Appraisal management company Landmark Network has launched a new East Coast operation center in an effort to expand its customer service offerings. When selecting a site for the new center, Landmark CEO Erik Richard opted for his home town in Maine to help the local economy.

The effect of the new office, which currently houses a staff of six, is twofold, says Erik Richard, Landmark Network CEO.

“One, I have been blessed by being able to grow a company in this economy, but also to be able to give back to where I grew up and create jobs there,” Richard says. “Many AMCs outsource back office functions off shore, but we chose to keep jobs here in the U.S.”

Richard, a Maine native, is now based outside of Los Angeles at the Landmark national headquarters.

This will be Landmark’s third satellite office opening in a year and half. Landmark currently has sales offices in Boston and Atlanta but believes the new East Coast operations office will truly enhance the customer’s experience.

“The new office will allow for us to cover a longer time schedule,” he says. “The ability to load balance between offices and actively serve our clients 15 hours a day, seven days a week will ultimately benefit our customers.”

The new staff, which is primarily responsible for back office processes for the company, has the potential to rapidly grow from six to 30, Richard says. And the job growth is not only good for Landmark, but also for the economy.

“These are net new jobs as we are growing” he says.

Landmark is not the only company in the region to grow; a national credit card company recently opened an office employing 200 people, insourcing jobs to the same market area.

Written by Elizabeth Ecker