River City Six – Virginia Kiviranta
Meet Virginia Kiviranta, the co-owner of MyStaff Inc. (www.mystaffinc.com)
Tell us a little about your business.
MyStaff Inc. is a newer staffing firm in Omaha. We just celebrated our one-year anniversary in June. At MyStaff Inc. we focus on placing candidates in all corporate office positions at all levels, excluding IT. We try to keep our process informal and laid back; everyone on our team works really hard to make our clients happy.
How did you get started in the business?
I actually fell into this business. I applied for a staffing manager position with a local staffing firm and 25 years later, here I am, one of the partners of MyStaff Inc.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Working through the 2008-09 recession was definitely a bit of a shocker. That was the first recession where I actually felt the consequences. It was harder to secure business and that impacted how I did my job.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Starting MyStaff Inc. with Brad and Lu Jones has been a huge achievement. Leaving a financially secure position and starting a brand new business was definitely unnerving, but has been so incredibly rewarding. Watching our business grow in such a short period of time has been very gratifying.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a wonderful, supportive family. My future husband Kurt and I have known each other since middle school and he is amazing. He has done so much to help me start this business!
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
My father’s passing right after I graduated from high school was quite a challenge. I almost never left home for college. If it weren’t for the strength of my mother, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I enjoy boating, kayaking, and hiking. If only we lived in Colorado!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
A few years ago, I traveled to France by myself for a week to hike through the wine country. I met up with a guide from Colorado and two women from California.
What are you the most proud of?
My professional success. I come from a very small farming community and I never dreamed I would be where I am today.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To never live in the past, always look forward.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Well, “Meet Virginia” of course!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
To be invisible.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To be a painter! I love Van Gogh, Monet, etc. They make it look easy.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
The Make-A-Wish Foundation. Hearing about the wishes that have been granted by the kids and their families makes it so easy to want to give.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser. That is my English major coming out in me!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
It would be my dad. He was famous to me.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 614-1441; Email: virginia@mystaffinc.com; Website: www.mystaffinc.com.