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Featured WBE Interview
Sue Romanos

CAREERXCHANGE®


Tell us a little bit about CAREERXCHANGE®.
CAREERXCHANGE® is the largest independent nationally certified women-owned staffing firm in the South Florida market providing customized staffing solutions including temporary staffing, direct hire, executive search and human resource consulting. We primarily specialize in professional, administrative, clerical and production and assembly personnel. Although CAREERXCHANGE® services most industries, we have a concentration in financial services, banking, healthcare, real estate/construction, telecommunications and hospitality.

CAREERXCHANGE® has a thorough understanding of the local South Florida market and after an extensive needs analysis is done with a client, the stage is set for placing the right individual to meet their needs. All candidates are thoroughly screened, tested and have an extensive background check done. Thus, our client’s are assured of getting the right candidate to meet their needs. The average tenure of an internal CAREERXCHANGE® employee is 7+ years, which translates into consistent service to our clients dealing with the same individual who understands their business year in and year out. The owners of CAREERXCHANGE® are in the office and available to client’s for quick decisions and customized programs.

CAREERXCHANGE® was recently recognized as a finalist in the small business category for the South Florida Business Journal’s 2007, 2006 and 2005 “Best Places to Work” and CAREERXCHANGE® was selected as a Top 500 Women Owned Business by Diversitybusiness.com, ranking #7 in Florida and #208 in the U.S. The principals of the company have won numerous awards and are active in the community.

What made you go into this business?
For many years I had been working in New York City in the recruitment industry. I had a burning desire to own my own business and felt that I could “build a better mousetrap and set the standard”, have control over the working environment and strive to “create the company of choice”. Today for the third year, CAREERXCHANGE® is a finalist for the Best Places to Work Award as judged by our employees. It was my passion to offer the very best service to my customers and exceed their expectations providing them with profitable, productive staffing solutions.

What has been the worst or the biggest obstacle you've faced or had to overcome?
When we originally went into business we used money from savings or borrowed from family to open the business. Bank financing was not an option at that time. I was very well known in the New York market having established a reputation over many years. When I began my journey to entrepreneurship, I wanted to find a suitable business partner. There were many obstacles to achieving that goal in New York and I ultimately partnered with a friend of many years, Suzanne Hodes which presented its own set of challenges. First, we had never worked together and I had never worked in the Florida market. Today, after 18 years we are still best friends and best business partners. We took in a third partner in 1997 when we merged with another local staffing company. Nick Alonso, Jr. is our third partner and the three of us have joined together to grow CAREERXCHANGE® to the level it is today. I feel blessed to have two such wonderful partners and friends.

What has been your biggest triumph?
My biggest triumph has been becoming one of the largest employers in South Florida. CAREERXCHANGE® currently employs approximately 600-700 employees weekly and over 2000 employees annually.

What is the best advice you've ever received?
Follow your passion. When you are passionate about what you do it becomes a labor of love and you enjoy it. Face your fears and challenges and don’t let them take you down. Fear for many can be very destructive and debilitating and can prevent you from achieving your goals.

Is there anyone who inspired you and why?
I have met many people in my life who have provided profound influences. My husband, in particular has been my strongest supporter and inspiration – picking me up when things get me down and coaching me to move forward.

Before going into business, while still in New York, I met with a life-coach. She helped me to overcome the fears that were blocking my momentum and gave me the tools to use during my life to overcome challenges.

What is the best book you ever read and would recommend?
That’s a very difficult question; I have read so many wonderful books, it’s impossible to recommend just one. I abide by the rules in Stephen Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

What is your favorite quote?
The Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can change and the wisdom to know the difference.

What are your goals now and where do you see yourself going?
My personal goals are to work with our current management team and help them become strategic leaders of CAREERXCHANGE® so that I may take more time off to spend with my family, traveling and pursuing other interests. I have always wanted to write a book and I see myself doing that in the near future. I see myself continuing my work as a mentor to other business women.

How has being a member of the WBDC and WBENC helped you?
I have been involved with founding and setting up another company, ANSERTEAM®. This is a consortium of currently 70+ independent staffing companies to provide corporations with a national staffing solution delivered at the local level through the service levels of the independents. I am currently on the Executive Committee of this organization. The corporate partners of WBENC and WBDC have expressed a positive response to our application for certification. ANSERTEAM® would be one of the first Tier 1 diversity suppliers in this arena. It is through the encouragement and help from Nancy Allen that we have made a great deal of progress in this area.

What do you want to be remembered for?  

Making a difference in people’s lives. Being a positive influence and mentor to others that I can help. Having the people I meet feel blessed that they had me in their life.

How does someone get in contact with you at CAREERXCHANGE®?
Sue Romanos, CPC, CTS, CSP
CAREERXCHANGE®
10689 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 209
Miami, FL 33176
Tel: 305 595-3800
Email: sue@cxcinc.com