How Did Hobson Associates Get Its Name?

Chances are that you’ve seen the Hobson logo on our website, social channels, or the email signatures of our recruiters and researchers.  If you work in our fields of practice, chances are also high that you’ve received voicemails from someone at our firm, or are one of the thousands of people we’ve placed.

So how did our company get its name? WHO IS ‘Hobson’, exactly!? It’s actually a really great American Business story ...

ABRIDGED VERSION:

Hobson Associates was founded in 1973 in Connecticut by John Hobson, an Engineer turned search firm owner. The company started out placing local engineering talent, and John grew it by hiring smart, hungry people who had a strong work ethic and lots of personality. He ran the firm with no frills and was able to succeed, despite the huge challenges of launching a new business. In 1981 John hired a just-out-of-school recruiter, Danny Cahill. Danny soon became the company’s top producer and manager. 

Ultimately in 1986, Danny Cahill bought the company from John. At that time, the company’s recognizable name was a huge part of the value of the business, and changing it to “Cahill Associates” did not make sense. In 1997 Danny promoted Lisa Iannone to manage the sales team and, well, the rest is history.

When I joined in 1999, Danny and Lisa had already managed through huge ups and downs, including a recession. They had started to build a team of Partners and expand nationally into the markets we work in today. Danny had also developed an incredible speaking and training business, along with continuing his passion for writing (just google Danny Cahill).

A few years ago I asked Danny why he never changed the company’s name to 'Cahill'. His response was that “his ego didn’t require it”.

When we broke record sales just 30 days ago at our fiscal year-end, along with Danny having recently released his second (best-selling) book, I realized that it’s not about satisfying your ego with names and titles-- but it's what are you actually doing that makes an impact.

Are you working hard and getting results?  Are you learning? Are you making the most of your time and talents? If you are, then you’re living like a “Hobson” Associate!

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