Erika Schmidt

People Solutions Specialist
Started: June 24, 2019

The SchmidtsWhat do you do at our company?
I’m known as a People Solutions Specialist aka “Champion of Office Happiness.” Recruitment is the name of the game and I greatly enjoy acting as the liaison for all of our new hires. I aim to create a fun, helpful and positive onboarding experience while giving our employees the information they need, joining in on their excitement for a new endeavor and assisting them with anything along the way. My curiosity and desire to understand each piece of the puzzle has opened the door to learning additional aspects of the HR arena from employee benefits to payroll processes.

What is your motto or personal mantra?
Life presents us with the amazing opportunity to make a difference and touch the lives of the many people we meet. You have the power to leave each person a little changed by that experience, something I like to refer to as “enlightened”. Each day is truly a gift filled with blessings to open, explore and treasure. Soak everything in, stay positive and be grateful and thankful! This motto rings loud and clear…”When you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine.”

What is something on your Bucket List?
My fascination as a small child was to discover all things that began with the letter “E.” One being the statuesque, protective elephant and for so many reasons. They are the world’s largest land animals, their trunks have mad skills and they never forget. My husband often tells me, “You have a memory like an elephant.” A top ten item on my Bucket List is to visit an elephant sanctuary and witness these amazing, gentle giants in their natural habitat.

What is one random fact about you?
It all started out as a dare, from my completely vegan sister. I declared I would not eat red meat. Initially, I thought this would be short lived as burgers and fries were my go-to at any kind of restaurant. Fast forward to 23 years later…and still, no red meat. This has led to other lifestyle changes – gluten-free, dairy-free, no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners and minimal items out of a box or can. You could say fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, chicken and fish are my best friends. This has been such an incredible journey that has gone far beyond food.

Who is on your Mount Rushmore of musical acts?
I simply cannot go a day without music. I consider it medicine for the mind and a special form of magic for one’s soul. It can move you to tears, make you break out the hip dance moves, carry you back in time and connect you with people all across the world. My taste in music encompasses a wide range of genres from rhythm and blues and rock to old style honky-tonk. A special shout out to those that live on my current playlist – Dale Watson, Kaleo, Buddy Guy and maybe a little bit of Metallica. My Mount Rushmore of musical acts would definitely be the Blues and include B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Beth Hart, and Muddy Waters.