Profile of a Business Owner: Diana Ramirez
Diana Ramirez is the Owner at Express Employment Professionals & Specialized Recruiting Group in Topeka & Emporia, KS. Diana’s work focuses on sales, service, marketing, finance and business consulting as well as working with businesses and assisting with human resource solutions, which impact the bottom line of companies.
TK: If you were stranded on an island, what 3 items would you be sure to have with you?
Something to cut with…so maybe I could eat fruit. Can’t do bugs.
Maybe a hammock.
Flare gun, just in case I wanted to come home....but if it is beautiful island I may be good… LOL
TK: What inspired you to start your business?
DIANA: After 10 years of experience in the staffing industry, I truly loved what I was doing and I was given the opportunity to purchase the business in 2008. I wanted to move to the next step of Ownership.
TK: How many businesses have you started/do you currently have?
DIANA: Two. Express Employment is in two locations; Topeka and Emporia.
TK: Tell about a failure that helped move you to growth, innovation or success?
DIANA: The 2009 recession hit, which was not a good time to purchase a business. We had to make some adjustments, and worked with several clients that had to lay off and/or were experiencing a hiring freeze. The positive to this situation was we were forced to change how we were doing business and we grew stronger relationships with our customers during this time.
TK: How did your previous work lead you to business ownership?
DIANA: I was introduced to the staffing world in 1994. A local business owner of an independent staffing company in Topeka gave me a chance to work in his office, as a “personnel consultant”. It was during this time that I knew this was the career of choice for me. However, I was exploring the ideal of a bit different model, so I joined a Franchise business model, Express Employment Professionals previously known to the community as Dunhill of Topeka. I worked for Express in various positions, i.e. Outside sales, and as a professional recruiter for 5 years, 2 months. I was given the opportunity to buy the Topeka business in 2008.
TK: Who is your role model and why?
DIANA: My Mom & Dad. I was blessed with a hard working father who served his country, injured while in service but went on to work for the Railroad (Santa Fe) and retire. I saw him always as a hard worker for his family. My Mother was the “Manager of the House” as I called her. I was so lucky to have her home. She was so generous with helping me and others. She gave me direction and advice. Both of my parents gave me a wonderful foundation and showed me what the outcome could be if you just work hard and got an education. They were the ones who were my biggest supporters and encouraged me when I told them about my idea to buy the business.
TK: What is the best book you read this year?
DIANA: No-Drama Leadership by Marlene Chism.
