George Konik Associates Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Minneapolis, Minnesota (PRWEB) July 29, 2014 -- Adapting and evolving alongside Minnesota’s changing manufacturing sector, longstanding Engineering/IT recruiting and staffing firm enters fifth decade.
The history of Twin Cities-based engineering/IT recruiting and staffing firm George Konik Associates (GKA) reflects the evolution of Minnesota’s manufacturing sector over the past 40 years. Founded in 1974 by hockey legend George Konik with the goal of servicing the staffing needs of Minnesota’s manufacturing sector, GKA remains vigilantly focused on locally serving the unique needs of the state’s engineering and IT sectors.
“As the staffing needs of the manufacturing sector have evolved, so has George Konik Associates,” said Brad Konik, president at George Konik Associates. “When my father started, manufacturers were looking for short-term skilled labor. Today, they are looking for the expertise that will give them both long-term and short-term competitive advantages; whether getting a product to market faster or meeting spikes in production. The need for skilled engineering and IT staff in the region has never been higher.”
As Minnesota’s manufacturing sector recovers, GKA’s legacy in the engineering, architecture and IT sectors has uniquely prepared the company for the evolving needs of Minnesota’s manufacturing and high tech industries — from nonprofits to biotechnical companies, start-up firms and Fortune 500 companies. In the last five years – coming out of the depths of the most recent recession – the firm realized average year-over-year growth of 24 percent.
“Despite predictions of the demise of the recruiting and staffing industry due to the Internet, job boards and social networks like LinkedIn, demand for our services is stronger than ever,” commented Konik. “Over the years, our ability to evolve with our client’s business models as well as the changing industry combined with our continued local focus has provided us with a distinct perspective. This perspective translates into a win-win for our clients.”
A second-generation family business, George’s son Brad purchased the firm in June 2000. The younger Konik joined his father in the family business in 1997 following graduation from Harvard University. A hockey player himself, Brad played for Harvard before stints with the Providence Bruins and Charlotte Checkers. In 2009, Brad sold part ownership of the company to long-time employee Tom Goettl who now serves as Vice President of the firm.
“My father has been a mentor in every aspect of my life,” said Konik. “He taught me how to walk, how to skate and most importantly remembering what matters most in life —building lasting relationships. As Tom and I take the company into the next decade, I am proud to carry on his legacy. It is fundamental to every aspect of the company.”
About George Konik Associates
George Konik Associates, Inc. (GKA) has been providing staffing solutions to Twin Cities and western Wisconsin businesses since 1974. The second generation family-owned business is solely focused on meeting the engineering, architecture and IT staffing needs of its clients. Through its long-term relationships with candidates, clients, and employees, GKA provides the fastest and easiest link between employees and employers. For more information on the Edina, Minn.-based GKA, visit http://www.georgekonik.com.
Tom Goettl, George Konik Associates, Inc., http://www.georgekonik.com/, +1 952-641-3431, [email protected]
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