Spartan Profiles: Amy Langer

MAKING THE INC. 500

            In 2002 she co-founded SALO LLC, a Minneapolis staffing and recruiting firm focusing on accounting and human resources professionals. Three years later, she was named a nation’s top “Emerging Business Entrepreneur” by Ernst & Young.  Last year her company made the prestigious Inc. 500—a list of the nation’s 500 fastest-growing private companies—and was named by Entrepreneur Magazine as the fastest-growing, woman-led company in North America. 

             In 2008, SALO is on track to earn $58 million.  “We’ve grown like gangbusters,” says Amy (Shook) Langer, ’93, as she walks on a treadmill workstation during an interview.  “We have 375 total employees and we’re looking to expand into a couple of other states.” 

             A native of Quincy, Langer grew up on a dairy farm as a third-generation Spartan.  “I’ve loved MSU since I was old enough to say, ‘Go Green,’” she notes.  “MSU was a blast. I made friends who are still my best friends.  The education prepped me well for the real world.”  Noting her success stems from “determination, hard work and hiring great people,”

            Amy says she loves “going to work every day of the week.”  She also found time to volunteer as treasurer for the MSU alumni club in Minneapolis, a role she had to quit when she started a family. Amy and her husband currently have three children, the oldest of them age 4. 

            “We believe in being innovative in the workplace,” says Amy, who is collaborating with the Mayo Clinic on a study of how physical fitness might affect work productivity.  As shown by documentaries such as ABC’s 20/20, Salo workspace is outfitted with walkstations, Foosball, pool, and even a mini- basketball court.  “Since I’ve been talking to you,” says Amy to the MSU Alumni Magazine during a telephone interview, “I’ve walked more than 1.2 miles.”