Ray Kaufman hired me into the Contract Staffing business at the age of 17, right out of High School as a Contract Draftsman. I will turn 60 this year, you can do the math. He sold me his company, Advancement, in 1996. Afterward he stayed on with the company. Not many people can say that they have had a business relationship with someone for 42 years. At the end of June Ray will be retiring.

Ray started Advancement in 1971. Over a 26 year span he built a successful Engineering and Design contract staffing operation. For many years he virtually ran the company by himself. He would get the openings from his clients and then go about filling them. Ray always maintained a loyal following of customers and contract employees, successfully filling hundreds of positions. I still feel that he is one of the most capable recruiters I’ve ever worked with.

Ray was my boss, my competitor, and eventually my employee ( although I never thought of him that way ). But more than that, he has been a trusted friend and advisor through all these many years. He has always served as an example of how I should conduct myself in business. Work hard, have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously. Deal with situations head on and trust your instincts. Have a love and a passion for what you do. Appreciate what you have, but don’t flaunt it. He doesn’t stick his nose in your business, but he is there for you anytime you need to talk. In short, Ray is a “class act”. Oh yeah, one more thing, he is one of the best dressed guys I’ve ever known.

I am fortunate and eternally grateful Ray has been in my life in such a profound way. I’ll miss working with Ray, but if I need him, I know he’ll always be there to help me. Good luck and thank you Ray.