Celebrating 40 Years
NW Staffing Celebrates 40 Years
A Q&A With our President, Jennie Taylor
You’ve been with NW Staffing Resources for 28 of its 40 years. What initially brought you here, and what made you stay?
I started as an Account Executive, eager to help local businesses find the right workforce solutions. I loved collaborating with business owners, HR leaders, and operations managers to create flexible and long-term staffing strategies. It’s been deeply rewarding to know we’ve helped thousands of people find meaningful work in our community. But more than anything, I’ve stayed because of the people I’ve worked alongside. Over the years, I’ve learned so much, laughed often, and celebrated countless milestones together. They’ve made the journey nothing short of fabulous.
Looking back, what are some of the most memorable moments in NW Staffing’s history during your tenure?
Some of the highlights have been long-standing partnerships with clients—helping them grow and succeed over decades. One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the Affordable Care Act. Many in our industry took shortcuts, but we committed to doing what we thought was the right thing and making insurance available to all our associates. It was a huge undertaking, but it reflected our values, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to continue to provide this benefit.
What do you think has been the key to NW Staffing’s longevity and success in such a competitive industry?
Strong relationships – some that have lasted longer than my career here. We invest in our associates so they can deliver their best work for clients, and we stay relevant by keeping pace with evolving laws, technology, and hiring trends. Our focus is always on being a true partner, not just a service provider.
How has the staffing industry changed since you started and how has NW Staffing adapted along the way?
When I started, everything was done on paper, often in triplicate. We had one shared payroll computer, and our recruiting “strategy” was newspaper ads. Today, we leverage community partnerships, job boards, social media, texting, and fully integrated technology for sales, recruiting, payroll, and communications. We’ve evolved from being simply a talent supplier to being a trusted advisor.
What challenges has NW Staffing overcome that you’re especially proud of?
COVID tested everyone. Overnight, we shifted from fully in-office to fully remote, even though we’d never worked that way before. Because we already had the right phone systems, laptops, and internal tools, we didn’t miss a single day. We became a lifeline for smaller clients who didn’t have the resources to keep up with changing regulations. Not only did we keep going, but we thrived.
Is there a particular value or philosophy that has guided your leadership over the years?
It truly takes a village. I try to listen more than I speak because there’s so much wisdom in the room. Surrounding myself with people who challenge me and each other has led to better decisions, smarter strategies, and more creative solutions.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your 28 years here that you think everyone in the staffing industry should know?
Stay ahead of the curve. This industry changes quickly; laws shift, technology evolves, economic conditions fluctuate. Stay connected, stay informed, and keep listening to your clients and candidates. They’ll tell you what’s really happening in the market.
How do you think NW Staffing has made a difference in the lives of our clients and candidates over the past 40 years?
We’ve helped businesses grow, survive recessions, and adapt to change. For candidates, we’ve been a bridge to new opportunities. Sometimes to a first job, sometimes to a dream job, and often to a career path they never imagined. We don’t just fill positions, we change lives.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career with NW Staffing?
Be curious. Learn from everyone around you, your teammates, your clients, your candidates. Ask questions, embrace challenges, and remember that every interaction is an opportunity to make an impact.
As you look ahead, what excites you most about the future of the company?
Our team. They’re talented, dedicated, kind, and genuinely committed to delivering the best possible service to our clients and candidates. They live our values every day and they make work fun. With a team like this, the future is bright.
If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice on your first day at NW Staffing, what would it be?
Say “yes” more. Be open to new ideas and unexpected opportunities, you never know where they’ll lead.
What does this 40-year milestone mean to you personally?
I’ve been here for over half of the company’s history, through different names, logos, and market conditions. What hasn’t changed is our mission: to connect good people with great jobs. Reaching 40 years is a testament to the trust our clients and candidates place in us, and to the incredible team that makes it all happen. I’m proud to be part of that legacy.
Looking for a Trusted Portland Staffing Agency?
At NW Staffing Resources, we’re not just filling positions—we’re building lasting relationships. If you’re ready to partner with a local staffing agency that puts your hiring needs first, get in touch with our team today. Let’s build your best team together.
