Marnie Byford, the Chief Operating Officer at Supreme Staffing, plays a pivotal role in the organization by overseeing all daily operations, including IT, marketing, and sales. Her leadership and contributions have been instrumental in achieving significant milestones, including the remarkable growth of the privately-owned business from a local operation to a nationwide presence.
Marnie’s career journey, rooted in advocacy and a commitment to helping underrepresented communities, began with at-risk youth and adults. This passion for giving a voice to those in need led her to work with adults with disabilities. As she continued to expand her horizons, she became involved in implementations, start-ups, training, and development within the industry, ultimately climbing the career ladder to her current role as COO.
The Company
Supreme Staffing is a privately owned business that originated in Memphis, TN. This dynamic company operates as a staffing agency with a wide-ranging portfolio, catering to a spectrum of positions from light industrial roles to executive-level positions. Supreme Staffing stands out as an employment agency with a distinctive approach: active listening, effective connections, and the creation of ideal partnerships between job seekers and employers.
Recognizing that both job seekers and employers come to the table with specific goals and expectations, Supreme Staffing takes on the pivotal role of finding that harmonious point where these objectives align seamlessly. Their specialty lies in discovering those perfect matches that translate into mutual wins for both their job-seeking candidates and the employers they serve.
The World of Marnie
Outside of her professional role, Marnie wears the hat of a devoted mother to four daughters and a proud grandmother to one granddaughter. She has chosen to reside on a farm, where she dedicates her time to ensuring her family’s happiness and making the most of each day. Her love for the great outdoors, especially beaches and nature, provides her with an avenue for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Marnie’s enthusiasm for exploring new places and meeting wonderful people fuels her passion for travel. She values the richness of diverse experiences and connections with others.
When it comes to work, Marnie’s family-oriented nature extends into her professional life. She places a strong emphasis on creating a work environment that feels like a second home for her team. Her dedication to their development and preparedness in the industry is a testament to her commitment to their growth and success. Together, they work cohesively as a team, with the shared goal of propelling the company’s continued expansion and achievement. Marnie’s ability to seamlessly blend her personal and professional worlds showcases her dedication to both her family and her team, fostering an environment of care and collaboration.
Approach to a Positive Workplace
Marnie emphasizes the vital role of strong leadership in fostering a positive work environment within a department. A robust leadership approach serves as a catalyst for creating a workplace where employees not only feel supported but also motivated to excel in their roles. It’s the foundation for nurturing a culture of productivity and job satisfaction.
As Marnie continues to grow in her professional journey, she places a significant emphasis on continuous educational research and studies in her day-to-day activities. Her commitment to understanding people and facilitating their education is a testament to her belief in the importance of planting the seeds of knowledge and providing the nourishment required for growth.
One aspect Marnie highlights is the absence of empathy and a genuine understanding of the experts who manage various departments in many leaders. She points out that some leaders may lose sight of the human element in their business, neglecting the qualities that originally led them to hire certain individuals. She asserts, “I feel personalization has been lost as technology has grown. So much is done behind a screen, that we forget the human in front pushing the buttons.”
Key Responsibilities as COO
Marnie’s responsibilities as COO encompass a wide range of critical functions:
- Daily Operations Supervision: Marnie is at the helm of ensuring the smooth functioning of the company’s daily operations, spanning various departments such as IT, marketing, and sales.
- Reporting and Communication: She prepares and presents reports to the Chief Executive Officer and customers, facilitating transparent communication and informed decision-making.
- Collaboration with Leadership: Marnie works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer on all matters related to the business, contributing to strategic planning and financial management.
- Human Resources: She oversees all HR and staffing functions, setting and maintaining recruitment standards and internal HR policies. This includes employee reviews and corrective action plans when necessary.
- Strategic Planning: Marnie is instrumental in developing and implementing strategies, procedures, and business plans that drive company growth and market success.
