Joe Hayes is the Operations Manager at Pando PEO (pandopeo.com).
Tell us a little about your business (in your own words). – Pando PEO helps small to medium sized business succeed by trusting us to handle their HR functions. We process their payroll, offer benefits administration, HR compliance, retirement options, and risk management options.
How did you get started in the business? – I have worked alongside several of my current colleagues at a prior PEO. When an opportunity came to work with them again, I reached out, and in November 2022, I started my career at Pando. I had 6 ½ years of PEO experience prior to coming to Pando.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – When I first started working for a PEO in October 2015, it quickly became obvious this was not a typical HR job. I had to learn to think as a professional in many different sized businesses, in different states. I had to accept the fact that this learning process was going to take considerably longer than any other job in the past. Once I accepted that challenge as an opportunity to make a difference for the companies I helped, it gave me all the motivation I needed.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important achievement has been making the switch from HR to Risk Management. I began taking classes through the National Safety Council. In February of 2022, I achieved my Advanced Safety Certificate.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have 2 amazing children, a daughter, Larissa, a son, Zach, and the cutest grandson, Adrian. I also have a girlfriend of 14 years, Rachel.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Finding out that I had 3 biological siblings, as well as meeting my biological father.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I like to go shopping, especially for succulents or shoes.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I do not have any full brothers or sisters, but I have 10 siblings. From my mom, I have 3 half-brothers, and 3 half-sisters. From my biological father, I have 1 half-brother and 2 half-sisters. From my step dad, I have a step-brother.
Who inspires you? – My Mother has always inspired me. She taught me how to cook and be a compassionate person.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My favorite advice isn’t from a conventional source. I am greatly motivated by Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”, and that is to have a mindset to constantly pursue excellence and become the best version of yourself.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Caring
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – American Society for Suicide Prevention (AFSP Nebraska). I fundraise and participate in the walk every year. I couple years ago I los a brother to suicide and several years ago one of my children attempted suicide. I never want anyone to go through that. I raise money to ensure there is help for anyone who needs it.