Leading with People, Not Policies

THE INTERVIEW 

Opening Snapshot

Tell us a little about you personally and professionally.

I’m an HR Business Partner with a deep passion for learning and development. I hold my SHRM-CP, a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Organizational Learning, and I’m currently pursuing my Doctorate of Business Administration with a focus on HR. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me chasing waterfalls across Minnesota state parks, spending time with my three cats, or staying involved in leadership roles like serving on my HOA board and the North Star SHRM board.

Who do you work for, and how would you describe your company or culture?

I work for J.H. Larson Electrical Company, a wholesale distributor of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC products. The culture is people-oriented, agile, adaptable, fun, and fast-paced. What I love most is that people aren’t treated like numbers; they’re genuinely valued as individuals.

How You Found HR

What first pulled you toward a career in HR or people leadership?

I originally wanted to move into management or sales while working at Lowe’s. A store manager recognized my strengths and encouraged me to step into a scheduling and staffing role, which was essentially an HR assistant position. I quickly fell in love with helping employees, onboarding new hires, and being the face of the company. For the first time, I felt genuinely excited to go to work every day.

Looking back, what’s changed the most about working in HR since you first started?

HR has become far more strategic, especially since COVID. Technology and AI are now major parts of the conversation, alongside a growing focus on employee well-being, mental health, and the overall employee experience — all while navigating constantly evolving compliance requirements.

The Work That Matters

What’s one project or initiative you’re especially proud of?

I helped launch our Employee Engagement Champion Team, which spans eight branches across multiple states. The goal is to celebrate the same events company-wide, while allowing each branch to tailor activities in a way that makes sense locally. It’s created stronger connection and engagement across locations.

What’s a challenge you’ve helped your team navigate recently, and what did it teach you?

J.H. Larson Electrical Company is growing quickly, which comes with the challenge of building structure while staying agile. I’ve been heavily involved in creating SOPs, aligning job descriptions, improving onboarding and sales training, and supporting internal career paths. It reinforced how critical clear communication, consistency, and simplifying complex processes really are.

Hiring, Change, and the Reality of HR Today

How has your approach to hiring changed?

We’ve shifted toward skills-based hiring, focusing on transferable skills rather than specific industry experience or years in a role. This has been especially effective in a niche industry like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. AI supports us behind the scenes by helping standardize job postings, but we keep the human element front and center in screening and interviews.

What’s one HR challenge that doesn’t get talked about enough?

The complexity of integrating and managing multiple HR technologies. Employees may see a single, seamless HR system, but behind the scenes, there’s significant work connecting platforms, uploading training, managing data, and partnering closely with IT. Being tech-savvy or having strong IT partnerships is now essential in HR.

The Best Parts of the Job

What’s your favorite part of working in HR?

The people. Helping them grow, celebrating their wins, supporting them through challenges, and watching new hires develop over time is incredibly rewarding.

What keeps you energized or motivated, even during tough seasons?

Seeing someone grow into their potential, whether it’s over a year or just a few months, brings so much joy. Building meaningful relationships and making a real impact keeps me motivated.

Paying It Forward

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in HR?

Build strong partnerships with managers, understand the business, communicate proactively, and lead with empathy and positivity. Become knowledgeable in employment law, stay consistent, and get involved with professional organizations like SHRM; the resources and community are invaluable.

Is there a mentor or leader who’s had a meaningful impact on your career?

Absolutely. I’m grateful for the leaders who supported me early on at Lowe’s, Tracey Conzales, Kyle Wright, Tucker Neu, and Danielle Hinton, as well as Donna Richardson and Barb Christensen from North Star SHRM. Most importantly, my current supervisor, Gail Kissner, has had the greatest impact. She’s an authentic, empowering leader who truly cares about her team and has helped shape who I am both professionally and personally.

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