- Performance Goals: Collaborating with the executive team, she plays a role in setting company performance goals that align with the organization’s overall mission.
- Talent Development: Marnie actively cultivates rising talent within the organization, promoting career growth and opportunities for the team.
- Budget and Finance: She is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial operations, making high-level decisions regarding budgeting and financial accounts.
- Administrative Oversight: Marnie ensures the efficient operation of administrative functions, which are crucial to the company’s overall success.
The most fulfilling aspect of her daily routine is the incredible team she has the privilege of working with and the meaningful impact they have on the community they serve. Marnie’s journey, from her academic achievements to her professional growth, reflects her unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Meeting the Challenges
Marnie believes that hiring Generation Z and integrating them into the workforce is a pivotal task. She recognizes the importance of not only meeting their needs but also addressing the employer’s requirements. Passionate and self-assured, Gen Z, also known as Zoomers and born between 1997-2012, prioritize their own well-being and advocate for equity and human rights. They are the first generation to break away from the conventional life path of school, work, marriage, and children, opting for individualistic lifestyles.
For this generation, work-life balance takes on a new significance, as they aim to fit work into their lives rather than the other way around. Transparency is a key expectation from their employers, and this shift is gradually transferring power from the employer to the employee. Gen Z desires to take the driver’s seat in their employment journey.
Living amidst political and social conflicts, pandemics, and inflation, Generation Z rejects the notion of leading robotic lives. They seek more meaning in their daily work, particularly given the soaring costs of food, gas, and daily living expenses. Consequently, they expect fair compensation for their regular work commitment.
Taking Big Risks and Future Goals
Marnie reflects on the greatest risk she has taken as a leader, which was to step out on faith and do what many said she couldn’t do, particularly as a woman in her industry. One of her major accomplishments is being a leader and growing the company in ways that many believed were impossible.
Looking ahead, Marnie outlines her goals for Supreme in the next 5 years. She aims to nurture and develop leaders who can thrive in a multicultural environment, placing a strong emphasis on valuing talent and intellectual property while embracing the constant need for transformation. These future leaders will be expected to be innovative, collaborative, and adaptive.
Marnie also emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustaining the growth and success of their customers. She firmly believes that when their customers thrive, it’s a collective win for everyone involved.
Vision for Success with Generation Z
Marnie’s vision for the future of Supreme Staffing is characterized by a profound commitment to understanding and adapting to the ever-evolving market dynamics. The company’s primary objective is to attract and retain top talent, propelling Supreme Staffing to unparalleled levels of success. To achieve this vision, Marnie and her team are actively engaged in fostering a positive outlook and a collaborative approach.
One of the key strategies for the company’s future is to focus on hiring and integrating Generation Z into the workforce. Gen Z, also known as Zoomers, comprises individuals born between 1997 and 2012. They bring a fresh perspective and distinct values to the workplace. This generation places a high premium on their own well-being and is committed to advocating for equity and human rights. They eschew the traditional life trajectory of school to work to marriage and family, opting for individualism and personal fulfillment.
Gen Z redefines work-life balance by integrating work into their lives rather than the other way around. They value transparency from their employers and expect to be aware of all factors that could impact them. This shift in expectations is transforming the power balance in the workplace from employer-centric to employee-centric. Gen Z desires to have a substantial say in their roles within the company if they are to remain engaged and satisfied.
Living in a time marked by political and social turmoil, pandemics, and economic challenges, Gen Z seeks more meaning in their daily work lives. They reject a monotonous routine and aspire to derive greater significance from their professional endeavors. Furthermore, given the rising costs of living, they place a strong emphasis on receiving fair compensation for their regular work contributions.
Supreme Staffing’s forward-looking approach aims to align with the values and expectations of Generation Z, recognizing that these dynamic individuals are integral to the company’s future success. By staying attuned to the evolving needs and aspirations of this generation, Supreme Staffing is positioning itself for a prosperous and promising future in the staffing industry.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
