4 Examples of Companies Born During Tough Times

Hello!

Well, after several weeks of gains, the stock market hit the skids last week---and positive economic signs like consumer confidence and home sales retreated as well. In the staffing industry, things continue to be slow, but our job orders have increased slightly. Overall, my guess is you're not pounding the pavement looking for new people, (goodness, please call if you are) but my hope is to stay in touch for when things turn in the future.

The magic question is: When will that be? Some have predicted later this year, while others have offered 2010 or beyond. In staffing, we're supposed to experience the turn-around first---as employers ultimately need temporary and contract workers to help with additional work. So if my blog becomes less regular, it could be a good thing for all!

In the meantime, how about some positive info: CNN ran an article recently about major companies that were born during tough economic times in our nation's past. Below are some highlights.

PS: If you've read the article directly, I took out the General Motors bio. Didn't seem to go with my theme. :)

Company: Proctor and Gamble

Founded During: The Panic of 1837

P&G faced the obstacle of the greatest economic decline in the country's history, as well as massive increases in land prices and inflation as everybody moved west. However, as a small business started in Ohio, they survived, and then thrived by scoring huge government contracts during the Civil War.

Today: With several common product names: Duracell, Pringles, Pampers and Tide---P&G trucks on in good times and bad, as their products are needed regardless of the economic state.

Company: IBM

Founded During: The Long Depression 1873-1896

IBM had to overcome the collapse of the banking system...twice! IBM was formed from three seperate start-ups that were successful because they provided innovative products that were still needed, such as a time clock for recording worker's hours and a tabulating machine to tally a booming population.

Today: While its been faced with new obstacles in the 20th century, IBM has come back again and again, recently posting its highest revenue ever in 2008.

Company: GE

Founded During: The Panic of 1873

When the banking collapse of 1873 caused the close of NYSE for six days, it caused a long drought of economic growth. However, this was also the same year that Thomas Edison opened a lab. 6 years later, he invented the light bulb, and although not monetarily successful for a number of years, founded Edison General Electric Company.

Today: Its hard not to find an industry that isn't at least indirectly touched by GE. Even though earnings are down, the company figures to have staying power for the future.

Company: Fed Ex

Founded During: The Oil Crisis of 1973

Entrepeneur Frederick Smith realized a business opportunity, shipping important documents to destinations in one to two business days. The company had to develop a market for their service, but also faced an embargo of oil from Arab nations during the company's infancy. Incoporated in 1971, they shipped their first package in 73', and finally became profitable in 75'---as their customer's needs exceeded high operating costs.

Today: With millions of packages traveling to world-wide destinations, the company provides an amazing impact on business. Faced with high fuel costs again in 2008, they are hoping to repeat a remarkable climb to the top of their industry.

Thanks for reading! Below are open orders with our team. Please contact me if you know of anyone that may be interested in these positions.

Sales Representative: Elk Grove Village, IL

Operations Manager: New Berlin

Manufacturing Engineer: Milwaukee

Director of Quality: Port Washington

Packaging Engineer: Madison

Sincere Regards
Dave