In this episode of Who Hired This Person?, host Kaitlyn sits down with Andrea Kvalsten, HR Manager at Ellingson Companies, to explore the ins and outs of hiring, onboarding, and building a strong company culture. With a background in staffing and a passion for people, Andrea shares her journey into HR, the biggest hiring mistakes companies make, and how businesses can create an environment where employees thrive.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

🔹 Finding a Career in HR:

Andrea reflects on her unexpected journey into human resources, from staffing management to overseeing hiring and onboarding at Ellingson Companies.

🔹 The Biggest Hiring Challenges Today:

From recruiting in a niche industry to handling generational differences in the workplace, Andrea breaks down the common struggles HR professionals face—and how to overcome them.

🔹 The Importance of Onboarding Done Right:

A weak onboarding process can lead to disengaged employees. Andrea shares how companies can set new hires up for success from day one.

🔹 Red Flags in the Hiring Process:

What makes a bad hire? Andrea discusses the warning signs she’s learned to spot early and how structured hiring can prevent costly mistakes.

🔹 Advice for Job Seekers

Andrea reveals the one question every new hire should ask during onboarding to ensure a smooth transition into a company’s culture.

🔹 Why HR and Operations Must Work Together:

Collaboration between departments is key to long-term employee success. Andrea explains how breaking down silos can improve retention and workplace morale.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Onboarding is more than paperwork—it’s about setting employees up for long-term success.

✅ Hiring challenges differ across generations—companies need to adapt.

✅ Job seekers should ask smart questions to understand company culture before committing.

✅ HR and operations work best when they collaborate, not compete.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Andrea Kvalsten on LinkedIn
• Ellingson Companies

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