United Companies CEO discusses workforce retention
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe new CEO of Evansville-based United Companies says attracting and retaining talent is a constant exercise for the company that employs more than 6,000 workers, but those efforts appear to be paying off. Amy Barron was named CEO in January, succeeding her father, Ronald Romain, in the privately-held, family-owned business. The company specializes in providing solutions for asset management, logistics and transportation, finance, and business.
During an interview with Gerry Dick at the IBJ Media Engage Evansville event, Barron said the company spends a lot of time on employee engagement and development.
“We want people to know that when they come into the organization, they’re going to be able to make a difference, they’re going to be able to help solve problems and proof processes. And most importantly, we’re going to train them to be able to do their jobs,” said Barron.
United, which was founded in 1964, consists of United Leasing & Finance, Professional Transportation Inc., Romain Automotive Group, and Tri-State Aero.
Until her promotion four months ago, Romain Barron served as vice president. She’s been with United for nearly 25 years.
Barron says when she joined the company in 1999, the idea of companies investing and reinvesting in talent was just getting started. Since then, she says United has doubled down on those efforts.
“We’ve seen at work that if you have highly trained and engaged people, they’re less likely to leave,” said Barron. “All of the turnover that so many companies have experienced, we weren’t completely spared from it. But I do think the engagement by the employer, allowed us to keep people.”
WATCH: Barron spoke about the importance of having major quality of life amenities in the Evansville community during a panel at the Engage Evansville event.