GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - While many businesses are downsizing, there’s one bucking that trend by increasing payroll.

Startek recently hired 160 new people in Grand Junction, and in this 11 News Special Report, we learn how, despite the recession, they’re still building business.

Some of the largest companies in the world looking to boost their bottom line are turning to Startek’s two Grand Junction call centers.

Site Director Dennis Foos says, “We give them the solutions they need to win in their marketplace.”

Business here is booming, employees stay busy handling customer care, tech support and other calls.

Foos says they’re winning business across the globe by offering a service currently very much in demand.

“We've done well in spite of the general economic conditions in the country because we do a good job, provide a good product. When you do that people turn to the good products,” Foos says.

Startek employs about 600 people between its two sites, 400 people come in every day to the site on 7th Street.

David Kenworthy spent nearly a year searching for employment before landing one of the new positions.

“I was a waiter at the Cabaret and dealt with customer service so it's similar and very rewarding,” he says.

Startek Supervisior Richard Cohen says, “I came from a melting mortgage industry in LA. I came to Colorado for a better life with lower expenses.”

He says he drove around the city until he found Startek, and secured a new position.

What set him apart he believes, was his willingness to learn new skills. “I came here in November and already made it to supervisor,” he says.

Both Richard and David joined a growing local labor force that holds substantial spending power.

The company will pay $14 million in local wages and salaries this year, $1 million more than it paid to employees in 2009.

Now, as businesses across the nation figure out how to prosper in the down economy, they share a few secrets of success.

Startek’s secrets to success, first they say be good at what you do.

Dennis says, “How well you perform will make your career. I’m a testament to that.”

He started in the call center and in less than 10 years became site director.

Number two, promote from within.

Recruiting manager Jason Crowell says, “I started in just in August 2009. I’ve hired a lot of people since I've been here, seen people get promoted and I think it's a good atmosphere.”

Number three, provide a high value product because if you do that, people will turn to the product.

When the company began expanding its local workforce last October, 1,400 applications came pouring in, but only about one in 10 made it through.

To those who didn't make it, some encouraging words from those who've been there.

Richard says, “Retrain yourself, it's the best thing to do to join the workforce again.”

David says, “I say don't give up. I have a wife and two children and when things got tough, we had to borrow money from in-laws to pay off the mortgage. I understand how tough it is out there, but there's no reason to give up, there are good jobs out here you just have to seek them and sometimes they find you.”

The good news is they’re still hiring. Thirty trainees started Monday and 30 more are needed in March.

If you want to apply, click the link below.