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Membership Spotlight: Spooner Risk Management

Mr. Joe Spooner
Mr. Mike Kowalski

Name: 

Joe Spooner

Tell us about your business 

 Spooner Risk Control Services and Surety HR offer employers a full suite of HR and risk-related services. We were founded in 1975 by Tom Spooner. Our goal as a company is to help employers assess their risk appropriately and help them grow their business as cost-effectively as possible. Workers’ compensation and Human Resources are our primary focuses. 

How did you get into this field? 

 My grandfather came into this field because he worked for Acme Cleveland and was heavily involved in implementing harassment policies when they first started becoming a common trend. He was then asked by several private companies to consult them on their HR-related issues.  

I came into the business after interning for 3 summers in college. I have been with the company full time since 2012 and stepped into the President role in 2017. I have been very blessed to work for a company that has the philosophies and moral compass that we do.   

What is your favorite part about your job? 

I have 2: 

  • Getting to help employers and give them unbiased advice on what the best recommendation for their business is. 
  • Working with very intelligent where I get to learn something new almost every single day. 

What is the most challenging part about your job? 

One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my job is managing people and the many different personalities that come with it. It can be very difficult at times when people do not see eye-to-eye on a subject, but ultimately this is business and not meant to be personal. We rarely have these issues, but when we do, they can be difficult to overcome.  

Why did you decide to become a PCBC member? 

We were introduced by another member and told that we might be able to help the overall membership with the ability to create savings opportunities that might not be getting utilized currently.  

What challenges do you face as a business professional? 

At times my age can be a concern. Being a young professional allows for people to judge you from the surface and not necessarily on your knowledge base. 

What are your goals for your business and how do you see PC being a part of that process? 

There are 2 goals that are very near and dear to me right now: 

  • I would like to be able to offer healthcare at no cost to employees if they follow certain parameters within our Health Insurance Plan’s set up. It is a lofty goal, but healthcare is one of the highest cost items for both employers and employees. Being able to offer this to employees would be something that sets us apart as an employer and would allow us to attract and retain highly talented professionals. 
  • Grow at least 10% net profit year-after-year. We have achieved this 4 out of the last 5 years. We were very close last year.

What PC Buys Black business to business special are you offering members. 

For workers’ compensation services, we normally charge an employer based on 10% of what we are able to save them. We are going to give President’s Council members the same level of service and program participation for 7.5% of savings. 

 For HR services, please see graphic below on how we normally charge vs. what we will charge President’s Council members: 

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