SUCCESS STORIES

| Project Summaries | Testimonials |

PROJECT SUMMARIES

Since 1994, the Charlotte office has been involved in a number of closing and downsizing projects:

Bill and Team,

I first want to thank you for providing an excellent team to partner with us in helping to begin the difficult transition of our Wilson employees. Due to your dedication, cooperation and teamwork, we able to rapidly and efficiently move through the closing process in 19 business days.

The comments I am receiving are all very positive.

Thank you for your support.

J. Kelly
Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Uniquema

"One of the differences between Compass Career and other outplacement firms in the area is that you have contacts in local businesses that can help our employees".

Richard Brooks, Site Manager

Alcoa

A positive influence on employees.  A great job.  A great burden was taken off our shoulders by Compass during the curtailment.

Dana Kessler, Human Resources Manager

John Deere Consumer Products Division

Because of our successful efforts to assist John Deere with plant downsizing or closures In 1998-1999 (Gastonia, NC, Greer, SC and Clover, SC), involving 900 employees. Compass Career Management Solutions was selected to assist John Deere Consumer Products with the downsizing of it regional headquarters in Charlotte, NC. This project will continue through 2002.  We were advised by the plants respective Human Resource Managers that we had almost instantly gained the confidence and respect of the plants' employees. Additionally, we worked very closely with the North Carolina and South Carolina Employment Security Commissions to provide the maximum possible transition benefits to all employees. In January of 2002 we started the closing of the Columbia, SC plant helping the 200 employees with resumes and job search workshops.

Cheryl Forlines, Human Resources Manager 

Leiner Health Products

Compass Career Management Solutions modified workshops to meet production needs; even with workshops held on-shift, production still increased." (2001)

Jill Stambler, Regional Human Resources Manager

Reynolds Metals Company

"I was very pleased with the job Compass Career Management Solutions did for my facility in Houston, Texas. Their professionalism, compassion and 'never say die' attitude helped my employees through a difficulttime in their lives; with all the services they offered, they definitely made my job easier."

Mike Martini, former Human Resource Manager

O&K Escalators

Over a short period of 60 days in early 1998, we achieved a 93% placement rate at O&K Escalators in Newport News, Virginia. Rob McFerron, Human Resource Manager, commented to the local newspaper, "I have never seen an outplacement process implemented with as much passion and enthusiasm as was demonstrated by Compass Career Management Solutions. Everything they did was geared to our employees."

Rob McFerron, former Human Resource Manager 

Chelsea Laboratories

In 1996, we began a seventeen-month closing project for Chelsea Laboratories Inc., a pharmaceutical manufacturer located in Monroe, NC. This effort involved 137 professional laboratory and production employees. In follow-up surveys six months after the closure of the plant, 76% of the employees indicated that their current employment was equal to or better than their Chelsea employment.

Jim Spencer, former Plant Manager 

AlliedSignal

In 1996, in Charlotte, North Carolina, AlliedSignal selected us to manage an extended closure process involving production, assembly, machinists and computerized machining center employees. During the twelve-month closure process, the plant re-certified as ISO compliant. Over 90% of the plant employees achieved their transition goals, either comparable positions, continuing education through NAFTA, or pursuit of self-employment, within 90 days of the plant closing date.

Delores McManus, former Human Resource Manager 

Tenneco Specialty Packaging

During the summer of 1998, in a four week period in Columbia, South Carolina, we met with 35 plant employees, conducted job search workshops, wrote resumes, coordinated a job fair and job development. The result was a 93% placement rate.

Gretchen Nester, Manager of Human Resources 

Waukesha Electric Systems

Compass Career Management Solutions has been a great addition to our HR Staff at Waukesha Electric Systems. I have dealt with outplacement teams before, but none have the professional ability and competence that's been displayed by Bill Crigger and Mike Monnet. Their approach, counseling, and follow through with each individual has been first class. In some instances, they have gone beyond the call of duty to help someone, months after the initial contract was over. They take a personal stake in each situation."

"I would not hesitate to recommend them to any company needing these services."

Bill Goad, Sr. Manager, Human Resources
 

Schlegel Corporation, Carolina Division
 
Two months have passed since we had the salary reduction and I wanted to give you some feedback on the management perspective of that action. As we discussed, our employees have long service and tend to interact more like a "family" than co-workers. In addition, our small location adds to the atmosphere. Our key objectives during the reductions were to ensure that the effected employees were properly treated and that the surviving employees remained productive and positive.

