River City Six: Brad Jones

MyStaff Inc. (www.mystaffinc.com) is a locally owned and operated staffing firm specializing in corporate office positions throughout the Omaha Metro area. Brad Jones is the co-owner of MyStaff Inc.

Tell us a little about your business.

MyStaff Inc. was founded this year in June. We are a small, fun team comprised of seasoned recruiting experts. Our MyStaff team has over 50 years of combined experience recruiting for local positions. We help connect Omaha companies with job seekers in temporary and permanent roles. Our primary focus is business administration; we are able to help staff positions related to administrative/clerical, accounting, customer service and human resource fields.

How did you get started in the business?

It was purely accidental. When I graduated from UNL, I accepted a position in the transportation industry and had an opportunity to learn about truck driver recruiting. I spent about three years recruiting drivers on a high-volume basis before deciding to explore agency recruiting. I grew up in Omaha so having the opportunity to help recruit for many local businesses was pretty appealing to me. I have been in staffing now for over a decade.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

Starting MyStaff has certainly been my biggest challenge but in an incredibly positive way. I have contributed to the development of a small business and it has been awesome. The past six months have pushed everyone on the MyStaff team out of our comfort zones. We have learned a tremendous amount about operating a business, applying our strengths, trusting our instincts and establishing our own unique company culture. The immediate response we have received from the local community has instilled confidence and given us the ability to hire our first internal employee. The roles we have accepted will continue to challenge us for many years ahead and we can’t wait to see the future of this business.

Tell us a little about your family.

My wife, Lindsey, is one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. She is also one of my business partners; she too took the plunge and left her job to start MyStaff. We have worked together for six years and been married three – we’re one of those unique 24/7 couples who rarely get tired of one another. We are raising two English bulldogs and a houseplant. We are foodies and love to travel. I have a brother who is successful in staffing and I have great in-laws who are local. My parents and sister live in central Arkansas.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

Recently it has been putting aside the fear of failing and recognizing I knew enough to take a big risk and start this business regardless of the many possible consequences. It took a while to find the self-assurance to take a leap in order to improve our lives. Six months later, I don’t have a single regret.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Influential.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

Our team has volunteered for programs at Open Door Mission and Rebuilding Together. Personally, I’m on the Young Leadership Committee for Make-A-Wish Nebraska. Each year we plan the Wine, Whiskey and Wishes fundraiser to help grant wishes for local families. This year’s event is May 10th! I’m also on the board for the Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM).

What is your favorite local restaurant?

It is impossible to pick just one but Flat Iron Café is probably the winner.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

Phone: (402) 614-1441; Email: brad@mystaffinc.com; Website: www.mystaffinc.com.