Gingrich Looks Back on Ten Years

Some people say that time stands still, but do not count Terri Gingrich as one of them.

Since December 1997, Gingrich has seen her vision of starting a company that would offer staff augmentation and outsourcing assistance to businesses materialize into one of the most successful women-owned businesses in east Tennessee. 

“I have said repeatedly in newsletters and discussions that time is one of the biggest obstacles in business,” said President and Owner Gingrich. “Each day, I am shocked when I look at the clock and see that it is time for lunch but it seems like I just arrived at work. There never seems to be enough time to get everything done, however, I think that is the sign of a successful business. I would much rather not have enough time in the day than to sit idle waiting on something to happen.”  

Gingrich’s work day usually begins at 7:30 a.m. and often does not end until the same time in the evening. Her early arrival provides her an opportunity to sort through emails, listen to voicemail, pay invoices and plan the day ahead.

“For anyone who thinks that owning a business does not come with a long list of responsibilities, they should come and observe a day in my life,” Gingrich jokingly says. “As we continue to diversify our business, each day of the week presents a new challenge. To say that no two days are ever the same is an understatement.”      

The word “change” has become a frequent part of Gingrich’s vocabulary. When asked what has been the biggest change in the professional world since she began her career, Gingrich answers with a proud look. 

“Significantly more opportunities exist for women in the workplace today than 25 years ago when I began my career,” she said. “However, women in upper-management roles, such as owner, president or director, still have to fight their way up the corporate ladder. I believe women in my age group have helped pave the way and reduce the challenges for the younger generation joining the workforce. If a woman was successful in the 1970s, it was likely she encountered a great deal of sexism in her respective professional environment. Today, with new opportunities open to women, I think the impact of this challenge has been lessened.”  

Gingrich added, “Another difference is most women owning businesses have started from scratch, as opposed to acquiring or inheriting them. It is exciting to see women are now more confident in starting their own companies and taking control of their professional destiny. I believe they are now empowered to work even harder to achieve their business dreams.”

Although she believes the changes in today’s workplace have made it easier for women to be accepted as owners and leaders of businesses, the most important aspect of being successful is to meet and exceed a customer’s expectations, whether a company is owned by a man or a woman.

“Women today still have to work a little harder to overcome misconceptions concerning our place in business. They should always remember that they are responsible for their perception in the workplace. You should always be confident about making a decision and move forward with it.”        

In May 2006, StaffMe.net moved into a larger office space. The move was necessitated by the incredible growth the Company was experiencing. “I had been searching for the right building in a centralized location for months. Being in west Knoxville was essential, since we wanted to be in the heart of the area’s thriving business community. StaffMe.net and its network of divisions now have 5,000 square feet of office space, with room for expansion.”     

Most recently, StaffMe.net entered into a five-year agreement with Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) to provide medical recruiting and services through its StaffMeds division. CHS focuses on managing nationwide workforce health programs for major corporations and government agencies. The company specializes in staffing, operating and managing worksite health centers to reduce medical costs, recordable injury rates, lost time and use of outside healthcare providers through employer-sponsored health centers at locations with significant employee concentration.

With new contracts, additional employees and more responsibility, Gingrich states that it is imperative StaffMe.net continues to seek the most qualified candidates and that all applicants for job openings be prepared for an interview.  

“Business professionalism has changed so much over the past 10 years,” she said. “I am surprised by young professionals going to an interview not knowing how to ‘sell themselves.’ With so many resources available, there is simply no excuse for an applicant not to research proper interview techniques and background information about the company before interfacing with an interviewer.”  

In asking what advice she would give someone seeking a new job, she quickly advises to not accept a position with a company unless you truly believe you can make an impact and contribute to their success. “There are unlimited possibilities in the workforce and for people to waste time in positions that do not offer them professional satisfaction is foolish. We frequently ask an applicant: ‘What would you choose to do every day because you absolutely love doing this?’ The answer to this question is what that individual will excel in on the job.”  

As Gingrich reflects on the past 10 years, she often looks at the people who have had the greatest impact on her success.  

“It is unimaginable that I would have achieved this success without a great staff,” Gingrich said. “I have been truly blessed to have found such talented people. But, I know that without the assistance of some great people at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), the Company would not be at its current level of success. From Ron Townsend, John Bennett and Sharon Jacobs to the recently-retired Judy Stanley, I believe they have provided some tremendous opportunities for StaffMe.net. I will always have the highest level of respect for all of these special people.”