POGO Inc. helps clients achieve their goals with a passion for caring for their temporary hires.
Pogo Inc. President Deborah “Debby” Muñoz is no stranger to breaking barriers in the temporary staffing and workforce solutions industry. As a WBENC-certified Woman-Owned Small Business, her organization focuses on helping government and corporate clients provide staffing in manufacturing, industrial, clerical, accounting, technical and professional services. Specializing in “Personnel on the Go”, Pogo is revolutionizing the industry through hiring the right staff, offering a pristine talent database and cost-effective labor options.
Muñoz began Pogo in 2011 with VP of Operations Frederica “Freddie” McGraw, a longtime colleague and friend. The organization now has several employees as well as federal clients such as Camp Pendleton, the US Marine Corps and the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Success Through Ups and Downs
Muñoz has experienced a journey of ups and downs throughout her decades-long career that has helped shape her into the entrepreneur that she is today. In 1994, she began her career with San Diego Personnel, putting herself and the business on the map by securing an Indian casino as its first client. Shortly thereafter, she secured a $4 million federal government contract to supply commercial truck drivers through Camp Pendleton, the major West Coast base of the US Marine Corps. The deal would not only challenge her but change her life forever. “I had no idea what a government contract even was,” Muñoz shares. Camp Pendleton officials, meanwhile, “were a little shocked, a little pleased and slightly worried, as I was a woman who they didn’t think could learn what it took.” Muñoz quickly proved them wrong, putting hundreds of truck drivers on the road legally and skyrocketing the company’s growth. Continuing down the government contracting avenue, she was awarded numerous additional opportunities including repairing Stryker vehicles for General Dynamics, for which the US Army awarded her a Certificate of Appreciation.
Diversification Imperative
Muñoz’s desire to expand growth led her to create Pogo, a women-led organization that focuses on her passion for making contingent hiring a one-stop shop. She immediately realized the benefits of becoming a diversity-owned business and became certified by the National Women’s Business Enterprise in 2013 as well as Women-Owned Small Business Certified shortly thereafter. Since becoming certified, Pogo has enjoyed an uptick in client engagement and success in recruiting unique positions. However, Muñoz’s efforts have not stopped there. “DE&I is the future, and we want to partner with more individuals to increase diversity spending,” she says.
Finding People, Finding Work
McGraw is immensely proud of the work Pogo has done and continues to do for women leaders in the industry. She attributes Muñoz’s and the company’s success to treating people with respect and sustaining fluid communication. “We are really good at putting a program together,” McGraw explains. “Hiring the right people is our strength, and we have the ability to do what needs to be done.”
Looking ahead, it comes as no surprise that Muñoz has a vested interest in increasing the placement of veterans amidst Pogo’s military clientele. She hopes to continue providing opportunities to those who have served. With DE&I strongly on the horizon for Pogo, Muñoz’s future looks bright as well. “We truly have a passion for what we do and hope to expand our diversity program throughout the future,” she says.
