ST. JOSEPH – Williamson Employment Services Inc., which celebrates their 20th anniversary this year, has been a local family-owned and operated staffing company since 1992. That strong lineage of success and pride in Michigan’s Great Southwest carries on with the new owners, Judee and Jeff Hopwood, daughter and son-in-law of Williamson Employment Founder Margaret “Peg” Williamson. The Hopwoods purchased the company from Peg Williamson on Jan. 1 of this year.

“We are so proud to have this opportunity to preserve and grow the company built by my mother,” Judee Hopwood said. “Her dedication to helping people as well as her commitment to the highest standards of integrity and customer service are ideals that she instilled in me throughout my life. My husband, Jeff, and I plan to use that legacy as a platform for innovation and growth.”

Judee Hopwood, president of Williamson Employment, has managed the daily operations of the company since January 2008. She received her master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 2004.

Hopwood is dedicated to promoting the local community and currently serves on the Women’s Business Center Advisory Board and the Executive and Professional Women’s Association Board.

She is an active member of the Human Resource Council of Southwest Michigan, the American Staffing Association, the Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce and is a Cornerstone Alliance Steward of Michigan’s Great Southwest.

Jeff Hopwood most recently worked at Robert Bosch Corporation as manager of the SAP technical team for North America. In his new role as vice president of Williamson Employment, Hopwood will apply 30 years of experience to directing technology for the company, including modernization of internal systems and development of a nationwide IT Recruiting division. Hopwood received his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1986.

Corporate offices are located on Hilltop Road in St. Joseph with additional offices in Niles and Grand Rapids. Each office provides a full range of customized staffing solutions including direct hire placement, information technology, temporary to hire, short- and long-term staffing, and screening and background services.