October 1, 2024 | West Des Moines, IA – Palmer Group announces the retirement of one of its longest-serving employee-owners, Greg Thomas,
after more than 25 years of dedicated service.
“Greg Thomas (GT) has been a pillar in the employment industry for over three decades,” said David Leto, President and CEO of Palmer Group. “I had the privilege of being hired and trained by GT. He has always been invested in the success of everyone around him, and his focus on making lives better has been his passion. GT loves Palmer Group, and his impact on our company will be felt for decades to come.”
Greg was hired in 1999 and was the seventh employee at Palmer Group. Starting his career as a Search Consultant, Greg quickly made his mark, taking on a variety of leadership roles that have helped shape the company into what it is today. During his tenure, Palmer Group has grown from a small company into a thriving firm with over 75 employees.
“GT's most significant contribution is the positive effect he has had on our culture and the professional development of our team members. GT conducts himself with the highest level of integrity, is an extremely hard worker, and is an exemplary team player,” said Austin Palmer, former owner and current Board Chairman.
Greg's career journey at Palmer Group saw him rise to the position of Director of Recruiting before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2020. As COO, Greg played a pivotal role in expanding Palmer Group's reach, including supporting new offices in Cedar Rapids and Wisconsin.
“GT has been a cornerstone in establishing our Cedar Rapids office since 2018. His belief that the most crucial decision a leader makes is their next hire has been instrumental in building the strong foundation we have today,” said Mike Coulter, Market Director of the Cedar Rapids office.
Known for his incredible work ethic and infectious sense of fun in the office, Greg's leadership style has inspired countless employees throughout his career. He has been a mentor to many and is credited with fostering an environment of growth and innovation.
“GT focused on what mattered most: your family and you as a person. As a result, it made you want to work hard for him and achieve the goals you set together. He isn’t just someone who pushes you to be better; he helps you be better. His daily presence will be missed, but his impact will forever be visible in our culture,” said Jessie Kester, Sales Manager.
In his final role as Senior Advisor, Greg continued to provide valuable counsel to leadership and new hires. Now, as he transitions into retirement, Greg leaves behind a legacy of hard work, mentorship, and a true dedication to the company's core values.
“To me, being successful is simple. It means putting in the hard work, helping as many people as you can, and having fun every single day,” said Greg Thomas, Senior Advisor.
Palmer Group celebrates Greg's contributions and wishes him all the best in his retirement, knowing that his influence will be felt for many years to come.
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Palmer Group is a premier employment agency headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. For over 25 years, we’ve been providing a range of talent and business solutions spanning three offices across the central United States. We are a 100% employee-owned company founded on strong ethics, values, and a passion for making lives better. Our solutions include contract and contract-to-hire staffing, direct-hire placements, outplacement and career transition programs, executive search, and consulting services.
Areas of Expertise: Accounting & Finance, Administrative & Customer Service, Construction, Engineering & Manufacturing, Human Resources, Information Technology, Insurance, Mortgage & Banking, Sales & Marketing.