Five-Decade Staffing Industry Leader to Be Honored at Staffing World 2026 in Denver
Monte Block, president and chief executive officer of Equiliem, will be inducted into the American Staffing Association Leadership Hall of Fame, recognizing a career spanning five decades of leadership, entrepreneurship and service to the staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry.
A second-generation staffing executive, Block grew up in an industry that would ultimately become both his career and his life’s work. Over five decades, he has built and led staffing businesses, mentored industry professionals, and helped advance the profession while remaining committed to the relationships and values on which his family’s business was built.
Today, Block leads Equiliem, a family-led staffing and workforce solutions company serving industries that support North America’s critical infrastructure. Under his leadership, the business has evolved and expanded while carrying forward a staffing legacy that now spans three generations.
“Monte has more energy and enthusiasm for the industry than anyone I know,” said Tom Gimbel, chair of the ASA board of directors. “For many decades, Monte has built companies, shared his knowledge with his peers, and been a positive force for staffing companies everywhere. The industry is better because Monte Block has been in it.”
Block has also played an active role in advancing the staffing profession. A longtime advocate for the industry, he serves on the ASA legal and legislative committee and as a mentor in the ASA Mentor Match program. He also is a frequent speaker and adviser on leadership, workforce strategy, and the changing world of work.
Known for his candor, curiosity, and willingness to challenge conventional thinking, Block has earned a reputation for asking thoughtful questions, sharing what he has learned, and encouraging others to approach business and workforce challenges from new perspectives.
Those lessons are also at the heart of his book, The Building Blocks of Success, published by Forbes Books, which shares the leadership principles, experiences, and business lessons that have shaped his career.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Block has made giving back a consistent part of his career. He has devoted significant time to charitable organizations and community initiatives while mentoring generations of professionals and emerging leaders. He is also a member of the New Jersey Staffing Association Hall of Fame.
“Induction into the ASA Leadership Hall of Fame is about lasting influence, and Monte’s influence can be seen across nearly every dimension of his career,” said Stephen Dwyer, president and chief executive officer of ASA. “Monte’s leadership, mentorship, and service have influenced countless professionals and helped move our industry forward. We are proud to celebrate his impact at Staffing World.”
For Block, the recognition is as much about the people and relationships that have shaped his career as it is about the five decades he has spent in the industry.
“This industry has given me far more than a career. It has given me lifelong friendships, the opportunity to build businesses alongside people I respect, and the privilege of helping others build careers of their own,” Block said. “To be recognized by ASA and my peers is incredibly meaningful, and I share this honor with my family, our team at Equiliem, and the many people who have been part of this journey.”
Block will be celebrated during Staffing World 2026, the ASA annual convention and expo, taking place Oct. 12–14 in Denver. For more information, visit staffingworld.net.
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About Equiliem
Equiliem helps organizations across North America solve complex workforce challenges that support critical infrastructure. As a family-led staffing and workforce solutions company with more than 30 years of experience, Equiliem connects people and employers through staffing, recruitment and workforce management solutions designed to help both succeed.
Built on a staffing legacy that spans three generations, Equiliem combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to relationships, service and creating better experiences for the people and organizations it serves.
About the American Staffing Association
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
About the ASA Leadership Hall of Fame
The ASA Leadership Hall of Fame Award was created in 1985 to recognize outstanding individual contributions made through dedicated service to ASA and the staffing industry. Since that time, 49 distinguished leaders have been honored with this award and the Pioneer Award which was given to individuals who contributed to the industry prior to the establishment of ASA in 1966.
The board of directors created the award to acknowledge those individuals (either living or deceased) who, through personal initiative, courage of conviction, and dedication have made a significant contribution to the development of the association and the industry.
The Leadership Hall of Fame Award is a testament to those contributions and is intended to serve as an inspiration to future generations of men and women who might choose a career in the staffing industry.