Monday, February 20, 2017

#HumanTouch Spotlight: Dan Geersten

At VertiSource HR®, the personal attention we give our client partners is paramount to our joint success. Combined with our Human Resource Information System (HRIS), which allows companies to manage all their employee critical data at the touch of a mouse, we are the #HumanTouch of HR Automation, a moniker we are proud of.

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!

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

#HumanTouch Spotlight: Sammi Bench


At VertiSource HR®, the personal attention we give our client partners is paramount to our joint success. Combined with our Human Resource Information System (HRIS), which allows companies to manage all their employee critical data at the touch of a mouse, we are the #HumanTouch of HR Automation, a moniker we are proud of.

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. 

This week, we had a chance to catch up with VertiSource HR®'s Sammi Bench. She was more than happy to share her philanthropic beginnings with us and how it continues to inspire her today. Let us inspire you with her story of paying it forward.

VertiSource HR® Blogger (VB): Can you tell us a little about your professional background?
Samantha Bench (SB): I mostly have a few years of accounting experience. Before I started here, I worked with payroll for a plumbing company for about eight years so I became very familiar with payroll processes. I also had an opportunity to work at a bank for about a year and half to two years which really provided me with a strong foundation in accounting processes, as well.

VB: What inspired you to get involved in philanthropic work?
SB: Originally, my school had requirements that I needed to fulfill in order to earn credits. Volunteering was part of that and what turned out to be a credit filler became something that I began to enjoy. I don’t volunteer as much now as I used to, but it’s something that I would eventually like to get back into.

VB: Has volunteering in your community changed your perception of the community and its needs?
SB: I had a couple of volunteer opportunities that helped reshape my perspective about the community and its needs. One opportunity that I had was working with homeless pets. I am an animal lover and I wanted to help give them a home. It was heart-breaking to see these animals without a home or someone to love them.
I also volunteered for the Cathedral of the Madeleine who would do sack lunches for the homeless and hand them out. I saw many who were either homeless or could not afford to buy food for them and, in some cases, their families. This was also heart-breaking and helped me realize the sense of urgency we should have to help others when they are in need.
Both of these volunteering opportunities brought a lot of concerns to light when I volunteered at each and really put things into a new perspective for me.

VB: Has your philanthropic work improved other aspects of your personal and professional life? i.e. better listener, more initiative, etc.
SB: I have always been a caring person. I think the main point that philanthropic work has done for me, both personally and professionally, is inspire a greater sense to be more caring and considerate. It has also helped me in putting my best effort forth by becoming more attentive that people are taken care of, whether it is with volunteering or career activities.

VB: What are some of the most memorable moments you've experienced volunteering?
SB: My most memorable moments involved helping someone personally- helping them out with whatever they need. One experience I enjoyed was helping my grandfather. I had a chance to really get to know him on a more personal level. I also have fond memories of the animals that I worked with too. I spent time with animals who wanted love and it was exciting to see them get adopted and find a home.

VB: What advice would you give to someone considering philanthropic work?
SB: I would say to get involved- it opens your eyes to things to different aspects of a situation and gives you a different viewpoint. It allows you to grow in many ways and makes you feel good about yourself too. You are giving back to back to the community and tend to think less of yourself while doing it.

VB: In what ways would you say group philanthropy elevates a company and its culture?
SB: When a company is actively involved in the community, it can be viewed as more of a personal company, not just as a corporation. I think that it gets their name out there for good because they give back to the community. 

A big THANKS to Sammi for lending us her time! Please share this article and get others inspired to give-back!