Openwork Acquires Alternative Resources Company (ARC), Expanding Life Sciences Expertise and National Reach

Openwork Acquires Alternative Resources Company (ARC), Expanding Life Sciences Expertise and National Reach

Austin, TX – November 12, 2025 – Openwork, a people-first staffing company headquartered in Austin, Texas, proudly announces its acquisition of Alternative Resources Company (ARC), a respected national life sciences recruiting firm serving clients across the United States. This strategic partnership deepens Openwork’s expertise across the life sciences sector and marks another milestone in the company’s continued growth and specialization.

Founded in 1990 by Debra Pohl, ARC has built a strong reputation for excellence within the life sciences industry, connecting exceptional talent with leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device organizations nationwide. Over more than three decades, the company has earned the trust of its clients and candidates through integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality service.

“ARC’s deep expertise in life sciences and their people-first values make this partnership a natural fit,” said Sydney Small, Co-Founder of Openwork. “The fast-growing life sciences industry requires precision, technical depth, and true client partnership; qualities ARC has exemplified for decades. We’re excited to welcome their exceptional team into the Openwork family as we expand our national reach and strengthen our specialized service capabilities.”

Reflecting on this new chapter, founder Debra Pohl shared her optimism about the future: “Building ARC and working with such an amazing team, clients, and candidates has been the professional honor of my life. We’ve always believed in delivering quality, integrity, and service to our clients, employees, and candidates. Partnering with Openwork is a natural next step. Their approach, values, and people-first mission align beautifully with ours. I’m confident the ARC legacy will not only be preserved but expanded in the best possible ways.”

For ARC, the partnership marks the celebration of a proud legacy and the beginning of a new chapter defined by growth and opportunity. “This milestone allows us to celebrate the incredible legacy we've built over 35 years – one rooted in trust, service, and lasting relationships,” said Haylee Bell, Vice President of ARC. “As we turn the page, we do so with excitement and optimism. With Openwork, we’ll amplify our impact, expand opportunities, and continue doing what we do best: Identifying exceptional talent with outstanding organizations.”

The acquisition reinforces Openwork’s strategic expansion across key high-growth sectors, including healthcare, life sciences and professional staffing. Known for its culture-first philosophy and award-winning client and talent service, Openwork has been recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) as one of the Fastest Growing Staffing Firms and as a Best Staffing Firm to Work For, as well as a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and candidate satisfaction and a 2025 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company.

Operations at ARC will continue under the Openwork platform, with integration efforts focused on maintaining ARC’s reputation for quality and service while unlocking new capabilities, resources, and reach for clients and candidates nationwide.

About Openwork

Openwork is a people-first staffing company with a mission to build careers, companies, and communities—one person at a time. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Openwork holds that there’s more to life than livelihood, but that finding your dream job, career, or team is a really good place to start. With more than 50 years of industry heritage, Openwork brings a thoughtful approach to staffing and recruiting across the commercial, professional, healthcare, and life sciences sectors. The company is known for its strong culture, awardwinning client and candidate service, and sustained year-over-year growth. Modern-day staffing, reimagined. Learn more at www.openwork.com.

About Alternative Resources Company (ARC)

Founded in 1990, Alternative Resources Company (ARC) is a trusted provider of life sciences staffing and recruiting solutions, specializing in scientific, clinical, regulatory, technical, and commercial roles – supporting the life sciences industry from product development all the way through commercialization. ARC partners with leading organizations in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries to deliver top-tier talent and tailored workforce solutions. For more than 35 years, the company has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and partnership—helping clients innovate and helping candidates advance their careers in meaningful ways. Learn more at www.arcstaff.com.

Media Contact: communications@openwork.com