Kforce Employee Spotlight: Alex Collins
Alex Collins, our Managing Director of the Columbus, Ohio Field Office, has had a few roles since joining Kforce four and a half years ago. Ask him what his favorite role is, though, and he’ll say fatherhood. This dad of two loves to spend time with his family, play golf and was recently certified to be a basketball referee, but the court isn’t the only place he experiences team work. Learn more about Alex in our latest Employee Spotlight.
What positions have you held during your four and a half years with Kforce?
I started as a recruiter in the Columbus office, and moved from that role to Account Manager. Last year, I became Director of the Columbus Field Office, managing the Sales and Delivery teams.
What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
In my sales role at Kforce, I met a lot of people and solved clients’ problems — that was my favorite thing about sales. As a director, I still get to work closely with the team. I see them develop and achieve personal success. I also continue to meet clients and help address their pain points. It’s the best of both worlds!
What advice would you give to those beginning their career based on your experiences here at Kforce?
Each time I moved into a new role, it was something that I had to think about. I had to be sure that it was the right move for me. My advice is to trust your gut instincts when facing change. Whether you are faced with a role change, or taking on more responsibility, or any situation that at first may be intimidating, those are usually the most rewarding.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Managing Director?
Seeing associates that have put in a lot of work—blood, sweat, tears and effort. And, watching those employees find results and success. I enjoy watching the individual growth of my team members.
What’s your favorite thing about the culture at Kforce?
It’s an open environment and leadership sits in the middle of the pit with everyone else. We’re able to offer on-the-spot coaching daily. We also work together and brainstorm to get the best result.
Kforce has a culture of learning and self-improvement. There are endless ways to improve your skills through learning from top performers, podcasts, role plays, regional trainings, KWay trainings, and more. There is always an open door to reach out to people in different markets to see what makes them successful and then incorporate those things into your own day-to-day.
I’m not allowed to have fun anymore. (Laughs.) I have a two-year-old and a three-week-old. It’s a ton of work, but it’s fulfilling.
When I get a chance, I like to get out with the kids. We have a good zoo here in Columbus. I like to play sports, especially golf. I also got certified to referee basketball, which I haven’t had time to do yet. I played basketball as a power forward in high school and college, and I figured this is the best way to play and not get hurt!
Is there anything you’ve learned at Kforce that translates to your role as a father? Or vice versa?
My sons give me a lesson in tolerance every day, whether they are headbutting each other or doing jujitsu while I am trying to change a diaper. I have found that I am a more patient person now than I was 2 years ago and that translates into my day-to-day at Kforce as well.
What do you do to stay motivated?
I listen to a lot of motivational videos to get me in right frame of mind to start the day. I also rely on the energy of the office. You’re not always going to come in with a barrel of energy, but an office full of people that are working hard can take you the rest of the way, and I’m lucky to have that in my office.
How do you attribute your career success?
There’s a lot of different leaders, managers, mentors and coaches that have been influential to me, but the most applicable would be my parents. My mom has been a librarian at my middle school for 30 years and my dad is a copier salesman. They both set a good example for me to work hard.
What do you like the most about Kforce?
If you’re willing to work hard, you have an opportunity here at Kforce. That’s what I like the most. It’s truly one of those companies that if you put in the time and the effort, it will pay off.