As we continue our series focusing on our Board Members skill sets, we are interviewing Stacie Steelman, Treasurer of the INA.
First, we asked Stacie what skill set she finds to be the most useful when managing teams. “When managing my internal and external teams I think communication is the most important skill. I think constantly touching base with my team and checking in with them makes them and me personally feel more of a connection and investment. It is critical for everyone to feel like they are being heard and are valued. The time I spend working directly with my team is the most valuable way I use my time. I consider it an investment in them and the company and it brings the greatest return of all, specifically the long-term retention of my staff which is critical for the growth of the business.”
Stacie talked with us about what makes applicants stand out as good candidates when she is recruiting caregivers. She told us, “The first thing that stands out to me is communication skills, whether it be by phone or via technology. When we see a candidate who can communicate clearly, follow directions well, read and be aware of our processes, and follow directions it is always a good sign for the longevity of our relationship with them and the relationship they will have with our clients.”
Conversely, we asked what might Stacie want to pass up an applicant? “When an applicant does not follow the application process, when we do not get quick return calls from references and when references cannot be verified it is a definite pass in our process. Those are red flags every time.”
Stacie told us what she asks her recruiting teams to be on the lookout for. “Quality in communication (a major theme for us at Crunch Care), a strong ability to use technology, having strong follow-through during our processes with our internal staff and once hired our client base, and being positive and pleasant to work with. Of course, all of the childcare experience and education is key as well, but that is an assumed skill set to be considered at all for employment or referrals via Crunch Care.”
Finally, when asked if she could tell us about her role on the INA Executive Board she said, “As the Treasurer Chair of the Finance Committee, I am responsible for the day to day management of the INA’s operational and investment accounts. I oversee every expense we have and do regular income reviews. I create an annual budget and ensure we adherence to that budget. I also review financial proposals as they come in thinking through financial scenarios for the INA. I am very dedicated to the long-term financial growth and success of the organization.”
Stacie Steelman – (Carlsbad, California). Membership Committee Chair. Stacie Steelman, Founder and CEO of Crunch Care, Inc., began her career in the corporate staffing industry. Starting out as a Corporate Recruiter, she interviewed and placed hundreds of accounting and financial professionals for Adecco Corporation, a $5 billion dollar global recruitment leader. Stacie oversaw the Los Angeles region for the Accounting and Financial division and led her team through a large scale acquisition during those years. In 2001, Stacie relocated to La Jolla, San Diego and worked for a boutique recruiting firm. Shortly after having her first child she resigned from the corporate world and began her entrepreneurial adventure. Recognizing the obvious need in the San Diego market for reliable, trustworthy, “on call” in-home care solutions, Stacie began her new venture by founding Crunch Care, Inc. in 2006 which specializes in the recruitment of babysitters, nannies, and caregivers for newborns, children, the elderly, and post-surgical patients. Her experience in the corporate recruiting industry has lent her the opportunity to hire and source candidates at a high volume while managing teams of recruiters and sales professionals over the years. Stacie has been an INA member since 2007 and joined the Board of Directors in 2013. Please see the Committee Appointments list for a list of committees for which Stacie is the chair.