Jim Fox Succeeds in the Wake of Downsizing

One bleak day about 25 years ago, Jim Fox was walking in a cold October rainstorm, fighting the wind for control of his umbrella. The Washington Avenue bridge did not yet have the enclosed walkway that today shields students from the elements as they trek between the East and West Bank, and Fox was wondering why he had bothered to bring his umbrella at all. As if to answer his question a gust of wind promptly turned it inside out. Fox walked to the side of the bridge, hurtled the inverted jumble of canvas into the river, and continued his journey.

Many years later, Fox found himself again trudging through some stormy weather, and again continued his journey despite the setbacks he faced. After working with a local firm for nearly 20 years, he was informed that the company was downsizing and he would be released. rather than give up, Fox started his own consulting firm and continued his career, taking his clients with him.

Fox Lawson and Associates is a consulting firm that helps organizations design salary structures for executives and employees. In the two years since Fox founded the firm, business has been good.

"We've had a 40 percent growth this year from last year," Fox says, "and last year was pretty good."

Fox is currently involved in two projects here at the
U of M. "It's a unique environment because the people are very bright and warm and collegial - not like the business world, where it's pretty chilly sometimes, "says Fox. His firm is helping the Academic Health Center design a compensation program for the faculty and is also helping set up a compensation program for the athletic coaches.

As a University student ,Fox finished his B.A. in four years and his Ph.D. in four and a half years. He doesn't recall having some of the problems associated with a large campus. "One of the things I keep hearing is that the University is so big and it takes forever to get through it. Sure, you occasionally had problems getting into a class or two and you had to reschedule sometimes. You register early, you get to know the system, figure out how to maneuver your way through it, and away you go."

Today Fox spends his free time water-skiing, playing golf, and spending time with his family. His son recently graduated form the University of St. Thomas, and his daughter is a first year student here at the University. Fox says that despite increases, the tuition at the University is downright inexpensive in relation to the quality of a University education. "Liberal arts education is incredibly valuable," he says. "I sometimes wish I'd had more technical training in certain areas, but I've been able to waltz my way around because I have a broader base to work from."

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