Celebrating a Legacy:
Phil Freeman turns 80 and Marks 57 Years with Dawson

“It’s not a job if you love what you do.”

– Phil Freeman

Fun Facts About Our Famous Phil:

57 Years with Dawson

Joining Dawson on September 11, 1966, Phil was the first employee hired after Joseph DeCapua purchased the business that same year. Dawson remains family owned.

$11,992,923 in
Revenue Contribution

Since his 50th anniversary in 2016, Phil has solely generated nearly $12 million dollars in revenue.

6,000+ job placements...

and counting!

Phil has been instrumental in providing jobs and empowering the lives of over 6,000 Central Ohioans throughout his career.

Every placement has been physically recorded, hand-written and entered in his logbooks since his first placement in September of 1966.

Lifetime Achievement Award:

2016 Recipient

Phil was the recipient of Columbus CEO’s HR Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

Phil's Full Story

Phil’s remarkable journey with Dawson began in September 1966, when he joined as Joseph DeCapua’s first employee to help turn around a struggling local staffing firm. Today, Phil continues to make a profound impact, inspiring everyone with his unwavering dedication and passion.

Over the decades, Phil has been instrumental in evolving the company’s business practices. His meticulous records, filled with handwritten notes, serve as a testament to his enduring commitment to excellence. These books not only document every candidate he’s placed but also motivate Phil to keep moving forward, embracing both tradition and innovation.

Phil’s dedication to Dawson and the staffing industry is nothing short of extraordinary. At 80, he continues to work a full workweek, often being the first to arrive in the office and working through weekends.  “He’s always on the top of the list,” explains Jeff Miller, President at Dawson. “He continues to beat his own records, year after year. Since his 50th anniversary in 2016, Phil has been solely responsible for more than $11 million in revenue.” 

Throughout his tenure, Phil has trained and mentored hundreds of recruiters. Every new hire spends significant time with him, learning about the company’s history, recruiting guidelines, successful interviewing practices, and excellent customer service. As a tribute to his invaluable contributions, the company’s office features “The Phil W. Freeman Training Center,” a testament to his lasting impact.

His enthusiasm for helping people find jobs transforms his work into a hobby he loves. With over 6,000 job seekers placed in Columbus, Phil’s approach to candidate care is unparalleled. He maintains relationships with candidates he placed over 30 years ago and stops at nothing to ensure they find positions where they can thrive. His ability to match candidates with the right roles and companies is legendary, making his placements not only successful but long-lasting.

Phil’s commitment extends to his clients, many of whom started as his candidates. His keen understanding of both candidates and companies ensures perfect fit placements, making him a trusted advisor in the staffing industry. His insights into HR trends, both timeless and evolving, provide valuable guidance to clients and colleagues alike.

Phil Freeman’s 57 years of dedication and success at Dawson are a true testament to his lifetime of achievement. As he celebrates his 80th birthday, the entire company honors his extraordinary legacy and the profound impact he has made on thousands of lives.

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