Exceeding expectations is Amy Langer's business. When she and partner John
Folkestad, 40, first wrote the business plan for Salo LLC, a senior-level
finance and accounting staffing company, they anticipated sales of about $9
million by their third year in business--no small feat. "Most of our advisors
[told us], ‘These projections are unreal. No small business does this,'" recalls
Langer, 35. "We hit $9 million after two years.
Through her background in staffing, Langer discovered a need in the
marketplace to supply companies with top accounting and finance talent. Meeting
that need triggered explosive growth for Salo, which launched in 2002. By 2006,
sales hit $32.1 million, with 2007 projections of over $40 million. Attracting
top-notch talent for outside contractors and her own staff is key to managing
the company's astronomical growth, she says. Langer surrounds herself with
people who are not only exceptional at what they do, but who also complement her
skill set and help take the company to the next level. "I know where I'm strong,
and I know where I definitely need people to help me," she says.
As the mother of three small children, Langer faces a big challenge that many
working women do: balancing an entrepreneurial life with a life at home.
"Wanting to be everywhere has been and always [will] be a challenge," she says.
Knowing where to put her focus and how to delegate her time has helped her
juggle all her responsibilities. She adds, "If I'm required to be in the office
80 hours a week or else the business can't run, then the business isn't
sustainable."
Still, there's no resting on laurels for this Minneapolis entrepreneur, who
plans to expand her company into other niches within professional staffing. In
fact, Salo has already opened two other companies under its umbrella: Oberon,
which focuses on HR placement, and Number Works, which focuses on junior-level
accounting and finance staffing.
As she continues to move forward, Langer makes sure to keep her eye on the
big picture when it comes to the future of her company and suggests other women
entrepreneurs do the same. "Having a vision [and] really working on our business
vs. working in it has made quite a difference," she says. "Ask, 'Where are you
really needed?'"
The Top 50 Fastest-Growing Women Entrepreneurs
Take a look at the
top 50 fastest-growing women entrepreneurs compiled by Entrepreneur and the
Women Presidents' Organization from the November 2007 issue of Entrepreneur
magazine. And check out a
slideshow featuring 10 of the remarkable women on the list.
Originally appeared in the November 2007 issue of Entrepreneur magazine