Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Glazer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

ABSOLUTELY!! I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world! Also because the world is a horrible place but I started my own recruiting firm when I was in my 20’s.
I had a background in education and loved working with and for people. I loved the challenge of finding the perfect match between a candidate and a company, and I loved doing it on my terms. Looking back, I’ve had moments of doubt, but I’ve never seriously considered going back to working for someone else. Here’s why.
One of the biggest reasons I love being a business owner is the freedom and flexibility. I remember the last time I really thought about what it would be like to have a regular job. It was a particularly challenging week. Several candidates had fallen through at the last minute, and I had a few clients who were becoming increasingly demanding. It was the kind of week where everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong.
I was sitting at my desk late one evening, surrounded by paperwork and a to-do list that seemed never-ending. The office was quiet, the only sound was the hum of my computer and the occasional rustle of papers. I felt a wave of frustration and exhaustion wash over me. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like to have a regular job again, to be a VP somewhere. No more worrying about keeping the business afloat, no more stressing over clients and candidates, no more wearing all the hats – just a more seemingly simple job with a steady paycheck and someone else making the tough decisions or trusting mine but without me dealing with anything else. I knew other recruiters who closed shop, so why not me?
The idea was tempting..ish but then I thought about why I started this in the first place. I love the thrill of the hunt – finding that perfect candidate for a role, knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s career and in a company’s success. I love the autonomy – being able to make decisions without having to run them by anyone or adhere to someone else’s vision. I love the creativity – being able to try new strategies and approaches without being hindered by corporate red tape.
I also thought about the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Being a business owner has taught me resilience. There have been times when things looked bleak, but I’ve learned to push through and find solutions. It’s taught me the importance of building strong relationships. My clients and candidates trust me because they know I genuinely care about their success. It’s taught me to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Every setback has made me stronger and more determined.
So, as I sat there in my quiet office, I realized that while the idea of a regular job was appealing in moments of stress, it’s not what I truly want. I love my job, I love how I can help people, my way. I love my work life balance. I love that I can go to the gym and be there for my kids every step of the way, before, during and after school, I love the challenge and the rewards of running my own business and this business. I love the freedom to shape my own destiny. And most of all, I love knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives every single day.
So am I happy as a business owner? Absolutely! Were there times I wondered what it would be like to have a regular job? For sure! I even had someone offer to buy my business but those moments are fleeting. The satisfaction and fulfillment I get from running my own business far outweigh any temporary frustrations. Being a business owner is not always easy, but for me, it truly is absolutely worth it.

Jessica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have a background in education actually and started my career in my 20’s when a school I was working for ran out of funding. My friend was working at an agency that was hiring. I went for an interview and they hired me right then and there. I wasn’t sure I wanted to take it but my father said I had nothing to lose so I should just try it. I did and I found myself gravitating towards the entire process. I realized early on that I had a knack for understanding what companies needed and matching them with the right talent. The problem was I wanted more control over how I could help both candidates and employers, which led me to starting my own firm.
My company, MindHR provides comprehensive recruitment services across various industries. We specialize in understanding the unique needs of each client and finding candidates who not only have the right skills but also fit well with the company culture. We pride ourselves on a personalized approach, taking the time to get to know both our clients and candidates to ensure the best matches possible. Since there was a such a high demand I added career coaching and resume writing as an extra service to candidates
When it comes to companies, one of the biggest problems we solve for our clients is the challenge of finding and retaining top talent. In today’s competitive job market, it’s not enough to just post a job listing and hope for the best. We actively search for and engage with high-quality candidates, especially those are not actively looking for new opportunities. This proactive approach sets us apart and helps our clients building strong, dynamic teams.
I’m particularly proud of the relationships we’ve built over the years. Many of our clients and candidates have become long-term partners, returning to us time and again because they trust our process and know we deliver results. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that we’ve played a role in someone’s career success and helped a company grow by finding the right people.
What sets MindHR apart is our dedication to excellence and our deep understanding of the recruitment process. We’re not just filling positions; we’re building careers and helping companies thrive. Our team is passionate about what we do, and it shows in the care and attention we give to every search.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at MindHR, you’re not just another number. We take your success personally and work tirelessly to ensure you get the best outcomes. Whether you’re a company looking for exceptional talent or a candidate searching for the perfect job, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
So my journey with MindHR has been about more than just recruiting – it’s about making meaningful connections and driving success for everyone involved and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for what the future holds.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The pandemic was a significant period of change and adaptation for me. When COVID-19 hit, it dramatically impacted the retail and restaurant sectors, which were a significant part of my client base at MindHR. Suddenly, many of my clients in these industries were either shutting down or drastically reducing their hiring needs. It was clear that I needed to pivot quickly to survive and thrive in this new landscape.

