1. What is your role at LJTP (describe in more detail than just the title)?
As an Operations Manager, my overall responsibility is to assure productivity and efficiency. Specifically, I am responsible for various areas within the company, such as accounts receivable, payroll, reporting, event planning, on-boarding/off-boarding employees/clients, administrative/sales support as well as defining, documenting, and implementing new procedures/policies.
2. What did you do prior to joining LJTP?
Prior to joining Lucas James Talent Partners, I worked for one of the largest staffing firms in North America, where I helped build an administrative structure to support the on-boarding and training of over 2,000 global employees at the company’s first international division. Also, I supported the company’s national accounts from an implementation and documentation standpoint. In this role, I coordinated and captured all details within a project scope in order to drive compliance and successful outcomes within a contractual Service Level Agreement. After eight years at this firm, I became a stay-at-home mom, and shortly thereafter, I joined Lucas James Talent Partners.
3. What drew you to LJTP originally? And how has LJTP changed since?
I was originally drawn to this company from a personal perspective; Tim Schumm, the president and founder of Lucas James Talent Partners was my former and well-respected supervisor. The idea of working with Tim again was an ideal situation for me, especially since I wholeheartedly believed in the business model he was creating as it is unique to its competitors. Having known Tim for over a decade, I have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of Tim’s dream becoming a reality. We are now a fully functioning company with a growing team that has policies and procedures in place to service our clients at an exceptional level.
4. What is your favorite part about working at LJTP?
My favorite part about working for Lucas James Talent Partners is its culture. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of a team that is enthusiastic, energetic, and engaged. The flexible solutions that are offered to our clients also extends to our internal team; Lucas James Talent Partners has given me the opportunity to have the best of both worlds: a career and a family.
5. What is the most challenging part of your job?
Lucas James Talent Partners is still in its infancy stage, so it is expected that various challenges will present themselves. In my role, the most challenging part is keeping pace with internal and external growth. As we mature, it is imperative I develop operative policies and procedures to ensure our clients, partners, and team members receive what they need from us.
6. How has LJTP helped you grow personally and professionally?
At Lucas James Talent Partners, I have been given an appropriate amount of independence, which has helped me grow professionally. The independence I have been given has allowed me to not only carve out my role, but it also allows me to use my experience and knowledge to help shape our company’s operations. With this level of independence, I have grown to be more self-confident, which has also impacted my personal life. Confidence has helped me grow as a wife and mother; I feel better about my time management skills, decision-making capabilities, and ability to adjust to change.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy working for Lucas James Talent Partners, but there is nothing like spending quality time with my family. Being a young household with small children, I am often told that these are the best days of my life and to enjoy every second. With that said, I try to savor the small moments in life, such as roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, watching our kids learn to crawl or ride a bike, and enjoying a quiet evening with my husband once the kids are asleep. Family is very special, and I truly enjoy spending every minute I can with them.