Businesses in Blue Ash have taken extraordinarily creative steps to overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Blue Ash Economic Development Business Spotlight Series, find out what these businesses have accomplished, why Blue Ash is the place for entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive, and why business owners still see a bright future ahead.
Q & A with Joe Laugherty, Managing Partner, Vaco Cincinnati Vaco Cincinnati
9987 Carver Rd Suite 440
Blue Ash, OH 45242
(513) 239-5674
www.vaco.com/recruiting-office-locations/cincinnati-ohio-recruiting/
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Vaco and why the company located in Blue Ash?
A: Vaco is a full-service consulting company that is serving a growing client base of over 300 organizations in Southwest Ohio. We’ve been in Blue Ash for 5 years, in service for 6. Blue Ash is a great location for our office and the perfect balance between quality of space, amenities, and cost. It is also central to our clients, consultants, and employees. Our new office is a stone’s throw away from Summit Park and we cannot wait to host celebrations there this spring and summer.
Q: How has your business grown over the last several years?
A: Vaco has been awarded as a Fast 55 Finalist, growing exponentially over the last 6 years. We have been able to experience rapid growth as a result of our Managing Partners’ deep-rooted Cincinnati relationships and decades of experience in this market. The proficiency of our services and account management capabilities have allowed us to sustain a consistent increase in revenue.
Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your business?
A: Lots of organizations were critically impacted by COVD-19. Although Vaco was influenced by specific clients in industries that are affected the most, our team worked diligently to rebalance our efforts and to identify the organizations that were expanding in response to the pandemic, including call centers, supply chain, etc. During every step of the journey, we followed the need. Our company culture was hit hardest. As an intimate team of 40(ish), morale was shaped by the circumstances of remote work.
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Q: What is next for your company? What do you think the future holds?
A: We’re still young. Our plans are to continue at the same pace of growth. We’ve invested in new service offerings and practices, including Data, Digital, Mergers & Acquisitions, Software Quality Assurance, IT Advisory, Accounting & Finance, and Risk Management. Covid revealed opportunities. The need for a remote workforce has allowed us to partner with organizations across the country. We believe that because of the time spent before, during, and after the pandemic, we’re poised for growth.
Q: What advice would you give to other business owners facing COVID-19 challenges?
A: We learned more about remote working in the last year than we would have in the next five. There are industries that have been created in response to COVID. Get creative. Find the opportunities. Consider the changes you can make to better serve your customers during this time. Is your supply chain efficient? Should you start selling your products or services online? Are you partnering with the right companies to evolve? Take control of your success and take care of your team!