Sisters Zola Stewart (CEO) and Barbara Walker (CFO) founded Focus Solutions in 2006 with a simple goal: helping underserved Cincinnatians find and keep work. The company began as a staffing agency serving a variety of people looking for work, many of those lived in low-income neighborhoods.
But the Columbia Township company quickly grew into something more. Focus Solutions, part of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce’s Minority Business Accelerator program, now has three business units: IncuBusiness (business development), Process Management and Staffing.
“I think what sets us apart is the work we put into individuals and businesses. We really want (our workers) to be successful. For example, we give them feedback on their resumes; we don’t just look at them and give them back. We give them training, at our cost on their employer’s site, and we invite others from the employer’s company to participate. We really are a partner (with employers and employees),” said Stewart, who’s experienced in healthcare management. Her sister previously worked in financial services on Wall Street.
The company employs 10 administrators and has a 200-person strong workforce. Many of these workers are in the healthcare industry, but also work in the banking and convention center sectors. Among the services Focus Solutions offers is temporary placement, direct hire, 1099 and vendor management.
As the company grows, it continues to offer highly trained workers for area companies, but it hasn’t lost its heart. Its web site explains “The mission of Focus Solutions is to improve work and change lives. Our reputation in staffing is based on efficiently providing the strongest workforce available.”
Focus Solutions has been recognized across the region for its growth and service, receiving three awards in 2008. The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce and South Central Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council both named it Emerging Business of the Year and the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce named it Social Entrepreneur of the Year runner up. In 2009 it was both a Cincinnati Chamber Small Business of the Year and Minority Business of the Year finalist.
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Zola Stewart Focus Solutions CEO