By Becky Ginos
The City Journals
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting, with offices along the Wasatch Front, is now under new ownership. The company was previously owned by Ron Zarbock, who operated Spherion Utah for 18 years. Brothers John and Tim Larsen intend to continue Zarbock’s business model of helping local businesses with hiring challenges and connecting those seeking jobs with employment opportunities.
“We’re excited to get going,” said John. “We’ve been looking for a business we could do together and have autonomy and control so we could grow it so it remains meaningful. What could be more meaningful than to help people find work?”
John’s career includes experience in technology and HR solutions. He was also involved in executive leadership at Ford Motor Co. Tim has a background in finance and operations.
“I’m a CPA and I’m passionate about client services,” Tim said. “I love to get into the details to help them grow and solve problems. I have a natural inclination to try to help people.”
Tim said at one point he was between jobs and he realized how difficult it was to be out of work. “I felt it myself. So seeing someone else going through that takes me back emotionally to that place.”
Spherion works with large manufacturers, distributors and in the light industrial space. “There is a spectrum of ways we can help,” said John. “Clients don’t always want to fill a permanent position. There can be ups and downs of how many employees they need. We help them find high-quality workers to fill those roles. We can help with professional roles as well.”
The company also helps those seeking a job. “We play matchmaker,” said Tim. “If we don’t have a place for them, we can feature them to other businesses, even if there’s not a need with existing clients.”
In addition to running the business, Spherion regularly contributes to nonprofits. “We have a number of local organizations that we help,” Tim said. “We have offices in Layton, Ogden, Orem, Salt Lake City and Taylorsville. Each office is designated a local charity. Employees get paid time off to serve.”
Some hold workshops to help people with resume prep, interviewing techniques and how to present themselves when applying for jobs, he said. “We also donate to Horizonte School and Second Chance. Our core values are to strengthen the community and give back, either financially or by giving time.”
Primarily Spherion finds businesses that need people, John said. “Many struggle to find staff. Spherion’s goal is to find clients good, quality employees and be a resource for them.”
For more information visit www.spherion.com/utah.