Janice Bryant Howroyd is a trailblazer in the world of business, known for her success as the founder and CEO of ActOne Group, a leading workforce solutions company. It is the largest privately-held Black-woman owned personnel company to be founded within the U.S., and Howroyd herself is the first African-American woman to build and own a billion-dollar company.

Her inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the wealthiest self-made women in the U.S. is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and dedication. Here’s a closer look at how Howroyd reached the heights of success and built a thriving business empire.

Early Life And Background

Born in 1952 in Tarboro, North Carolina, Howroyd’s upbringing was modest. Raised by her single mother, Howroyd was instilled with strong values of perseverance and self-sufficiency from an early age. She was encouraged to take advantage of every educational opportunity and develop her leadership skills. These lessons would shape her approach to business and career in the years to come.

Howroyd attended North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a degree in business education. Her educational foundation gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams and enter the corporate world.

Founding ActOne Group

Howroyd’s path to success began when she founded ActOne Group in 1978, a company that initially provided staffing solutions to businesses in need of temporary and permanent employees. She started the company with only $1,500 in capital, but her vision was clear—she wanted to create a business that would help connect skilled workers with companies while providing top-notch service.

ActOne Group quickly gained traction by focusing on a high level of personalized service, treating clients and workers alike with respect and professionalism. Her deep understanding of the needs of both employers and employees allowed the company to thrive. Over time, Howroyd’s business expanded its services, growing into a multi-million-dollar global company that works with large corporations, government agencies, and small businesses.

ActOne entered 2024 as one of HRO Today’s top-rated providers of total workplace solutions. The group placed in the top three spots for Overall Leaders, Quality of Service, and Size of Deal. These figures were based on feedback from clients.  The company sees over $3 billion in annual revenue. It operates in 32 countries and sees over 17,000 clients worldwide.

Challenges Along The Way

Like many entrepreneurs, Howroyd faced numerous challenges along her journey. Starting a business as a Black woman in the late 1970s, a time when opportunities for minorities in business were scarce, posed significant hurdles. She often found herself needing to overcome skepticism from potential clients and investors, and at times, struggled with securing the necessary funding to grow her business.

In a 2021 interview with MBN USA, she cites two principles that helped her get her business off the ground. One was the notion of keeping the humanity in human resources. The other was something she called the WOMB method. To quote her directly: “Word-of-Mouth, Baby!”

Howroyd’s determination and ability to navigate adversity played a crucial role in her ability to persevere. Her willingness to take calculated risks, while staying true to her principles, ultimately propelled her to success. She continuously looked for innovative ways to expand her business and increase its value, all while maintaining an emphasis on her core values of integrity and respect.

Recognition And Impact

Today, Howroyd is widely recognized as one of the most influential women in business. She has been featured on numerous lists, including Forbes’ list of America’s richest self-made women, and has been awarded accolades for her leadership and contributions to the workforce solutions industry. ActOne Group has grown to offer services in staffing, human resources, and workforce solutions across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, and hospitality.

Howroyd’s impact extends beyond the corporate world. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively working to mentor and support other women and minority entrepreneurs. She is an ambassador for the Department of Energy’s Minorities in Energy Initiative, and is a board member on the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

In May 2016, then-president Barack Obama provided Howroyd with a key appointment as a member of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs. She’s also on the Diversity Committee of the Federal Communications Commission.

Through her philanthropy and speaking engagements, Howroyd continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams and build successful businesses.

Janice Bryant Howroyd’s Net Worth

After starting with a budget of just $1500, a fax machine and a phone, Janice Bryant Howroyd has grown her business and her net worth significantly and drastically. In 2024, Janice Bryant Howroyd’s net worth is $675M.

While her success with ActOne is a major contributor to that net worth, she can also credit some of that wealth to the over a dozen investment properties she owns with her family. Those investments include commercial buildings and homes alike.

She’s also published two books. Her first, “The Art of Work,” was published in 2009. Her second, titled “Acting Up,” followed in 2019. Both became bestsellers and influential self-help books for the aspiring entrepreneur.

The Legacy Of Janice Bryant Howroyd

Howroyd’s success story is a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, resilience, and a vision for the future. Through her unwavering dedication, she built one of the most successful staffing companies in the world, and along the way, she has become a role model for countless individuals striving to break barriers in business.

Her journey continues to be an inspiration, demonstrating that with the right combination of education, perseverance, and innovation, anyone can achieve success.