With the help of yourself and Carol Taggart, these objectives have been met. Both of you provided much needed support to the laid off employees. Your presence on site was viewed as a very positive initiative by all employees. In addition, your meetings with the remaining salaried employees proved to be very helpful and informative. Our President, Patrick McWeeney, has made several comments about the positive effects of using outplacement and views the actions taken at South Carolina as having a positive result of a potential problem.

Thanks again to you and Carol for your guidance and assistance. As you undoubtedly often hear, yours isn't the type of business that repeat business is desired. However, if our need were to arise again, or if someone asked me for a referral, I would not hesitate to give them your name and number.

Sincerely,

Jay Thompson
Manager, HR and IS

TESTIMONIALS

11/05/2009

Bill,

I really enjoyed attending the Charlotte Professionals meeting yesterday. I felt welcome and inspired. Thank you for the opportunity to attend.

Robert M.-CFO

November 2, 2009

Dear Robyn, 

I am pleased to know and recommend Robyn Crigger, CEO and Owner of Compass Career Management Solutions. I worked with Robyn during my recent outplacement experience, where I found her very caring, detailed and dedicated with her approach. Her ability to keep you on track, along with the assistance with the resume preparation process was extremely helpful. I would certainly recommend Robyn Crigger and her staff at Compass Career Management Solutions for those in need of quality outplacement or HR related services"

J. Martini

October 12, 2009 

Robyn and I served together as Board Members of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Robyn is passionate about helping women business owners to succeed. As CEO of Compass Career Management Solutions, she helps employees through career transitions. She has a very professional, yet caring, manner. I would recommend her services to any company or individual going through a transition.

Barbara Jones

June 1, 2009

Robyn,

You and Bill are consummate professionals who are so dedicated and consistently focused on doing all you can for your clients and customers.  Your hearts are well-matched with your brains to advise and educate people on their career job struggles.  You have been appropriately recognized for the insights and support you deliver to those seeking your help.  Your story in the Observer is just one more feather in your cap recognizing the wonderful work you deliver over and over again.  BRAVO!

I am proud to know you and thrilled that you are being well-recognized for the outstanding job you do.  You are a great team. 

I wish you continuing success.  Keep up the great work.  You are important to this community.

God Bless You and Keep you safe and healthy and happy!

John G.
Greater Charlotte Biz Magazine

  

October 30, 2008

Matt,

You and your dad do an excellent job and I enjoyed spending the two day workshop with Steve.  I feel much more ready to go out and find a job.
Have a nice day and thanks again for your help.

Jane B.

June 27, 2008 

Dear Bill,

I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.
Details of the Recommendation:

"Great Career Coach! Gives sound, solid advice every time. Is always there when needed. He has great ideas for thinking outside of the box when interviewing and obtaining employment."
Service Category: Career Coach
Year first hired: 2008
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Thanks,

Paula

3-20-08

I have known and worked with Bill and Robyn Crigger for about three years and they are simply just wonderful people.  They have a wealth of information and resources to help any individual achieve whatever goals one is seeking to achieve.

Bill and Robyn’s seasoned career transition management acumen and expertise makes this dynamic duo leaders in their field.  From the entry level job seeker to the executive leadership level, Bill and Robyn will do all that is necessary to ensure your success.  And as the old adage goes, nothing succeeds like success.

I recently found my dream job, but only with the astute guidance from Bill and Robyn.  Attending their Roundtable discussions, seeking resume development and interview preparation skills, provided me with the necessary skills and expertise that I needed to move to the head of the competition.

With our rapidly changing global economy and technical advances, one would be wise to utilize the services of Bill and Robyn who keep abreast of all changes, all of the time.

Pam M.

January 21, 2008

First and foremost, I’m so glad you guys are here.  Everything has been so helpful and it really has eased the stress of searching for a new career.  I’ve been racking my brain this week with all the workshops we have had.  Through all of the discussions, I’ve come to realize that I’d like to stress my problem solving ability in my current position on my resume.  That is something I think I enjoy doing and co-workers have also pointed it out. I couldn’t remember if we had discussed that, so I thought I’d drop you a note to let you know if it’s not too late. 

