Bogard Staffing steps up to 39th place on the top 100 list.

"We moved from 71st to 39th place this year on the Top 100 Women-Owned Business List," said Iris Bogard, president and CEO of Bogard Staffing Services, a personnel agency that provides clerical, temporaries, temp to staff and full-time placement services to clients in the San Fernando Valley, Glendale/Pasadena, Downtown Los Angeles and the entire Westside. "We are really excited about this move up the list, and it is reflected in our sales, which increased from $1.56 million in 1992 to $7.4 million last year," she says. Bogard Staffing Services is one of the top employers in the Los Angeles County, with over 600 employees working on assignments each week. That is sweet success considering that several years ago things were not quite as rosy.

"As the recession crept in late in 1990 the permanent placement side of our business began to decline so we had to focus more on the temp side. Our competition was severe and dual agencies were in the same boat as we were. I told my staff that in order to survive we must exceed our client's expectations, concentrate on taking a small percentage of business away from all our competition, give value-added service and recruit the very best temps available. Since there was little new business in the marketplace, this seemed to be the only way to go. And it worked! And that's why we've moved up to number 39 on the Los Angeles Business Journal's top 100 women-owned businesses and what's more - we are still moving fast."

Bogard Staffing Services began in February 1984 with a $25,000 loan from a neighborhood bank. The agency started with one employee, had five employees within three months and now has a staff of 21 in three locations. Previous to that, Bogard was President and CEO of another agency she started with a partner in 1980. "My vision was different than my partner's, so I left and headed out on my own."

After a 13 year career in the construction industry, Bogard left Los Angeles for 2 years and upon return, looked for a position to support herself and her two sons. "I met with the owner of an employment agency for a job in the construction industry. Instead, she talked me into working for her. One year later, I opened up my first agency."

Bogard manages her business by surrounding herself with competent, intelligent people who can get the job done. "I believe it is important to work hard to meet the challenges of the day-to-day operations of running a business and to fulfill the needs of our clients," said Bogard. "I want everyone to say WOW! Bogard Staffing Services does what they say they will do and more." The agency provides experienced office support staff 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Bogard is married to a man she says is her most important supporter, confidant and biggest fan - her husband Jason. "He is always there to support all my endeavors," she said. "When I have a million things going on and I am juggling both the business, family, community and social life, he would say 'Wait a minute. Let's sit down and look at this logically. Let's get our priorities straight.' And when I do that, I look at things much more clearly and I get back on track. My life is really a fast locomotive. Jason seems to always know how to slow down the train and avoid collisions. He provides the tranquility and laughter in my life. If anyone were to ask me the one reason that my business has survived and flourished, I would say it was because of the support that my husband has offered throughout the years."

In addition to running a successful business, Bogard is a vigorous supporter of Haven Hills, a San Fernando Valley shelter for abused women and their children. She is also the mother of two adult sons and a grandmother to a 2 1/2-year-old grandson.

"We all hope to have a mentor to qualm fears and to help us get started," she said. "When I first got into the business, I was delighted to meet Jean McCart who had the Beverly Cross Personnel Agency. She was my mentor. She always made time for me, answered all my questions and allowed me to learn from her. Without her help, I probably wouldn't have achieved the success I have today." Bogard makes time to speak to community groups and the personnel industry to share information that she has gathered over the years. "I feel it is important to give back and act as an information resource to my industry."

Bogard is a graduate of LACC, attended LASU, is a Certified Employment Specialist, a Certified Personnel Consultant, holds a State of California contractor's license. She belongs to the Calabassas, Encino, Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills and Woodland Hills Chambers of Commerce.

Bogard has achieved success with great dedication. She works 14-hours a day, Monday-Friday and at least eight hours on Saturdays. "Nothing comes easy," said Bogard. "Each day presents new challenges and we attack these in a professional, determined manner. Is there any other way to run a business? I know how important it is to provide service, service, service to clients."

"The challenge for the next five years will include forever upgrading our computer capabilities to enhance our services. I am learning to manage my personal time and have recently installed computer systems that operate in all three of our offices and my home. Now I am able to access information during the week and on weekends. When asked what are her time-management secrets, she replied, "I don't have any, but I am willing to listen to anyone that can show me how to make 14 hours do the job of 24."