In 1978 Janice Bryant Howroyd would found a company that would make her the first self-made Black woman to build a billion dollar staffing and employment agency.
After moving to Los Angeles, CA in 1976 to work as a temporary secretary for her brother-in-law Tom Noonan (at Billboard magazine), and rack up a wealth of knowledge from business executives and high-profile individuals, Howroyd founded staffing agency, ActOne Group in 1978 with $1500; $900 of which was a loan from her mother.
The company launched in the front office of a Beverly Hills rug shop and with her brother-in-law as her first client, Howroyd was able to grow her business with just a fax machine and phone, and the connections she had made while in California.
As clients and word-of-mouth referrals came in, Howroyd found herself making adjustments to accommodate client requests when staffing was limited. She even showed up herself to fill roles when there was a void.
It’s this level of dedication and tenacity that helped to grow her organization.
Today the agency has operates in 19 countries across the world, with over 17,000 clients and 2,600 employees worldwide.
It is the largest privately held, woman, and minority owned workforce management company in the U.S. and provides flexible, comprehensive solutions under three distinct business verticals: Staffing, Workforce Solutions, and Business Services.
Today Janice Bryant Howroyd is not only know for her business savvy but also her work as a philanthropist, educator and mentor.
She serves and belong to a number of organizations that aid to create opportunities for Black and minorities.
Howroyd was born on September 1, 1952 in Tobora, North Carolina, the fourth of 11 children. She is an alumna of North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in English.
In 1983 she married businessman Bernard Howroyd. Together the couple have two children, Brett and Katharyn Howroyd.
ActOne Group CEO, Janice Bryant Howroyd, receives The 2008 BET Honors Entrepreneur Awards.
(Photos: Janice Bryant Howroyd/Instagram)
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