As a footnote, Sandie is great to work with.  She brings a lot of knowledge and really makes you think outside the box.  

Hope all is well with you.

Thanks,

Stephanie

Februray 14, 2007

Hello Vann, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those responsible for bringing in the “COMPASS” team to help us through this transition phase.  So far, they have been absolutely fantastic!  I can really tell a positive difference in our employees that I’ve talked to since Compass has been here.  It is a huge burden lifted off our shoulders to know that a professional team is putting forth the effort - for US!  And I know that we could’ve been left on our own, and that the responsible parties did not have to hire Compass, but I am so grateful they did – and I’m sure I speak for the majority, if not all, of the people in this company.

Please forward to whomever you see fit.

Thanks again –

Lee-Anne S.

 September 19, 2006

Matt,

Thank you for all your help at Eastalco.  It was a pleasure meeting both you and your team.

Bill K.

August 17, 2005

Robyn,

Your newsletter is very nice – professional and packed full of great HR information.  I really do like it – the articles are very helpful in keeping abreast of HR information.  Layout is good because you can easily scan what you want to read in more detail.

Sherry

July 27, 2005

Bill,

July 20, 2005
 
Fellow Professionals,

Compass Career Management Solutions does provide a valuable service at a very fair price.  I'm one of the people that signed on with one of their competitor companies and paid $5,400 up front for their services.  My background is in international sales and marketing and I was having difficulty finding employment in the Charlotte area.

After taking a battery of tests and going to numerous meetings, I was advised that the best career choice for me was to pursue a job in "international sales and marketing".  Well, there goes $5,400 down the drain.

As it turned out, I ended up teaching my Career Counselor how to find resources on the web; how to research companies and find key hiring managers; how to find relevant news articles about prospective employers; how to discover information about a prospective employers competitors; etc., etc. 

For those of you that are in a career transition and need help, go to Bill Crigger at Compass Career.  For those of you that want to throw away money when you need it the most, either go to the competitors or send me the cash.  Heavens knows I can use it.

Sincerely,

Roger W.

July 10, 2005

Dear Bill,

I want you to be among the first to know that my job search has come to a successful conclusion.  On Wednesday, July 6th, I accepted the position of Human Resource Manager at a privately owned Charlotte firm that focuses on comprehensive occupational health and employee screening services management for companies.  

My primary motive in writing to you, however, is to let you know how much I appreciate the support and encouragement you provided throughout my search. Your insights and suggestions were of great value as I navigated through territory that was new to me.  I am certainly pleased with the destination at which I have arrived.  Thanks for your guidance.

Again, thank you for all of your support, help, and encouragement during this search for my next opportunity.  It has meant more to me than you will ever know.  If there is ever anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to call.

All my best,

Don M.

March 14, 2005

Bill,

I will be starting a full-time job in Richmond, Virginia on March 21st.  I can't begin to thank all of you enough for all the help.  I'll never be able to repay all your kindness.  I hope I get the opportunity to pass the info I learned to someone else in the future.   Fixing my resume, my 30-second commercial, Bob's idea of going down the "Book of Lists", and your idea of dropping resumes off in person were what it took.  That's when it all clicked.

Thanks!

Tom B.

January 31, 2005

Matt,

O.I. Solutions, the Internet Career Center you set me up with is great.  I saw a couple of job opportunities already.  This system is awesome.  Thanks!

Randy A.

November 18, 2004

Bill,

Just wanted to send you a note of thanks for your help on my resume.  You put a lot of time into the updates and I am ever grateful for the insight and experience you applied.  I could not envision what you did to improve the presentation....it looks great.  Thank you!

Sandra M.

November, 2004

Bill,

I want to thank you and Carol for your time and superb assistance in this transition.  It's been a tremendous help to me.  I still need to finalize my resume with Carol, which I will try to do this weekend.

My best to you both.

Karen R.

November, 2004

Matthew,

Thank you so much.  I'm sure O.I. Solutions will be helpful.  I'm very fortunate to have Jackie guiding me through this career transition.  She is very knowledgeable and I look forward to working with her.

Carolyn

October 25, 2004

Bill,

I just wanted to drop a note saying "THANKS" for doing such a good job hosting our meeting yesterday.  I not only learned a lot, but left with a good feeling in my heart.  Thanks again.

