Spherion Staffing: The Pentenburg’s Path to Success

When Tom Pentenburg lost his job during the 2007-2008 recession, he and his wife Elizabeth saw an opportunity to take control of their future. They made the bold decision to purchase their first Spherion Staffing office in Fort Wayne, Indiana. But it wasn’t easy—their first office was small, furnished with an old desk and an aging computer. Every dollar had to be stretched to keep the business running and position it for growth.

“It was a rough start,” Tom recalled. “We were down to our last $700 at one point. Making sure we had enough to fund the business and keep moving forward was hard.” Tom and Elizabeth worked hard and were determined to make this venture work. That determination was seen by their children who eventually began working for their parents in the staffing business. Sharing their parent’s vision, they not only worked for the business but also helped fill in when staffing was hard to find.

Despite the challenges, Tom and Elizabeth’s vision and determination paid off. After successfully establishing themselves in Fort Wayne, they expanded into Indianapolis, acquiring more offices. Eventually, they returned to Lima, Ohio, where they continued to grow. Today, the business has expanded to 14 offices across three states—Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Through this journey, Tom has found a valuable financial partner in Citizens National Bank. “Chad made me feel comfortable with my banking relationship at CNB. The personal connection is unlike any other bank we’ve experienced,” Tom said. “That touch—there’s value in that.” Elizabeth stresses how easy CNB’s Online Banking Services are to use. She really appreciates that she can be in Indiana where they live and still easily manage their office finances in Lima.

What started as one small office and a big dream has become a thriving multi-state operation, proving that perseverance, smart partnerships, and the right banking relationships can turn even the toughest challenges into lasting success.