By Sonja Whitemon
No matter the size of the company or the industry it serves, every successful business depends on one thing: good employees. In a fast-growing metropolitan area like Charlotte, competition for skilled workers is fierce. For nearly three decades, the city has ranked among the nation’s fastest-growing labor and population markets. Since 1990, the Charlotte metro area has more than doubled in size, growing from roughly 1.2 million residents to nearly 3 million today. As the region has expanded, companies have increasingly relied on staffing partners to help them find and retain qualified talent. Access Services, a staffing company led by entrepreneurs Kevin Smith and Frank Johnson, launched in Charlotte in the late 1990s, at the beginning of the city’s population boom. Now celebrating 30 years in business, the company has grown right alongside Charlotte, helping employers navigate decades of rapid growth and an increasingly competitive labor market.
Over the years, Charlotte has also become significantly more diverse, fueled by domestic migration, international immigration, and corporate expansion. Once primarily a Southern city with a largely Black-and-white population, the region has evolved into a multicultural hub with growing Hispanic and Asian communities. That demographic shift has broadened the labor pool and increased demand for bilingual and multicultural talent. “At our core, our contribution to culture is simple but powerful,” said Frank Johnson, vice president of Access Services. “We connect people to opportunity, stability and growth. While often behind the scenes, we play a critical role in powering the workforce behind many successful organizations.”
Access Services supplies skilled labor to companies across several industries. According to company president Kevin Smith, the firm specializes primarily in light industrial staffing, including manufacturing and warehouse positions, while also supporting the security and construction industries. “We support construction companies from A through Z,” Smith said. “Everything from general laborers to carpenters, electricians and plumbers — all the skilled trades. On the light industrial side, we place pickers, packers, forklift drivers and supervisory personnel as well.” The company recruits candidates through a variety of channels, partnering with organizations such as NCWorks, the Urban League of Central Carolinas and Central Piedmont Community College to identify and connect qualified workers with employment opportunities.
Senior Recruiting Manager Alisa Garrett explained that recruiting in the skilled trades often depends on personal relationships, referrals and community engagement. Building trust within the workforce and maintaining strong employer partnerships has allowed Access Services to remain competitive in an evolving labor market. The company’s longevity is rooted in its ability to understand both the needs of employers and the aspirations of job seekers, creating opportunities that benefit both sides of the employment equation.
As Charlotte continues to grow, Access Services remains committed to helping businesses navigate workforce challenges while opening doors for individuals seeking stable employment and career advancement. The company’s 30-year milestone reflects not only its business success but also its ongoing contribution to the region’s economic development. By connecting diverse talent with meaningful opportunities, Access Services has become an important partner in building the workforce that supports Charlotte’s continued growth and prosperity.