Jack

July 2004

Bill,

The suggustions you gave me were great ideas!  Thanks so much.  Wow, I am so lucky that B.J. directed me to you!  That was truly an answer to an urgent prayer.  I feel so much better about everything, and am so excited about starting my new career.

C.L.

June 25, 2004

Dear Bill,

Thank you for speaking at our "Careers in Transition."  We had a lot of feedback from the members stating that they were motivated by your presentation and learned helpful strategies for managing their job search and networking.  Your approach was very sincere and open which led to one of the most interactive meetings we had to date.  You offer to assist members with their resumes was unexpected and appreciated.

We would like to express our sincere THANK YOU!

Sincerely,

Tony Armeni, Career Mentor
Philip Neri Catholic Church

June 8, 2004

Hey Bill

I would like to be put on the Alumni list.  I settling in here at New Horizons quite nicely and have "hit pay dirt".  I want to seriously thank you for all your help through my tough times.  I could not have made it through everything (job, money, divorce) without your, Tom's and the churches help.  If you know of anyone that wants a total career change into computers, please have them give me a call.  Take care and thanks again!!!

Chris L.

December 2003

Thanks for the email. I’ve been meaning to e-mail you all at Compass to thank you for your help. I'm currently working full-time at A.P.T. because one of you, Bill I believe, met our CFO, Elliott, at church and gave him my name. I started out working contract for them and then hired on full-time on October 1st. So far, it's the best job I've ever had. It's the best salary I've ever had, the best working conditions, friendly co-workers, and I have the most creative control over my job that I've ever had. I genuinely enjoy going to work every day. Thanks for making the contact for me. I guess you were right, networking is the way to do it. Thanks again for all your help. Tim.

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM

H. Martin Lancaster, President
October 3, 2002

Dear Mr. Crigger:

On behalf of the conference committee, thank you for serving as moderator for a workshop session at the Southeastern Employment and Training Association Fall Conference recently held in Mobile, Alabama. Your session on “The Power a/Incentives in Programming” contributed a great deal to the overall success of the conference.

Thanks again for your participation.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Deese,  Director Workforce Initiatives

Subj: Compass Career Management Solutions Classes

Date: 5/24/02  

From  Lisa

Good morning all, I wanted to share feedback with you after being one of the first three in Fort Dodge to complete the two-day class offered as part of Compass Career Management Solutions outplacement program.

First off, I want to let you all know that I am impressed that LOL has made the commitment and investment in the services offered by the Compass Career Management Solutions group. I realize that many companies may not care enough to assist the employees affected by the loss of their job.  The fact that LOLFF has made such a commitment with a company experienced in outplacement is impressive. It is important to communicate with not only the employees and their families, but also the community. Tom Owens has shared with us contacts being made and already made with leaders in Fort Dodge and the surrounding area. It is evident that Compass Career Management Solutions is very experienced in dealing with downsizing, plant closings, etc. And they are committed in their plans for those in Fort Dodge.

Secondly, I wanted to share that I found the two days of classes very educational.  At first I wasn’t sure what would be offered or shared, but after the first hour knew it would be an excellent learning opportunity.  One of the most important things Tom shared with our group is the fact that no one may work for Compass Career Management Solutions unless they themselves have experienced job loss.  This in itself is extremely important.  For those of us experiencing job loss, the last thing we need is to be “preached to” by someone who does not know what we are experiencing.  Once Tom shared this point, I think the entire mood in our class changed.  Please be sure to share this with each and every class in the first moments.  It truly is reassuring to know that the people working with us truly understand. 

Many of you may know what Compass Career Management Solutions has proposed and promised to do for LOLFF.  However, I think it is important that you receive feedback from those who are utilizing the services.  In my opinion, you all need to know that the commitment and investment LOLFF has made appears to be an excellent one.

Lisa
Buyer

Fort Dodge, IA

April 2000

Hi Carol,

Been meaning to do this for awhile...I just wanted to let you know that I genuinely appreciate the concern and effort you put forth in helping me cope with the lay off and in helping me get situated. It was obvious to me that you were concerned for all of us. Thank you for the assistance and concern you gave during a difficult time."

