Employee Profiles
Corporate
Larry Kidd
President and 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
CPA & Chief Financial OfficerHer 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.
With over twenty-five years of experience in the Staffing and Recruiting Industry, Ray Mayhew is passionate about what he does. As :hire’s Vice President of Business Development, Ray develops new business through a consultative strategic sales approach and maintains current client partnerships.
Ray is highly skilled and well versed in human resource consulting, executive placement, sales operation, and a wide variety of industry topics. He understands that no single approach works for everyone; therefore, he continues to educate himself on the latest industry trends to provide the most comprehensive program that works for each individual client’s needs.
He is involved with several professional organizations - Employment for Seniors where he served as Vice President, Rickenbacker Employee Assistance Network (REAN) where he is a member of the Business Solutions Committee, and The South Side Thrive Collaborative Employer Round Table.
Ray, a longtime resident of the Columbus area, lives with his wife, Sheila, and son, Jacob. He enjoys spending time with his family and especially looks forward to their yearly trip to the Jersey Shore. Ray is an avid Ohio State fan and enjoys spending fall Saturday afternoons at the Ohio Stadium.
Ray finds inspiration from Woody Hayes’ famous words, “The only thing even in this world is the number of hours in a day. The difference in winning or losing is what you do with those hours”.
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.
Southern Ohio
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.
Central Ohio
Dawan Fuqua
On-Site Account ManagerWith almost 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./
Hunter Kehoe
Customer Experience SpecialistWith a high – energy team-oriented approach to his work, Hunter Kehoe sees everything he does at :hire as an opportunity to assist associates to find the best job for them. Hunter values the individual of each person he works with and strives to break down all barriers for their success. Associates are drawn to Hunter’s ability to communicate effectively and exceed their expectations when finding their perfect job. Hunter knows that success in this industry isn’t just about hiring people but watching them thrive through long-term placement. The success of those he places in one of the main motivators in his day-to-day work. When they are successful, Hunter knows that he paid attention to the details of his associate’s needs and was able to place them in the job of their dreams. Binge watching some of the latest and most popular tv series is one way Hunter likes to spend his time outside of work. Most importantly though, everything he does aligns with his core values developing himself spiritually and spending time with his family.
Cody Gue
Account ManagerCody appreciates music and believes that his recent experience in the men’s choir at Ohio University, helped him realize that the best way to get rid of the voice of fear is to do the things that scare you. With each placement, he encourages candidates to do the same. The newfound confidence he can help his candidates find is how Cody can find the best positions for them that lead to long-term success.
When Cody isn’t changing the lives of others, one job at a time, you’ll find him at the gym or continuing his love of music through singing or listening to the latest podcast by Lewis Howes.
Charlie Knox
Staffing CoordinatorIn her free time, Josselyn enjoys relaxing walks in nature, beaches, books, coffee shops and experiencing new places with her son and family