What Staffing and Hospitality Have Taught Us About People, Leadership, and Growth
After 22 years in staffing—especially in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of hospitality—we’ve learned a thing or two about people, leadership, and building partnerships that last.
From managing high-pressure moments to developing high-performing teams, these lessons have shaped how we serve our clients and support our workforce.
We asked our leadership team to reflect on what they’ve learned during their time in the industry. Here’s what they had to say:
1. People Are the Heart of Our Business
Whether it’s a client, candidate, or colleague—relationships are everything.
“This work is about people first—every interaction is a chance to connect, support, and uplift someone.”
— Brandy Slusher, Regional Vice President
2. Lead With Integrity
Our reputation is built on trust. Integrity is non-negotiable.
“Reputation is everything. Do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
— Brandy Slusher, Regional Vice President
3. Your Team Is Everything
A strong internal team builds strong client and candidate relationships.
“Success isn’t what you accomplish alone—it’s what your team achieves together.”
— Kim McGuire, Executive Vice President
4. Control What You Can Control
Focus on your effort, your response, and your service.
“When you focus on what’s within your power—your attitude, your effort—it empowers you to navigate challenges and build resilience”
— Kim McGuire, Executive Vice President
5. Be Honest, Always
Honest communication saves time, avoids confusion, and builds long-term trust.
“False hope only leads to frustration. Honest communication builds lasting trust.”
— Erin Karim, Executive Vice President
6. Details Make the Difference
Organization and accuracy are what set great staffing partners apart.
“From compliance to follow-through, small things create big wins.”
— Erin Karim, Executive Vice President
7. Lead by Example
If you want accountability, hustle, and respect—model it first.
“Show your team what great leadership looks like by doing it yourself.”
— Rachel Martin, Executive Vice President of Operations
8. Listen to Understand
When you truly listen, you uncover the real needs of your clients and workers.
“They’ll tell you how to succeed—if you’re paying attention.”
— Isaiah Page, Regional Vice President
9. Communication Is Everything
Clarity and consistency are essential when managing people and schedules.
“We stand out by being real people who communicate clearly and consistently.”
— Jessica Hawkins, Regional Vice President
10. Be Solution-Focused, Not Reactive
Leadership means staying calm, finding solutions, and moving forward.
“Stay calm, lead with solutions, and keep your team aligned.”
— Elizabeth Tomczak, Regional Vice President
11. Treat People the Way You Want to Be Treated
Respect, empathy, and kindness create a foundation of trust.
“Staffing is a people-first business. When you lead with respect, it comes back tenfold.”
— Rachel Martin, Executive Vice President of Operations
12. Create Your Own Opportunities
Growth doesn’t come to you—you go after it.
“No one hands you a path. You make one by showing up, doing the working, learning from your mistakes, and celebrate the wins.”
— Kim McGuire, Executive Vice President
13. Give Yourself Grace
Mistakes happen—what matters is how you grow from them.
“There’s room to grow through every mistake. Come back stronger.”
— Isaiah Page, Regional Vice President
14. Go the Extra Mile
Those little extra efforts are what turn clients into partners.
“Showing people you care is what sets you apart.”
— Elizabeth Tomczak, Regional Vice President
15. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Your composure during challenges sets the tone for your team.
“Stressful moments define leaders. Keep your emotions in check and lead with clarity.”
— Erin Karim, Executive Vice President
16. Enjoy the Ride
This industry is hard—but it’s also deeply rewarding.
“There’s nothing like connecting people with opportunities and watching them thrive. It’s why we do what we do.”
— Jessica Hawkins, Regional Vice President
17. Trust Your Instincts
Quick, confident decisions are part of the job—lean on your experience.
“You usually know the right thing to do. Trust yourself to make the call.”
— Brandy Slusher, Regional Vice President
18. Be Willing to Get Uncomfortable
Growth and innovation often live just outside your comfort zone.
“Don’t shy away from challenges. That’s where the growth is.”
— Jessica Hawkins, Regional Vice President
19. Invest in the Right People
Hiring and developing a strong team lays the foundation for everything else.
“The right team can move mountains. Support them, trust them, grow with them.”
— Kim McGuire, Executive Vice President
20. Not Everyone Will Want It as Much as You
You can support and encourage—but motivation must come from within.
“You can’t want success more than someone else wants it for themselves.”
— Rachel Martin, Executive Vice President of Operations
21. Ask. Always Ask.
Don’t leave opportunities on the table—ask for what you want.
“The worst they can say is no. The best? That’s where the magic happens.”
— Rachel Martin, Executive Vice President of Operations
22. Keep Evolving
Staffing and hospitality never stop changing—and neither should we.
“Success in this industry means learning, growing, and adapting—always.”
— Shared wisdom from our leadership team
What’s Your Lesson?
We’ve built our company on these values—and the people who live them every day. Whether you’re a client looking for a trusted staffing partner or a candidate searching for your next opportunity, we’re here to help you thrive.
Ready to grow with us? Contact us for a conversation or to learn more about how we can support your team.