By Sharon Hanks
Global Forex Trading (GFT), a global foreign exchange provider based in Grand Rapids, expects to increase its workforce by about 20 employees this year following a significant hiring spree last year to accommodate the company's rapid growth.
"We have a lot of aggressive growth plans both nationally and internationally," GFT's Media Relations Manager Tim Gort says. Sales hit $164.7 million in 2008 when the company hired 94 more workers. Revenues are estimated to be even higher for 2009 when 46 more employees were added to its workforce.
As a world-leading currency trader, GFT now employs 170 and serves customers in more than 120 countries, he says.
The company is actively recruiting several types of knowledge-based workers, including web designers, web developers, writers, project managers, business analysts, and sales representatives, Gort says. GFT has been primarily working with recruiters to fill the positions, but the media relations manager encourages candidates to apply directly by e-mailing their resumes to Joe Force, GFT's vice president of marketing, at
[email protected]. He expects job descriptions to be posted on Rapid Growth Media's website later this month.
To house the growing workforce, GFT this month completed its move to larger quarters in the Atrium Woods building at 618 Kenmoor Ave. SE. The company formerly operated in three offices in the Alten Oaks office complex in the 4000-block along E. Fulton St. near Forest Hills Avenue.
The forex market, also known as the currency market, spot forex or currency trading, is the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another in order to gain a profit. Almost anyone with an understanding of market trends and analysis and a willingness to take risks can trade currencies online with GFT.
"It takes a significant amount of investment and time," Gort says, "Our customer is anyone interested in speculation and has the risk capital to do so. It ranges from individuals who have jobs to individuals who make this a fulltime endeavor, and everyone in between. A person can open an account for as little as $200. The significance comes in the amount of time to just understand the market and to trade currencies online. We have a lot of educational tools that help them and a lot of them are free."
Since GFT was established in 1997 in the home of founder and Chief Executive Officer Gary Tilkin in Ada, it has earned numerous awards for its growth, technology and entrepreneurship.
According to its website, GFT was listed in 2009 for the third year in a row by Inc. 500 magazine as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. In 2005, the Edward Lowe Foundation named it as one of Top 50 Companies to Watch in Michigan for Entrepreneurship. And in 2004, Ernst & Young honored Tilkin with its regional Entrepreneur of the Year award, earning him the prestigious status of a national finalist.
In addition to its Grand Rapids headquarters, GFT has offices in New York City, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, and Dubai.
Sources: Tim Gort, GFT media relations manager, GFT website.
Sharon Hanks is the innovation and job news editor at Rapid Growth Media. If you have any tips about new jobs or innovative projects in West Michigan, please feel free to contact her at [email protected].
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