Owner Says Economy Is on Cusp of Explosion

Personnel business grows

Owner says economy is on cusp of explosion

Erik Derr December 30, 2006

Robert Lovingood looks across the HighDesert and remembers the words to “Telegraph Road,” a song by the rock group Dire Straits that tells of how one man establishes a house and a store and a thriving community soon follows.

The founder and owner of ICR staffing and personnel services says it’s just a matter of time until one dynamic company — “that one big fish” — moves in and reinvigorates the region with more jobs, higher wages and greater competition for workers.

“It’s going to have an impact on every other business ... and nobody will be able to believe it.”

For his part, Lovingood is presiding over growth in his own business that will include his company of about 20 adding upwards of 10 new staffers, and his office moving into approximately 1,500 square feet of additional space.

He also sees his personnel placement and temporary staffing services growing by about 50 percent over the next year.

ICR isn’t growing in anticipation of the predicted business boom. Rather, the multi-faceted operation has successfully capitalized on the opportunities brought on by the area’s slowed business market and tight job market.

Eric Tom / Staff Photographer: Issac Navarro, left, and Brandon Carter pick up a sheet at glass while working at AFG Glass in Victorville on Friday. Carter has been working at AFG for eight months through ICR’s staffing office.

Recently estimated at 4.4 percent by the state Employment Development Department, the HighDesert’s unemployment rate reflects a small employment pool where good employees are hard to find and a significant number of potential job candidates — upwards of 50 percent according to some — are rendered unemployable by a myriad of legal, workplace or personal problems.

ICR’s strict screening process, which includes drug testing and background checks, disqualifies another 10 to 20 percent of those who come through its doors.

The small hiring pool has left many companies scrambling to find help. At the same time, the hiring process has become increasingly more expensive and difficult.

Lovingood estimates that finding, hiring and training a new employee typically costs a business the equivalent to three years of that one worker’s salary.

As a result, ICR’s personnel service — which works to match companies throughout the world with qualified professionals — could potentially fill 300 new positions a week if it had its anticipated new staffers to help recruiting now, said David Fishman, the company’s vice president and Lovingood’s brother.

Even though it creates challenges, Fishman contends the current unemployment rate may well offer ICR the best level of success.

“If there’s a greatest number,” he said, “it’s right here. We’re still moving forward.”

Likewise, those looking for work or new employment in the HighDesert have “a lot of opportunity.”

Altogether, Lovingood and Fishman both see a bright future for their company and community.

“This is the year,” Lovingood said. “This is our year to grow it.”