Staffing’s Next-Level Growth Champion: Advance Partners

The Silicon Review

Advance Partners, founded in 1998 in Cleveland, OH, is dedicated to fostering growth within the staffing industry. With a client base exceeding 500 across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the company supports millions of individuals daily, positioning itself as a vital growth partner for talent acquisition firms. Renowned for their commitment to customer service, Advance Partners empowers staffing firms to seize transformative opportunities with confidence. The company’s core services include payroll funding, back-office support, and strategic consulting. Their innovative business model involves purchasing the outstanding invoices of staffing firms, thereby providing them with essential working capital to meet payroll obligations. This financial backbone allows staffing firms to focus on their primary mission—matching talent with opportunities. In addition to financial support, Advance Partners offers comprehensive back-office services, including payroll processing and management of payroll taxes, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance. Their strategic services leverage decades of industry experience, offering expert guidance on a range of critical issues. From mergers and acquisitions to Vendor Management Systems (VMS), Managed Service Providers (MSPs), and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) certification, Advance Partners provides invaluable insights and support.

With a passion for helping staffing firms navigate and thrive in a competitive market, Advance Partners combines financial acumen, operational expertise, and strategic foresight, making them an indispensable partner for growth and success in the staffing industry.

In conversation with Jeremy Bilsky, Senior Director & General Manager of Advance Partners

Q. How does Advance Partners tailor its solutions to meet the specific needs of startups, mid-sized firms, and enterprise-level staffing companies?

At Advance Partners, we have dedicated the last 26 years to helping staffing firms grow, whether they are just starting out or already at the enterprise level. As a startup, we offer not only funding but also a partnership to help get your business off the ground. Once your business reaches mid-level, we are there to help you take it to the next level. Every client, no matter the size, has access to funding specialists who provide guidance on geographical expansion, increased service offerings, and anything else needed for growth. Upon reaching the enterprise level, the growth doesn’t stop. Whether your business wants to sell, acquire, or just collaborate, our team and I at Advance Partners are here to help with it all.

Q. Could you share some notable success stories or case studies where Advance Partners made a significant impact on a client?

One of the most impressive ways we at Advance have helped a client was when a former healthcare staffing firm partnered with us and, as a result, grew from $12 million to $40 million in just one year. Our team at Advance has extensive expertise in healthcare and medical staffing, and our business model enabled this significant growth. This type of success is exactly why Advance Partners is an industry asset—a typical line of credit from a bank would not have been able to accommodate such rapid expansion. We made it happen.

We’re also committed to helping staffing firms make an impact on local communities. In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill proved disastrous for surrounding areas. One of our clients, who recruit highly skilled laborers, was there to help with the cleanup; they managed to place 1,600 employees across four states. They needed our support to meet their payroll, taking their weekly billings from $200,000 to $2–3 million. As the cleanup continued, we helped this client grow from $10 million in annual billings to $60 million.

Q. Can you tell us about the strategic relationship between Advance Partners and Paychex? How has this partnership enhanced your capabilities?

In 2015, we at Advance Partners were acquired by Paychex, a leading payroll provider. This acquisition opened new doors not only for us but also for our clients. With access to unlimited capital, we have been able to offer uncapped opportunities to our clients.

Q. Diversity and Inclusion are integral to Advance Partners. How do you ensure that these values are reflected in your daily operations and company culture?

Advance Partners works very hard to lead by example on diversity and inclusion. There are several internal subject matter experts who are able to assist clients with obtaining their DEI certification as well as expand their vendor list to include diverse suppliers. Whether you are a staffing firm looking for guidance as a women-owned business, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+, or as an owner with disabilities, Advance can offer guidance on it all.

Q. How do you see Advance Partners’ role in contributing to the broader social good, both locally and within the talent acquisition industry?

As the General Manager of Advance Partners, I am deeply passionate about staying involved at the Cleveland Food Bank. This passion is something I carry into my work, and as a result, many of our employees now consistently choose to volunteer their time at local food banks. Our commitment to the community extends beyond just volunteering. Advance Partners is an active participant and donor to The Gathering Place, a charity that provides free services to those affected by cancer. Since 2007, our employees have raised over $136,000 for this organization, reflecting our dedication to supporting those in need.

Our involvement doesn’t stop at community service. We are also active members of over 20 staffing industry associations, including the American Staffing Association and Staffing Industry Analysts. Our team regularly participates in national and regional tradeshows with these organizations, ensuring that we stay engaged and informed within our industry.

Q. What does the future hold for your company and its customers? Are exciting things on the way?

This is a very exciting time of year for Advance Partners. The new fiscal year kicked off in June, and that means 12 brand new months of helping staffing firms grow. The team is preparing for a busy Fall 2024, with tradeshows all over the country. You can find them in Nashville at Staffing World, Arlington, TX, for the SIA Healthcare Summit, and even making a trek across the pond to London for the SIA Executive Forum Europe.

Meet the leader behind the success of Advance Partners

Jeremy Bilsky, Senior Director & General Manager of Advance Partners boasts a stellar 20-year journey with the company. Joining in 2004, he has been instrumental in fostering client growth and enabling them to seize opportunities. His steadfast dedication is felt throughout the company, inspiring employees to emulate his client-centric approach and foster a collaborative work culture. With Bilsky at the helm, Advance Partners thrives on a foundation of trust, innovation, and excellence, poised to navigate dynamic market landscapes and drive sustainable success.