November – Milestone
Christopher Ward of Ward & Associates is a full-time client at OffiCenters at International Plaza and our Milestone Client this month! Christopher started his career as a medical device sales and management recruiter in 1988, in 1995 he went out on his own and started Ward & Associates. His business has been going strong ever since. We are excited to help him celebrate his milestone career by featuring him in our newsletter! Read on to find out a little more about Christopher and his business.
1) What would you like people to know about you and your business? I have been in medical device sales/management recruiting for over 25 years and part of the executive suite “family” since March of 1995 when I opened my business at 7900 International Drive.
2) Where did you get the idea for your business? My wife, friends and clients encouraged me to go out on my own after being in the recruiting business since 1988.
3) What makes your business unique? Sounds simple but, just deliver to your clients what you say you can (or tell them you can’t) deliver.
4) What is your ‘elevator speech’? My business is based on trust and once you trust me, and that I will follow through on your opening, then we can have a long term relationship that will be mutually beneficial.
5) What are the keys to your success? Hard work, honesty, integrity, commitment and loyalty.
6) What is the one piece of advice you’d like to give to others about running a business? Approach it like life. Work hard, stay the course and have fun.
7) How long have you been at OffiCenters? Which location? With OffiCenters since they took over at 7900 International Drive, in the building since 1995.
8) How has your relationship with OffiCenters changed your business? The professional appearance and communication with both my customers and clients enhances my presence in the markets.
9) If you could work from anywhere under the sun, where would you choose? Overlooking the 18th green from the Pebble Beach Clubhouse.
10) Tweet, Blog, LinkedIn, Facebook? LinkedIn for business and Facebook for personal.
11) What piece of technology can you not live without? My Crackberry.
12) What is one of your favorite quotes? “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford
13) Who has been an inspiration in your life? My wife of twenty plus years. She encouraged me to start my own business and has been my biggest cheerleader ever since.
14) When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you use it? 10 minute power nap, 20 minutes reading.
15) What is your favorite restaurant in Minnesota? Axel’s in Mendota.
16) What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life? Bob Marley, “Three Little Birds”.
17) If you could paint a picture what would you paint and why? Sunrise – nothing more beautiful to see when you start your day.
18) What is the best way for people to find out more about you and your business? Check out my LinkedIn profile at www.linkedin.com/pub/christopher-ward/8/bb/a2 or swing over to 7900 International Drive, suite 300.