Before the pandemic, I had built strong relationships and a solid reputation in the retail and restaurant industries. However, as these sectors took a hit, I knew I had to diversify my client base to ensure the sustainability of my business. This pivot required not only quick thinking but also a deep understanding of market trends and emerging needs.

I identified several industries that were experiencing increased demand due to the pandemic: food, transport, IT, and pharmaceuticals. Each of these sectors had unique challenges and required a different approach. For instance, the food industry needed supply chain experts and logistics managers to handle the surge in home deliveries. Transport companies were looking. IT firms needed cybersecurity experts and support staff to manage the shift to remote work. Pharmaceutical companies were rapidly expanding their teams and our edge? We were already set up to work from home!

My first step was to reach out to existing contacts in these industries and understand their specific needs. I conducted market research to identify key players and potential clients. I also invested in upskilling myself and my team to ensure we could effectively recruit for these new roles. This meant learning about different qualifications, certifications, and skill sets that were in demand.

One of the most memorable pivots was my entry into the pharmaceutical industry. I secured a contract with a leading pharmaceutical company that was working on COVID-19 treatments. They needed a range of roles filled quickly, from lab technicians to project managers. This was new territory for me, but I dove in headfirst, learning everything I could about the industry and leveraging my existing recruitment skills to find the right candidates.

As the pandemic progressed, I continued to adapt. I then forecasted what was next. As transportation was struggling I realized manufacturing was gaining speed as they ramped up production so once again, I expanded my knowledge and network to include manufacturing roles.

Looking back, this period of rapid pivoting was both challenging and rewarding. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be innovative and flexible. I learned a great deal about resilience and the importance of being able to adapt to changing circumstances.

The experience also reinforced the value of strong relationships and a solid reputation. My clients trusted me and my team to deliver, because of the reliability and quality of my past work. This trust was crucial as I navigated through the uncertainties of the pandemic.
This experience has made me stronger and for sure more versatile, and proved not to listen to others who often insisted I specialize or work from an office as by being a generalist and already working from home I was better prepared than any of my competitors.
Trust your gut!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

When I decided to start my own recruiting firm, I knew it would take more than just passion and determination—I needed capital. But unlike many entrepreneurs, I had my savings and I not want to take out any loans or seek investors. I wanted to do this on my own. So, I had to get creative.

Truth be told, my journey began when I had to sue the first three companies. I had to send all three letters without prejudice because they didn’t want to pay for services rendered. I was upfront and honest, the candidates were all working at the companies I placed them at but they were all refusing to pay. I was new and they thought they could get away with it but I got my money from all three companies. One I had to take to court…how is that as a way to start a business?

From there, I relied heavily on contracts. A lot my clients are through word of mouth and I do still tend to cold call but I didn’t spend a single dollar on advertising. Instead, I invested my time and energy into building relationships. I reached out to people, asking for referrals and recommendations. I called potential clients directly, introducing myself and explaining how I could help them. It was a lot of hard work, but it paid off. People appreciated the personal touch and my genuine enthusiasm for helping them find the right talent.

Even today, my business thrives on these principles. My website is actually down, but I’m active on social media, where I connect with professionals and share insights about the industry. My reputation and the trust I’ve built over the years have been my greatest assets. Clients and candidates know they can rely on me because I’ve proven myself time and again through my actions and results.

One of the proudest moments in my journey was realizing that I had built a successful business without borrowing money or spending on traditional advertising. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of personal connections and the importance of delivering quality service. I’ve always believed that if you do good work, people will talk about it, and that’s exactly what happened.

Starting MindHR was a blend of creativity, hard work, and trust. This approach has shaped the way I operate today. I just need a little faith, trust and as Walt Disney once said.. Pixie Dust

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mindhr.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessica_glazer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montrealplacementagency/