Over the next few weeks, we are featuring VertiSource HR® employees who volunteer for causes they are passionate about. What is truly exceptional about our employees is their commitment to lending a helping hand, not only to our client partners, but also in their local communities.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with VertiSource HR®'s CFO, Dan Geersten. He inspired us with his message of "an attitude of service despite the reward" and we think he will inspire you too!
VertiSource HR® Blogger (VB): Can you tell us a little about your professional background?
Dan Geersten (DG): I worked in the grocery business right out of high school. In the grocery business I was in management
and ran just about every department. In my 30’s my wife and I bought a dental
staffing agency and ran that for over a decade as well as sold insurance on the
side. I went back and got my masters in
accounting from 2005-08 and sold my business.
After that I worked for a couple of CPA firms. Then, like many people in 2008, I was laid
off! Luckily, by referral, I got a job
at VertiSource HR and I’ve worked here ever since as the CFO.
(VB): What
inspired you to get involved in philanthropic work?
(DG): In
the LDS church we have callings including assignments in our neighborhoods or
communities. Our church has a branch
that includes the Salt Lake County Jail.
They asked me to go down there to do church services, visit people and
go cell-to-cell. When I go and visit
it’s not just for the LDS inmates, it’s for everyone; I’m like a Chaplin in the
military. I talk to anyone who wants to
talk from any religion or background. I’ve been doing it for three years and I
am almost finished with my calling.
(VB): Has
volunteering in your community changed your perception of the community and its
needs?
(DG): I
think it’s good to get outside yourself and serve your fellow man. It gives you perspective about your
problems. When you serve someone else it
makes you feel like you have a more whole life.
It’s helped me to have compassion for the men in jail. There are all
types of people; there are college educated people and there are many homeless
people who now have a roof over their head. There’s also a major problem with
mental illness and drug abuse in jail.
It makes me count my blessings.
(VB): Has
your philanthropic work improved other aspects of your personal and
professional life? i.e. better listener, more initiative, etc.
(DG): It
has made me a better listener. It has
taught me to have compassion for people.
Everyone is human and has a story.
To give people the benefit of the doubt.
Everyone has something to give no matter what their background. I’ve walked out with tears in my eyes when
men tell me their story about how they are lucky to be alive. It has opened up my heart. I believe in the concept of Justice and
Mercy. In jail I’m the mercy part, the
legal system is the justice part. People
make mistakes. The highlight of their
week is talking to us. I’ll have 15 guys
in a class and sometimes I’m in maximum security and they see only me. It’s humbling experience.
(VB): What
are some of the most memorable moments you've experienced volunteering?
(DG): People
tell me I look like Bill Clinton! I
think one guy said, “You’re a cross between Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. People say they are stuck in
a lifestyle and it’s hard to break out of it, but some say, “I’m getting out
and I’m going to stop doing drugs and change my life!” It’s the success stories of people making
progress that is rewarding even if it is only one in a hundred.
(VB): What
advice would you give to someone considering philanthropic work?
(DG): To
definitely do it! It’s part of who we
are as human beings. No matter what your
religious background, it’s important. A
verse from our scripture states; “And behold, I tell you these things that ye
may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your
fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” I think this applies to
everyone.
(VB): In
what ways would you say group philanthropy elevates a company and its culture?
(DG): It’s
good to feel like your company is contributing to society and it bonds the team
when they help other people together. For me, it’s fulfilling to help our
clients with something; you help them solve a problem. If you have an attitude of service despite
the reward you’ll be rewarded.
We thank Dan for lending his time and we hope you will be inspired to serve! Please share this post with friends and spread the kindness!
We thank Dan for lending his time and we hope you will be inspired to serve! Please share this post with friends and spread the kindness!
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