Contemporaries
It’s A Friends World
This is the story of how Contemporaries employees all came to be working together, as told by the employees themselves, written by an outside source.

I think it was in college when most of us learned that living with friends is actually pretty complicated. So the idea that friends can work together effectively seemed unlikely. It’s true that work is a whole lot different than it used to be. Our parents and grandparents were probably with the same company for most of their work life. Today, many any of us work remotely. And it’s not unusual for young and old alike to take the entrepreneurial path. Instead of using conference rooms, business meetings sometimes take place in coffee shops and restaurants! And most recently, on Zoom.
In an interview with RivetingWomen.com, the author describes Erin Allen, the president of Contemporaries, as follows.
It makes sense that someone running a company whose business is to supply employees to employers would become highly attuned to the best and most welcoming opportunities for all.


And so it is that Erin has welcomed this unique opportunity. In 2000, Erin interviewed Erin “Brooke” Bruch. Perhaps the fact that Erin Allen and Erin Bruch shared the same first name was some kind of sign that synergy would develop. There were three people at the employment agency at that time, so when Erin Bruch was hired, she decided to go by “Brooke” – her middle name – to avoid confusion. The business grew and shortly afterwards, it was time to hire an intern.
Asked about what it’s like to have friends working for you, Erin commented:
Most businesses owners will tell you that you get your best employees from referrals. That’s what happened here. Instead of conflict, Brooke, Vince, Maddie and Zo have found that it’s easier to give feedback since they are friends. We communicate well. If there is a problem, we have a conversation. We don’t have the petty arguments and back-stabbing that you might find in other businesses.


Does it ever get too close? According to Brooke, there are times when everyone needs the same day off – for weddings, for example. When that happens, Erin jumps in, usually with the help of an intern, and they adapt.
Our situation is different. We recognize that, and we relish it. It’s our job to keep things running smoothly. We are not afraid to speak up when needed. We can be completely honest with each other because we are best friends. And if there is a problem, we clear the air and move forward. Accountability is a big part of who we are.

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