Lloyd

Dear Mr. Crigger:

I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how appreciative I am of the job that your team has done. I found Larry Kontry to be well prepared, concise and knowledgeable. His presentations were very informative and I learned a great deal that I will be applying immediately as well as in the future. Everyone excelled in their areas of expertise. I now know things about myself and the job market that I would never have learned on my own. Oi Partners of Charlotte has taught me skills that will enable me to secure a better position in the future.

Also, Susan Abentrod did a superb job of simplifying the complicated world of finances. Many of the questions that I have had for years were answered during the course of her presentation.

In conclusion I would just like to say thank-you for a job well done!

Sincerely,
Rick

Reynolds Metals Co.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Oi Partners for their relentless assistance in finding new employment. The job search training and skills development, seminars on various resources, job fairs and the personal attention were extremely helpful. The resource center offered a pleasant environment for interaction, computer use, office space and facilities, which all were conducive for successful job hunting.

Though not directly responsible for finding my new job, the team members were instrumental through their efforts in keeping me focused (when many had projected "no metallurgy jobs locally"), positive and relentless, when few interviews were forthcoming. Also, I resisted the idea of "networking" as a job search tool. But, in the end, it was networking that led to my employment.

Again, I want to sincerely thank each of you involved in my employment effort for a job well done; and wish each of you continued success with the remaining clients and the very best in your individual future endeavors.

Much Thanks,
George
Senior Project Engineer

The workshops have been very informative. I have learned how much a job search differs from ten years ago when I was hired by P&G as well as how to adapt to these changes. I have also learned how t best emphasize my skills, abilities and special training. I have to "sell" myself to a potential employer even if the potential employer is another P&G site. Regardless of what your plans are (transfer, outplacement or retirement) the skills you will learn in these workshops are invaluable. Not to mention it's free other than your time and it is time well spent.

David

Dear JDC Staff,

As many of you know I have accepted a position as Personnel Officer.

My success in securing the above is due in great part to the advisement and skills that were passed onto me by members of the Job Development Center. I have a special gratitude for the help in resume development and negotiation tips.

While my transition has not been as short as other former RMC colleagues, I am sincere in saying that the time and effort spent has been productive and taught me how to keep my eye on the prize.

Thank you Jackie, Bill, and Angie for your insight and encouragement.

Sincerely,
Edward

This is the first opportunity I've had to personally thank you and Reynolds for the help given in my career search. I really appreciated the motivation and advice given in developing my resume and the facility's large database of contact opportunities. You and your group certainly made the transition easier for me. While my particular solution developed from other means, the contacts made and the support given in the center never allowed me to get "down" or run out of promising opportunities.

Keep up the good work, Reynolds has given you the opportunity to work with some really talented people. Don't let them give up!

Sincerely,
Dorsey

1-2001

“The Oi Partners" have been a tremendous source of emotional and technical support. I believe the Life planning seminar was the most important because it made me think about who I am, set priorities, and remember that I am in control. I also appreciate the assistance with my resume, job referrals, an information about networking and salary negotiations.

I plan to keep the guidebook handy because I realize I could be laid off again or just want to change to another job. Now I know what tools to use to manage another job search.”

Linda
Richmond, VA

11-2000

RE: Pre-Retirement Workshop

Your team did a great job for the Reynolds employees. I really enjoyed all the classes you put on. My husband and I particularly enjoyed the class on pre-retirement. It was good to get the spouses view.

Jean
Reynolds Metals Company
Troutdale Oregon

11-2000

Carol,

I received our resumes; they are great and look WONDERFUL! I just can’t thank you enough for helping us with them…Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

Debbie
Leiner Health Products
Largo, Florida

I had the pleasure of sitting in on one of your meetings today. You were very comforting as well as informative. It made me realize that there is hope at the end of the tunnel. I feel privileged to take part in this opportunity.

Pauline
John Deere Consumer Products
Charlotte, NC

12-2001

Bill

Thank you for your time and help last week in my job search efforts. I really appreciate your advice and counsel.

C Little
December 2001

Dear Jackie,

I wanted to take this time to express my thanks to you for helping me in my search for a new job. …

I appreciated your guidance and most especially your listening skills. I needed sympathy at times and a boot in the rear at other times and your message got through both occasions.

Finding a job was not as easy as I thought it would be, age was more of a factor that I ever imagined it would be. It would have been considerably more difficult without the help that you (Oi Partners) provided.

Thanks for your guidance, your professionalism, your good humor and most of all for listening to my many stories.

Bob