Living The Dream

It was always a dream of mine to own my own business.  I wanted something that would leverage my experience, a service or product that I was passionate about, and most importantly, I wanted to be able to make a difference.  Through-out my career I worked for some very large corporations, as well as some smaller companies.  I had the opportunity of working for some very special people who I considered mentors as well as for other folks who I considered learning experiences.

In 2005 I was ready for the next challenge in my life where I wanted to take all the experiences I developed through out the years and leverage it to my own company.  It was at this time that I stumbled across a business that was for sale called Acrobat Outsourcing.  At the time, it was a small boutique temporary staffing company that specialized in foodservice/hospitality. I decided that Acrobat Outsourcing was my future and I was willing to invest my life savings into buying this business.   It was located in the heart of the Tenderloin.  Based on the fact that I had 20 years direct hospitality/foodservice experience and my greatest stregnth is my people skills it was a no brainer.  In addition, I had spent the last 4 years in a sales capacity building a companies footprint in the hotel industry.  I was really excited about Acrobat Outsourcing.  I had a vision of taking this small boutique staffing company and growing it into something special.

Based on my skill set, I knew I had what it takes to grow this business.  What I didn’t realize about this business when I bought it was the affect it would have on people.  I realized that within a short time, I was changing peoples lives by giving them work or opportunities that they would normally not be able to get on there own.  I was working with a very diverse group of people.  My temporary employees come from all walks of life.  Whether it be an employee that was looking for a second chance on life or a 5 star Executive Chef looking to pick up extra work.  It didn’t matter because we had work for them as long as they have the work ethic and commitment to represent themselves and Acrobat in the  highest regard.   Also, owning a small business gives you the opportunity of doing things your own way and taking risks.  I am proud to say that I am willing to take a chance on an employee who may have had a “checkered past” but also has the determination of changing their life around for the better and making an honest living.  By the same token, before I would even take a chance on an employee with a “checkered past” they have to prove to me and my team that they are ready for the responsibility of a job by completing life skills and receive recommendations from their community.  The best part of owning this company is when one of my temporary employees comes up to me and says “Because of Acrobat, I now have a full-time job where I am supporting my family and making an honest living.”  My response is always the same.  Acrobat Outsourcing can give you the opportunity.  It’s up to you to make the most out of it.

I have now owned this company for three and a half years and I am proud to say that we have come a long way.  I now have 4 offices (San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and San Diego) and have employed over 2000 employees per year on a temporary basis.  We work with California’s most well known companies and our business is continuing to grow despite what the economy is saying.  That only happens when you are diligent about financial decisions that effect your company and you take care of your employees.  Three years ago nobody knew who we are.  Today we are a force to be reckoned with.

–Steve Scher, Owner