How did you get here? What was it about Prolink that sparked your interest?
I gained recruiting experience as an internal recruiter for a large urology practice. During my exit interview, my manager said, “You should look into staffing”. As an internal recruiter, I wanted nothing to do with it. Being a part of HR, staffing was looked at as a negative thing, but I love recruiting. I eventually started looking into it to find an agency worth working for. I had no desire to work anywhere that was hiring recruiters. I was scrolling through LinkedIn and Rob Horton posted about needing recruiters in Cincinnati. I sent him a message asking about positions in Columbus. He forwarded my information to Brent Wallace and here I am.
So, we hear you worked with Prolink as an external contractor prior to be hired on internally? We’d love to hear more about your journey here!
After becoming a Medical Assistant in 2007, it was tough for me to get a job without 1 year of experience. I worked contract assignments for a few different agencies, while applying for a permanent role. I started working in a warehouse doing data entry for a document storage company. One of our clients was a major hospital system. We managed their HR files. It was a contract to hire position and I went on direct. After 3 years, I started applying for medical assistant roles and was never called. I updated my resume, to include handling records for a medical company. In 2012, Rob Horton reached out about a medical records position with that same company. He explained that it was only 13 weeks with no possibility of going direct as the position was only there to help get the team caught up. I applied thinking it would be a great resume builder for finding employment in the medical field. Plus, a 13-week contract was ideal for this stage in my life. Rob helped me get through compliance and it was not electronic at the time. Scanners were not as efficient as they are today, and Rob was my compliance specialist. My list of compliance items was through the roof. It was stressful and I almost backed out multiple times. Rob was so patient with me and made himself available outside of business hours to help me. No matter what time of day or day of the week, Rob was there to help me. I called him on Saturdays, after 5p, and he always answered and never seemed bothered. It’s like you could hear the smile in his voice. After starting my assignment and being 8 weeks in, I called Rob to tell him I couldn’t finish due to my physician putting me on bed rest. Rob said, “Wait! You’re pregnant?” I said, “Oh yeah, about that... twins.”
Hence the reason a 13-week contract was ideal. I was due right at 13 weeks, but the kiddos came early. Rob was very happy for me and told me to take all the time I needed and connect with him once I was cleared. I’ve worked for agencies before and calling off sick could get you into trouble and not completing a contract would prevent you from being rehired, but Rob was so understanding. I knew, when I was ready to go back to work, I would call him. After I gave birth to my son and daughter, I called Rob. He immediately found a placement for me, but I questioned if I was qualified. It was an Executive Secretary role. He believed in me and set me up with an interview. I got the job! Not only did I get the job, but they extended me multiple times with intentions of bringing me on direct for a different role.
During my second extension, my daughter passed away, a day shy of 6 months. Rob was the first person I called after leaving the hospital as she was pronounced at 6am and I had to be at work at 8am. The support from Prolink and my managers during my placement was overwhelming. The site managers came to the funeral and Prolink sent flowers. After a few extensions, I went on direct. Most contractors are excited when they accept their offers. For me it was bittersweet, I was going to miss Rob and Prolink. If it wasn’t for Prolink, I may still be at that warehouse.
You are somewhat of a skilled mixologist. What ignited your interest in learning how to craft cocktails?
Yup! I’m a Mixologist…not to be confused with a Bartender. I took an intense 40-hour mixology training course that included a mandatory TIPS certification. My intention was to simply make better drinks at home. It was supposed to be a hobby or something I did for fun. After going through the training, I started using my skills and knowledge to supplement my income. The class taught more than I expected to learn. I eventually started mixing at parties and weddings. Then I started receiving calls to travel to concerts, events, and festivals. I would make custom themed drinks for each event. Layered, colorful drinks are my favorite to make.
What’s the last random internet…thing…you saw that made you laugh out loud to yourself?
This meme.
What are your top 2 pet peeves?
I just have one. Leaders who lead by fear. I believe there’s a difference between respecting someone and fearing them.
Imagine it’s a Saturday afternoon – where will we find you?/what will we find you doing?
I enjoy coming to work on Saturdays. Some may turn their nose up to the idea of choosing to spend a portion of the weekend at work, but it’s not at all how they would imagine it to be. I sleep in. Once I wake up, I’ll arrive w/ the whole family wearing jeans and a t-shirt. We bring the Xbox, breakfast and drinks. While my family is playing the x-box and watching Netflix in the conference room, I’m meeting candidates for paperwork, identifying talent, planning my week, completing weekly and monthly reports, so that I get more out of my week. In total, I’m in the office about 4 hours. Some may say, “why not just work from home”. It’s not the same. At least not for me. I can hold myself accountable better in the office as opposed to home and everything I need is there. So far, it’s worked out well for me.
As far as the rest of my day. I’m a big kid. I grew up faster than the average child. Now that I have a child of my own, I want to make sure he gets to experience being a child….and I live vicariously through him. You can catch us on a Saturday afternoon at an arcade, bowling alley, zoo, COSI, or special event.
I’ll close out my Saturday binge watch documentaries on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Of all the cities you've been to, which did you connect with more than any other? Why?
Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas is my happy place. I lived there for almost a year after college. I got married there in a park called “The Valley of Fire” and I am a “responsible” gambler.
What is something you get unreasonably excited about?
Halloween! I told you…I’m a big kid. I’m Tiffany 365 days a year. Halloween gives you the opportunity to be something or someone else for a day. I love wearing crazy colored contacts. Wearing spooky cat eyes is apparently frowned upon any other day.
What is a nerdy thing about you? (i.e. are you a Star Wars buff? Do you know a stupid amount about a particular book, period of history, or hobby?) What is it about this nerdy thing that sparks your interest?
Crocheting. When I was on bedrest for 4 weeks during my pregnancy, there were 3 channels that I watched, and it got old quickly. I have a friend that does a lot of DIY projects and I asked her to send me something I could do to occupy my time. I was frustrated in the beginning, but literally had all the time in the world to practice. So, I did. I would look up YouTube tutorials and follow them step by step. I started making baby clothes. It’s a lot easier than it looks. For a while, I sold patterns at craft shows and on Etsy. My shop name was Jada’s Baby Steps, after my daughter.
