>What sets Boly:Welch apart?
Aside from being a WBENC (women-owned and -led) business and a B Corp, the longevity of our business and the tenured experience of our recruiters sets us apart from our competitors. For almost 40 years, we’ve been prioritizing relationship-building and putting people front and center in the hiring process. This has resulted in referrals and the opportunity to place candidates in the roles that have defined their careers.

We’re also actively working out of downtown Portland, with our team collaborating 4-5 days a week in our office or on-site with clients, while most other agencies in the recruiting sector are working remotely and meeting virtually. We believe relationships are built over time, with the nuance and depth that develops through connecting in-person, and that is truly our secret sauce.

>What's on the horizon for you?
Personally, I’m looking forward to a trip to London and a safari in Africa, as well as family time with my children and four grandchildren. Professionally, I’m focused on growing and further developing our established verticals (we recruit for human resources; marketing & communications; nonprofits; footwear & apparel; AEC; real estate; office operations; accounting; financial services) and building up our retainer business in HR consulting. We’re also expanding our legal division (attorneys and legal support) and executive search further throughout the Pacific Northwest.

>Your favorite EO moment so far?
I loved watching my forum mate, Jill Kuehler, give her talk at the Redd recently, as well as the open coaching training done by Phil Kristianson prior to the event.

>What was your first job?
I sold homemade bath salts – dyed with food coloring – door to door at age 8. When used, they turned people blue. The following year I produced plays under the production name of “The Pixie Players” in my family’s basement, charging $.25 for admission. Proceeds were donated to charity.

>How do you see AI entering your field?
I see AI all over the hiring & job search processes: from writing job descriptions to writing resumes and cover letters, to the algorithms that identify qualified candidates in databases. We also see it beginning to eliminate jobs we used to fill with humans – which, of course, eliminates the human touch. In my own business, I know we will never replace human relationships with AI. Relationships are our specialty, and I see the need for that growing rather than diminishing.

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Pat joined EO Portland in 2020. Interested in joining a community of business founders? This could be your year! Learn more.