We are incredibly proud of all of our LOOM Coworking members and love seeing all of their growth, personally and professionally. Learn more about DEIRDRE SMITH who is a Recruiter at Harkins Smith & Associates and see how she is committed to finding the best available talent for her clients, within the flexible packaging, film and converting industries.
What’s your bio? 
I am originally from Westchester County in New York but have been in the Charlotte area for 30 years.
My husband worked for IBM and we were transferred here. We always say it was a wonderful move!
What is your company and who are your customers?
My company is focused on recruiting talent for Flexible Packaging and Film Manufacturers.
How did your company, organization, or venture start?
I started recruiting in this industry as a career move. It was a way to stay connected to an industry that I really enjoy and recruiting gives you the ability to run your desk as your own business.
I had taken a course “Living Your Strengths” and realized that I didn’t need the constraints of working for someone else and that I had the necessary skills and network to do this on my own.
What do you do on a daily basis and why?
It is definitely a business where you need to be proactive and not just reactive and you need to constantly be networking and nurturing relationships. Since I was a salesperson in the industry I already had contacts to build upon. From time to time I may meet with clients or spend time at industry shows but primarily I spend my days on the phone and more and more of the initial contacts are starting online.
What’s your past life? How did skills and background that got you here to where you are?
I was fortunate that I had excellent technical and sales training with one of the major packaging firms in the industry when I started in sales. This also lead to having a solid network of people which took me to my next career moves. Packaging is something most people don’t think about but it goes into so many different products and I have called on a vast range of companies from packaging of dynamite to selling one of the early holographic packages for Keebler cookies. I always enjoy going into plants to see how products are made.
What are your personal and professional goals?
One of the most satisfying things about recruiting is when you find the right candidate for the right company and they tell you how pleased they are with their career move. So maybe not exactly a goal but a result that I search to make happen.
Other than your work, what are you most passionate about? My family. We have 3 grown daughters and 6 grandchildren and like to be involved with them and their activities.
I also thoroughly enjoy spending time at the beach, reading, entertaining, traveling and still enjoy ballroom dancing when we can.
Why did you initially come to LOOM?
The freedom of renting on a month-to-month basis, whether it is the full month or partial depending on my schedule.
How do you feel you have benefited or grown at LOOM?
I am enjoying the general vibe of LOOM and the openness of the environment. I especially like the ability to work outside.
Where can we find out more about you on social media and online?
Website: www.harkinsrecruiting.com
LinkedIn: Deirdre Smith LinkedIn
What is the best way to contact you? Call me on my cell phone: 704-287-3310
or Email dsmith@harkinsrecruiting.com