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Summary

I am chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. I have led the growth of Robert Half International Inc. from a small franchisor with revenues of $7 million in 1986 to an international operating company in the staffing industry with revenues of $4.2 billion in 2007.

 

I also author books on related subjects. My most recent being Human Resources Kit For Dummies® (IDG Books Worldwide), The Fast Forward MBA in Hiring (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) and Job Hunting For Dummies®, Second Edition (IDG Books Worldwide).

Work History

Robert Half International Inc.

1986 - Present
Chairman & CEO 

Founded in 1948, Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE symbol: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. RHI is a recognised leader in professional staffing and consulting services, and is the parent company of Protiviti®, a leading independent internal audit and business and technology and risk consulting firm.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2006, net income was $283.2 million or $1.65 per share, on revenues of $4.0 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2005, net income was $237.9 million or $1.36 per share, on revenues of $3.3 billion.

 

In 2005 and 2006, respectively, RHI was named to Forbes Global 2000 list of the world's largest companies and the Forbes Platinum 400 list of the best big companies in America. The firm has also consistently appeared on Fortune magazine's list of "America's Most Admired Companies." Fortune's list rates firms based on criteria ranging from long-term investment value and quality of management to innovativeness, employee talent and social responsibility.

Entrepreneur of the Year

News Release 

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL’S HAROLD “MAX” MESSMER, JR. NAMED ERNST & YOUNG

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

 

2007 NATIONAL WINNER

 

 

Harold “Max” Messmer, Jr., chairman and

chief executive officer of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE:RHI)

was named today the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2007 national award winner in the Services

 

 

Now in its 21st year, the awards recognize leaders and visionaries who demonstrate

innovation, financial success and personal commitment as they create and build world-class

businesses.

 

Since purchasing Robert Half International in 1986, Messmer has grown the company from a $7 million business to a $4.2 billion enterprise. Messmer was honored as the national winner in the Services Category at a gala in Palm Springs. Awards were given in nine additional categories.  All Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year winners were selected by an independent panel of judges from approximately 400 regional award recipients.

 

Robert Half International is the world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company was founded in 1948 and is based in Menlo Park, California.

 

Messmer went against colleagues’ advice when he chose to leave his successful corporate law position to purchase a temporary staffing business. Messmer wanted to work in a people-topeople industry, and saw this business as rich with entrepreneurial opportunities.

 

Rejecting Conventional Wisdom Pays Off

Messmer continued to buck conventional wisdom, building a company-owned operation by

acquiring independent franchises rather than build a large company. Those gambles paid off

with a growing demand for professional temporary staffing. As the company extended beyond financial staffing services, so did the demand for other professional disciplines such as technology, marketing and creative, high-end office administration and even law.

Education

Loyola University New Orleans - College of Arts & Sciences

Bachelor of Science

Graduated summa cum laude and as the class valedictorian.

New York University - Law

Juris Doctorate

Graduated Cum Laude.

A Few of My Books

JH

This one-stop reference will arm you with the skills and tools you need to land a job in the new millennium. From start to finish, this book focuses on the how-to's of job hunting by helping you set goals, use the Internet as a tool, do research, prepare for interviews and more. Filled with real-world strategies and expert tips and techniques, this book will help you learn how to maximize your job search efforts.

HR

In today's competitive market for skilled job candidates, business leaders and HR professionals are looking for new ways to acquire and develop their firm's number one asset: intellectual capital. With practical tips and advice on current trends, such as online recruiting and team-based initiatives, this book provides key insights to help you decide which business practices make sense for your organization. Whether you're new to HR or recently responsible for some of its functions, you'll find just the information you need to support and respond to the "people needs" of your company.

Hiring

A comprehensive guide to navigating today's complex hiring issues, including determining staffing needs, developing job descriptions, and recruiting, evaluating, retaining and training employees. Contains innovative tactics and savvy, real-world advice for locating, selecting and keeping your most vital resource -- people.

Award Winner

Award

Named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2007 National Winner in the Services Category.

 

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