Provalus Brings Jobs Back to Rural America
Provalus, an IT and customer service firm, is making moves to create jobs in rural America, while many of its competitors continue to outsource work overseas.
Unlike some businesses expanding in mid-sized cities, Provalus is targeting smaller communities, even if it means higher operational costs. They are focusing on towns with populations between 5,000 and 15,000 that have seen declining economic activity.
Rural employment usually hinges on sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Take Bruton, Alabama, for instance—a town that once thrived with sawmills but has since quieted down.
Will Ruzick, who heads an economic development initiative in the region, initially thought the idea of hundreds of tech jobs was unrealistic, nearly a scam. When approached by Charles Ruggiero, now the CEO of Optomi Professional Services, Ruzick was skeptical, especially since no timeline was given.
“We thought this sounded too good to be true,” Ruzick confessed, now serving as Provalus’s vice president of facilities.
Provalus delivers various services, including help desk and cybersecurity support, to Fortune 1,000 clients like Chick-fil-A and Navy Federation Credit Union. “What we offer customers is a team, not just an individual,” highlighted Mike Keogh, the president of Provalus. “Our aim is to perform crucial tasks for clients that contribute significantly to their success.”
Businesses partnering with Provalus realize substantial benefits—often working within the same time zones as the clients, eliminating language barriers. The impact on the local communities is even more significant.
“We want to create middle-class jobs rapidly,” Keogh emphasized. “That’s about elevating wages above the median for these towns.”
Employees can expect salaries that are 10% to 15% higher than the national average, with very affordable medical benefits costing merely $1 per paycheck.
Provalus currently operates nine locations throughout the southern and central United States, deliberately placed in town centers. “That’s where the essence and vitality of these communities lie,” Ruzick noted. After years of seeing minimal activity in downtown Brewton, he marvels at the new energy driven by an influx of new jobs and businesses.
Since Provalus’s inception, approximately ten new businesses have opened in Brewton, providing a lifeline for those struggling in a town facing economic decline.
Deborah George, owner of Holy House Bed and Breakfast, reminisces about a once-bustling town. “The streets were alive back then,” she recalled.
Throughout her life, George has witnessed the closing of numerous shops. She appreciates Provalus’s mission to boost the local economy. “They’re not just about their bottom line—they genuinely support us,” she remarked.
Now, for those raised in Bruton, pursuing a career in technology doesn’t require leaving home anymore. Provalus also offers a fresh start for people looking to pivot their careers, whether they’re returning mothers, military veterans, or others seeking new paths.
Rachel Morton leads a team of 150 in Brewton and shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to the workplace. She has seen firsthand the difference Provalus makes. “Kids who once would have been directed toward labor jobs now have opportunities to develop their skills,” she said.
Provalus is growing quickly, training around 30 new hires weekly.
Kimberly Lewis, who transitioned to Provalus after years as a mechanic, cites personal loss as a catalyst for her career change. “My son once pushed me to consider technology, and I’m really glad he did,” she expressed.
The company prioritizes employee health and wellness. Each office features community rooms stocked with essentials like donated clothing and baby formula, along with wellness opportunities like treadmills and indoor slides for a playful atmosphere.
With Provalus, the notion that vibrant offices are confined to places like Silicon Valley is changing; they are establishing a new standard, even in small towns like Bruton.
