WHO WE ARE

Established in 1978, Emerald Staffing is the Portland area’s most reliable, locally-owned staffing agency. Our office located in Lake Oswego, Oregon offers an authentic balance of professional service and essential marketplace knowledge.

As a leader in Portland’s employment and staffing industry, our clients rely on our proven success to provide dependable results for their hiring needs. We carefully screen job applicants through an extensive interview process, secure professional references, and offer valuable skillset assessments.

Emerald Staffing would not exist today if it weren’t for our founder, Meri Burton.

Meri entered the staffing world as a recruiter in Eugene, Oregon. Driven by her passion for encouraging people to become the best version of themselves, and her belief in the power of hard work, it didn’t take long before she envisioned a staffing business of her own.

Meri made several attempts to start the business until it finally stuck in 1978. Over time, the company grew to include her husband, John Sr., and later, both of her sons. Her eldest son, John Jr., is the current president of Emerald.

Meri and John’s grandchildren have all contributed to the company at one time or another, gaining first-hand experience in the value and responsibility of running a business. Today, their grandson Nick serves as the lead recruiter and director of staffing operations.

Even after retirement, Meri remained actively involved in daily operations, ensuring we never strayed from her original vision and commitment to excellent service.

We owe everything to Meri’s persistence, grit, humor, friendship, and unwavering determination.