Writer T o stand out in a tight job market with economic headwinds, Marlborough recruiting and staffing agency e DAVIS Cos. fo- cuses on long-lasting relationships with clients, which includes both companies and individual job seekers. "We want to be the first place people call when looking for their next gig," said Mark Agostinelli, executive vice president at DAVIS Cos. e firm helps companies in the manufacturing and engineering fields find top talent, which in 2023 is more of a challenge than ever as unemployment rates remain historically low. To keep up with the economic headwinds, the DAVIS Cos. focus on long-term strategy and relationships with its people inter- nally and externally. "We make our money by making a successful placement. It doesn't work to look for short-term gains," said To solidify that position, DAVIS makes sure its recruitment team members are equipped with the specific technical knowledge necessary for the fields they recruit in. "Our folks are armed not as general- ists, but as subject matter experts," said Agostinelli. In practice, that means recruiters are equipped to know who would best fit the roles and are in tune with a network of professionals who might fit the descrip- tion. When a role comes out and DAVIS BEST STAFFING AGENCY The DAVIS Cos.* Marlborough www.daviscos.com Top executive: CEO Robert Davis Founded: 1985 Local employees: 436 Notable runners-up: Franklin Professional Associates, Masis Staffing, Robert Half is tapped to help a client fill it, even if a potential employee is not waiting on the bench to be hired, DAVIS has a network of individuals with the right skill sets and a map of how to get the right person in the right role. "All too oen we get obsessed in this business with putting people in a job, without thinking of if it's really a fit for them," said Agostinelli. e model at DAVIS places a higher priority on getting the right fit, rather than just checking boxes. e agency, too, seeks to exude authenticity in all it does. "What that means is paying attention, ultimately," said Agostinelli. As 2023 across the staffing industry was a difficult year, the company has experimented with different approaches, while continuing its growth strategies and expansion into different markets, nationally and internationally. When the goal is putting people to work, it can be easy to find yourself in a hamster wheel, he said. Authenticity means the individual people and clients remain at the forefront. "Relationships and personal touches can't be scripted," he said. BEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE Kelleher & Sadowsky Associates* Worcester www.kelleher-sadowsky.com Top executives: William Kelleher, IV and James Umphrey, principals Founded: 1981 Employees: 25 Despite tough market conditions, Kelleher & Sadowsky expanded to its fourth state in 2023, while adding several veteran brokers to its team. This strategically assembled team of experienced real estate professionals adheres to a client- first mentality, striving to deliver the best brokerage experience. Notable runners-up: NAI Glickman Kovago & Jacobs, Colliers International n BEST WASTE REMOVAL COMPANY E.L. Harvey & Sons* Westborough www.elharvey.com Top executive: BJ Harvey, regional vice president Founded: 1911 Employees: 270 Three years have passed since the family-owned company was acquired by corporate owners, but the Harvey family remains involved in the operation, working to grow and evolve the 123-year-old company while still maintaining its original values. Included in creating this success is the career longevity of its employees. Notable runners-up: Pellegrino Trucking, Superior Waste & Recycling n BEST COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPER LEI Corp. Boylston www.leisite.com Top executive: President Steven Christy Founded: 1987 Employees: 120+ In addition to landscape development and management, LEI offers parking lot maintenance and snow removal, striving to provide services to its clients in all four seasons. The company says the key to its success is its people, calling them the LEI Difference. Notable runners-up: Rosado Landscaping, Perrone Landscaping n William Kelleher, IV (left) and James Umphrey B E S T O F B U S I N E S S O F F I C E S E R V I C E S E.L. Harvey & Sons W The DAVIS Cos. embraces a work-hard, play-hard culture.