Vickie Walters & Michelle Key

"(RCC) was so good about helping with the numbers, the projections, and pointing out what we needed to look at. They were very instrumental in helping us get started."

After working for Graham & Associates Staffing Services for 11 years, Vickie Walters found herself at a crossroads. She worked out of the Greensboro and High Point offices for many years, then established an Asheboro branch for Graham in 2004. Her daughter, Michelle Key, had joined her as a sales representative for Graham, and the two loved working together. In November 2006, Vickie was asked to return to the High Point office to help with sales. This forced Vickie to start commuting again.

Vickie decided to approach her employer, Gary Graham, tell him her dilemma, and broach the subject of starting her own staffing service in Asheboro. Mr. Graham agreed. "Everything just fell into place," said Vickie. "It was a fairly smooth transition." Piedmont Staffing Solutions opened on Zoo Parkway on July 1, 2007.

But the mother/daughter team did have some behind-the-scenes help. "Michelle said that we needed to call Victor Dau at the RCC Small Business Center," said Vickie. Michelle met Victor at an Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce Business After-Hours event. "I knew that he would steer us in the right direction," said Michelle.

Taking advantage of the Small Business Center's free one-on-one consultation services, Vickie said Victor helped her complete her business plan. "He was so good about helping with the numbers, the projections, and pointing out what we needed to look at," she continued. "He was very instrumental in helping us get started." Vickie is the owner/president of the company, which offers temporary and direct hire services, payroll services, and contract placement, and Michelle is sales and marketing manager.

Both Vickie and Michelle are former Randolph Community College students. Vickie completed a degree in the mid 70s studying business administration and computer programming, and Michelle has taken several accounting classes. Michelle is an ambassador for the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber.

Mother and daughter are effusive in their praise of each other. "We have a very good working relationship," says Michelle. "I've always considered myself a very good sales representative and marketing person," says Vickie, "but Michelle is better than me."

Both also have a lot of praise for their staff members at Piedmont Staffing Solutions. Employees Yolanda Dukes, Celeste Kenyon and Erica Andrade were laid off from Graham Associates and had to wait a month before being officially hired by the new company. "They volunteered their time to help set up," said Vickie. "They didn't get anything for it." Michelle agreed, "We could not ask for a better group of employees."

Vickie lives in Asheboro with her husband, Bill. In addition to their daughter, Michelle, they have a son, Dustin.

Michelle lives in Seagrove with her husband, Tommy. They have two children.

Vickie Walters, President
Michelle Key, Sales & Marketing Manager
Piedmont Staffing Solutions
1512-K Zoo Parkway
Asheboro

 

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