AEG Employee Spotlight: Eric Ormson Managing Director
Tell us about what you do at AEG.
I’m in charge of running all things recruiting and sales at AEG. My main job is to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident in their abilities, helping them grow and be the best versions of themselves here at AEG. I focus on resolving any issues they face, understanding their career goals, and supporting their growth within the company.
How long have you been with the company?
I’ve been with AEG for just under two years now. During this time, we’ve undergone a significant transformation, revamping the company’s branding, logo, and investment in our people. It’s been a thrilling opportunity to be part of the team that brought about these positive changes.
How does AEG leadership support employee growth?
We firmly believe in an open-door policy. While we may be a smaller company, we capitalize on this advantage by ensuring every employee feels comfortable approaching leadership members with any questions or concerns. I want our team to know they can call us at any time for assistance or guidance.
Our approach to support is rooted in providing employees with the resources they need to solve problems, offer advice, and navigate challenging situations. We encourage them to reach out for help, whether it’s understanding a tricky email, handling unique candidate situations, or delivering difficult news. Our motto is simple–there are no bad questions, and we’re here to help everyone achieve their goals.
Work-life balance is also a cornerstone of our company’s values. We don’t believe in rigidly tracking hours; instead, we focus on individual goals. Our employees are highly motivated individuals committed to success. We create an environment that fosters their growth and empowers them to have a fulfilling life outside of work.
We understand that life happens, and our team members might need time for personal commitments or interests. Whether it’s attending a child’s soccer practice, scheduling a doctor’s appointment, or enjoying an extended lunch with loved ones, we trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. As long as they get their work done and remain active team players, they have the well-deserved freedom to balance their personal and professional lives.
What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work? The biggest wins?
Like any staffing firm, AEG faces counteroffers, backouts, and fluctuations in job openings. However, we tackle these issues with a “what’s next” mentality. Our focus is on learning from the challenges we encounter, preventing future issues where possible, and embracing new opportunities with optimism and determination.
Speaking of victories, I am incredibly proud of the team members we’ve added to our roster over the past 18 months! Recently securing partnerships with a few major enterprise clients has also been a significant achievement for AEG.
What inspires you most about working on the AEG team? How do you inspire the team?
The most inspiring aspect of working at AEG is witnessing the growth and success of our team members. I love helping people, building strong teams, and fostering a competitive spirit. Watching the team achieve their goals while being great teammates and individuals is incredibly rewarding.
On the flip side, I strive to inspire our employees by being fair, authentic, and honest, providing guidance to help them overcome challenges.
What are your favorite ways to foster an inclusive environment at AEG?
One of the key aspects of my role is creating a positive and inclusive AEG culture. I believe in allowing people to make mistakes and understanding not everything will be perfect.
It’s okay to fail; the important thing is to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward. By establishing a high level of trust with our team, they feel comfortable opening up, communicating, and taking risks, which ultimately boosts their confidence.
How do you communicate with and support your team members?
We have regular one-on-one meetings with the team. The frequency depends on each employee’s seniority and production. Some might meet with me weekly, others biweekly, and some monthly. We also have team meetings twice a week to go over the state of the business, as well as monthly sales and recruiting meetings.
What sets AEG apart from other staffing companies?
What sets AEG apart from the competition is our unwavering commitment to being excellent partners to our clients. We don’t impose our way on them; instead, we listen and customize solutions to meet their specific hiring needs. Staying true to our core values, we strive to provide each client with valuable feedback and resources to enhance their hiring processes.
What sets you apart from other staffing leaders?
Having worked at both large national staffing firms and smaller boutique companies, I have gained valuable insights into the industry. This experience allows me to relate to the struggles my team members might face and provide them with the confidence they need to overcome challenges in the competitive staffing world.
What’s the biggest benefit to partnering with AEG in a job search or search for talent?
At AEG, we aim to be a great partner to our clients, providing custom solutions tailored to their specific hiring needs. We have strong relationships with major clients across the Midwest and offer them an edge in attracting top talent. Additionally, we offer unique benefits to our consultants, such as visa sponsorship and excellent benefits.
If you could give one piece of advice to other staffing firm leaders, what would it be?
Remember employees are people, not just numbers. Treat them with care, understanding, and respect their work-life balance. Creating a positive and supportive work environment will help your team thrive and achieve greater success.
What’s your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?
It’s probably no secret by now, but I absolutely love hockey, and one of my greatest passions is coaching. For the past 13 years, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding young athletes, helping them develop their skills, and witnessing their growth as players and individuals. Both on and off the ice, coaching hockey has allowed me to build lasting friendships and taught me rewarding lessons about the importance of teamwork.
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know more about Eric and the values he and AEG hold dear!