<an introduction>

Dearest Gentle Reader,

This is  the HR story of Bill Langley.  Bill is a past president of Mid-Cities and a small business owner providing wares to the HR professional.  Bill has been a member of Mid-cities since 2008.  In this time he has attended over 100 membership meetings and had dedicated time serving on the board.  I sat down with amazing gentleman to learn more about his HR career, his time with mid-cities, and a few other interesting and fun facts.  Please enjoy Mid-Cities first inaugural monthly spotlight. You can connect with Bill via his LinkedIn and Company Website

https://www.linkedin.com/in/blangley/

http://www.qarfinancial.com/

Yours truly,

Lady Water-shire

<The Interview>

(Q) How did you get into the HR field?

Like many other HR pros, I fell into HR.  After a successful credit management and M&A career in the corporate world, I invested in a small business service and shipping franchise, now called “The UPS Store”. The business concept allowed me to offer my corporate management and career credit experience to a variety of small business start-up owners trying to wear many hats while growing their business. While I was helping struggling owners overcome their financial issues, oftentimes the journey included a winding path into their personal financial life as well. This frequently led to a request by the owners for me to assist their employees struggling with their own personal financial matters. Eventually, this became a viable business offering and, voila, a unique employee benefit program emerged in the HR space

(Q) Tell me about your company QAR Financial?

I originally founded QAR Financial as a business turnaround management firm supporting distressed businesses. It has extended into an employee assistance benefits service. While acknowledging the similarities of business financial wellness and personal financial wellness, the QAR business model is based on a social mission platform of collaboration. The firm provides an avenue for companies and employees to overcome financial challenges by delivering solutions such as emergency alternative loans and savings programs along with certified education to help individuals avoid predatory lenders. QAR is an acronym that stems from a mission of improving Quality of life, building sustainable Assets and providing valuable Resources while succeeding through innovation. 

(Q) What got you interested in Mid-Cities HR?

As I had not worked in the HR space prior I wanted to build up my network.  I got involved with SHRM then ultimately Mid-Cities HR.  Mid-cities, being smaller, is a great audience for  face to face conversations and resonating relationships vs. the overwhelming nature of a large chapter.  Also, I am based in the mid-cities area so aligning with an organization like Mid-cities worked well from a personal location perspective.  

(Q) What is an interesting business book are you currently reading or one you’d read recently?

I am currently reading "The Case for Good Jobs" by Zeynop Ton. The book talks about how you can increase productivity and profits by putting your best foot forward with employees.  It provides the reader insight into building strong quality jobs by way of investing in competitive wages, training, and work conditions.  

(Q) What is your best advice to new MCHRA members?

It involves the responsibility of service and paying it forward. Many SHRM chapters spend a lot of effort to offer a variety of speakers and career coaches that discuss leadership training and development. My simple advice to new members is this. If HR professionals really want to learn and expand their careers, I challenge them to make board service a part of their personal leadership development strategy. The rewards for the investment in time can be life changing.

<The Fun FIVE>

(Q) What story genre (non-work) do you enjoy most.

Historical and Period Pieces with some factual basis. I enjoy any story that (even if fiction) that incorporates the history of that point in time.

(Q) Do you have any pets?

Yes – I have a yorkie and her name is Elizabeth Alice.  We call her “Lizzie”.

(Q) What is your ideal vacation destination?

My favorite place abroad is Southern Spain (Málaga, Ronda).  Domestically I really like visiting both Lake Tahoe, NV and Sedona, AZ.

(Q) What is your favorite eatery in your area you love to frequent?

The Istanbul Grill in South Arlington. It's BYOB and my favorite dish is the salmon kabob with humus. It is a great date night location with my wife but I frequently have business lunch meetings as well. In the past, the board would often meet up there. Inexpensive with soft piano background music. You can actually have a conversation without talking above the crowd even when they are busy.

(Q) What is your favorite kind of candy?

This is a hard question.  Ultimately, I would say M&Ms Candies because they don’t melt in your hand .  They are both sweet and neat.

<The End>