Founder's Story…

Starting at the ripe age of 16, I worked in retail.

During college I created an internship through an apparel manufacturer contact. I was the liaison between that manufacturer and the first Walmart vendor owned “shop-within-shop” concept store.  I managed the floor layout, visual and product execution at the retail level (utilizing Walmart talent). I worked closely with the Buyer and monitored inventory to maximize sales.

Upon graduation (BA in Retail Merchandising Management, minor in Business) I secured an Area Manager position with a major retailer. Wanting to expand my operational experience (gained at the retail level), I joined a contingent employment firm. After six months, I was asked to open a new office, with the branch manager, as the only permanent placement consultant in that office. I learned how to build the business from the ground up.

Not understanding the value of my service in the contingent recruiting world at the time, my dream job presented itself (merchant/product developer/designer for a global apparel manufacturer). I worked for that manufacturer for 10+ years; first in merchandising/ product development/design and then human resource management. I went on to get my Masters in HR & Labor Relations.

In 2005, the concept of following my passion began. I reviewed my 15+ years of industry experience in visual, retail, product and HR management. I began to dream about how I could apply all of my experience to shape my (and others) future.

I wanted more balance in my life (having two small children). My goal was to remain in the professional arena, gain financial/fiscal responsibility for a business (mine or someone else’s) and combine my experience to contribute financially to the household.

I built a consortium of professionals, family and friends (along with a SCORE mentor) to serve as an advisory committee. I could not have been successful without them. I drafted my first business plan (which was revised many times). One year later, 2006, Midwest Personnel Resource, LLC was established.

Having come for the industry, I leveraged relationships to get started. 

• Degreed professional (BA Retail Merchandising/Business; Masters, Human Resources & Labor Relations)
• Worked for a global apparel manufacturer for over a decade in a merchant/product development/design then HR Management capacity
• Have established networks in the apparel industry
• Have an innate ability to uncover the core skill set of each candidate and in turn consistently match the right candidate to a client’s needs
• Have a passion for the recruitment/staffing function which is evident in my work