Available Jones Helps Retirees Find Jobs

An article from the AARP website

Being unemployed got Jo Manhart interested in helping other people find jobs. The 64-year-old Missouri native was executive director of the Missouri Poultry Federation in 1999 when her job was eliminated due to a merger. Jo tried retirement for a while, but soon decided that she'd rather be working.

Jo applied for several jobs, and says she felt extremely qualified for all of them. Unfortunately, the companies where she interviewed didn't seem to agree. Despite her 25 years of distinguished management experience, Jo didn't get one job offer. She began to think she was experiencing age discrimination. She also began to suspect that other people her age might be having the same trouble finding good jobs after retirement.

That's when Jo decided to establish an employment agency specifically geared to retirees. She named the agency "Available Jones" because, she says, her clients are all "available" and very eager to work.

Retirees Bring Education, Skills to Job Market

"This is an idea whose time has come," says Jo. "Retired people offer so many advantages to an employer. They've already proved their great work ethic. They know how to handle people. They get things done. They need little oversight. And, they bring fabulous skills to the job."

Even Jo has been surprised at just how skilled her clients have been. Many have earned advanced degrees and are retired from high-level corporate positions. Others are geographers, engineers, and computer experts. She's even attracted registered nurses looking to change careers. Most prefer part-time or consulting work, rather than full-time employment.

Jo brought many of her own unique skills to her business. For one thing, she has a knack for public relations, which she developed while serving as executive director of the Missouri Egg Merchandizing Council from 1976-1990. One of Jo's early press releases for Available Jones brought a deluge of publicity to the new company, which has been featured on two local television stations and in four newspapers.

SCORE Helps Develop a Business Plan

Of course, there were many things Jo didn't know about running her own business. Tax issues and financial decisions stumped her at first. For help in these areas, she called SCORE, the Service Corps of Retired Executives. This volunteer organization of retired business executives and educators helped Jo decide whether to classify her workers as employees or independent contractors (they're employees) and how to price her services.

Jo placed 27 retirees in new jobs during her first 18 months in business. She'd like to do better next year. But, she says, the fulfillment she's experienced since starting Available Jones has more than made up for its slow start.

"It's wonderful to help someone create a resume for the first time," she says. "It's a real trip when they call and say they got the job! This makes my days exciting and gives me great satisfaction. I'm helping people in ways I never have before."

Need Help With a Business Plan?

The Service Corps of Retired Executives is a volunteer organization of retired business executives and educators that helps retireers build new businesses.

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