Corporate Leadership
Amanda Naugle
Executive Administrative Assistant& Office Manager
Amanda's extensive professional background, including her roles as an office manager and secretary, has finely honed her ability to provide unmatched client care while upholding the strictest standards of confidentiality. She excels in fostering a sense of community and delivering compassionate service.
Amanda's unwavering commitment to service, her genuine love for cultivating relationships, and her dedication to personal and professional growth make her an indispensable asset to the team. She eagerly anticipates each day, ready to utilize her skills, uphold her cherished values, and infuse her boundless enthusiasm to create exceptional experiences for all.
Amanda's roots run deep within her community, where she has shared a happy marriage of over 20 years with her husband and raised three wonderful children. When she steps away from work, her heart is devoted to her family, and they treasure moments together, whether it's taking leisurely strolls, embarking on adventurous hikes, engaging in spirited board games, or exploring exciting new destinations. Beyond her family life, Amanda is an active and passionate member of her local church, where she willingly shares her faith and dedicates herself to ministering to women by sharing the word of God.
A quote that has profoundly shaped her approach to life is the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt: "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the things you think you cannot do." This quote encapsulates her fearless and determined outlook, underscoring her commitment to both her professional and personal growth.
Avery Robinson
Staffing CoordinatorWhen not at work, Avery enjoys immersing herself in thought-provoking content, with their top three favorite podcasts/books being Brene Brown's "Unlocking Us," J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series (currently enjoying it with her family), and Andrew Huberman's "Huberman Lab." These resources not only entertain her but also provide valuable insights that fuel her personal and professional growth.
What truly motivates Avery in her role at :hire is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others. She is driven by the desire to help individuals transition to better phases in their lives and improve their overall quality of life. Inspired by friends who have found success through similar agencies, Avery approaches each day with an open mind and a commitment to placing people where she can thrive. Knowing that she has done everything possible to support others in achieving their goals allows Avery to walk away from work each day with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
Dawan Fuqua
On-Site Account ManagerWith over 10 years of experience in recruiting and account management in both the non-profit and private sectors, Dawan Fuqua brings a much appreciated, high energy and positive attitude to :hire as an Account Manager. He works hand in hand with both clients and associates to provide the best career opportunities possible. Dawan is not new to the Columbus market. He brings experience with the initiatives for second chance programs through the City of Columbus. Dawan has been responsible for opening new warehouse facilities in St. Louis and California. Although he has an extensive background, Dawan enjoys watching those who he has helped succeed. He has been impressed with the team and integrity of the company.Positive thoughts = Positive Results is the mantra that pushes Dawan every day to meet his professional and personal goals. Dawan is a family man. He loves to spend his evenings and weekends with his wife, and 4-year-old daughter. He has the privilege of seeing his parents regularly on weekends. You may also find Dawan exercising, fishing, or entertaining his friends over a BBQ./
Larry Kidd
CEOAs the President and CEO of :hire, Larry Kidd believes that remarkable results are achieved from taking creative measures. This cornerstone belief has been the very foundation of his business models and the main guiding principle throughout Larry’s career. In the spirit of doing things differently, Larry pairs innovative technologies along with customizable services to achieve the strongest results for his clients and employees.
Having owned and successfully operated businesses spanning many industries, Larry is well positioned to understand the staffing challenges that clients face and the importance of delivering timely solutions. Larry firmly believes in finding and retaining the right people for the right positions.
With precision leadership, Larry and his management team have grown :hire from a start-up into one of the most well-recognized and premiere staffing firms of the Central and Southern Ohio areas.
:hire, formerly Reliable Staffing Services, has proudly graced the 2019 and 2020 Inc. 5,000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies in America. The company has also earned the distinction of being listed among the industry’s leaders by the Staffing Industry Analyst for two years running.
Through being on the forefront of industry trends, focusing on creating an exceptional client experience and continuing to build and expand his top performing internal team, Larry vows to be a staffing partner that stands the test of time.
At the center of Larry’s life is his family. Married to Dr. Cindy Kidd, DVM for more than twenty-five years, Larry and Cindy are the proud parents of three grown children. Although their children’s paths have led each of them to reside in different states, the Kidd family remains close and gathers frequently. As avid travelers, Larry and his family enjoy the adventure of experiencing new places together.
Working and living in the same community where he was raised, Larry is committed to making a positive impact. He actively participates with many organizations and causes on the local, state and national levels that encourage economic growth and development.
"Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there." -Will Rodgers
Melissa Armstrong
PresidentHer friends would describe her as ‘endlessly driven’ and ‘a team-player’. We agree. As :hire’s CFO, Melissa manages much the team’s day-to-day operations at multiple locations, as well as creating and implementing a plan of action for :hire’s mid- and long-term goals.
Having been with :hire since before the beginning, Melissa is most proud of the many relationships, near and far, she has had the opportunity to build over the years. This is absolutely a people business and Melissa is thankful for the trust that clients and employees, alike, place with the :hire team. Melissa identifies referrals and repeat business as our greatest compliments - :hire works to earn both.
Melissa believes in reaching for continual growth and she is always reviewing our processes to assess possible opportunities for improvement. She is looking forward to seeing the next chapters in the :hire story unveiled and remains committed to the development of the brand.
After office hours, Melissa can be found in the cheering section supporting her son, Grant. Depending on the weekend, they are either at a football stadium or a horse show arena – and sometimes both! Grant’s successes are a great point of pride for Melissa. She also enjoys contributing her time and efforts to various Jackson County causes that help to better the community she loves.
Michael Benson
Staffing CoordinatorMichael values authenticity, compassion, responsibility, love, growth, and determination, embodying these principles in both his professional and personal life. Outside of work, Michael is an avid outdoors enthusiast, enjoying activities like hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. He brings a people-centric approach to our team, fostering a sense of connection and community among colleagues and clients alike.
A recipient of various academic awards and leadership positions, Michael's achievements showcase his commitment to excellence. His motivation stems from a deep-rooted desire to help others, a value instilled in him by his upbringing. In his own words, Michael believes in leaving a positive and lasting impression on clients, building relationships founded on mutual respect. As he continues to contribute to our team, Michael remains driven by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Natalie Nicholson
Office AdministratorNatalie Nicholson, :hire’s Office Administrator and Payroll Specialist, has been with the company since right out of college - and she has worked her way up the ranks over the years. She attributes her career achievements to hard work, commitment, and being a part of a team that recognizes and rewards these qualities. Balancing her time between her multiple administrative and payroll functions, Natalie’s efforts make for a smoothly managed back office.
During her downtime, Natalie relaxes by spending time with her family and reading. Carrying on a special childhood tradition of planning a fun getaway each year, Natalie and her family always make a point to get together for a trip to Disney World.
favorite quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Gandhi
Rachel Strawser
Project ManagerWhen moving to Jackson, Ohio, where the :hire Corporate office is located, 20 years ago, Rachel never dreamed she would call it home. Rachel has worked with Larry Kidd, President & CEO, in multiple capacities and values his leadership, which makes working at :hire more than just a job, but something she loves.
Rachel believes our communities are only as strong as the families in them. Therefore, you will find her spending all her free time supporting and building relationships with her immediate family as well as her church family. She enjoys family dinners around the table, Friday night cook offs, and baking cupcakes with her children. Creating memories and sharing new experiences in new destinations, especially at the holidays, have been some of the most exciting experiences they have shared together.
Spenser Cheek
Account ManagerSpenser loves all things sports & exercise. If there is a soccer game on, you can guarantee he’s watching it. He loves spending time with his wife, exercising, and listening to his favorite podcasts and books.
