In this continuation of my series featuring successful leaders in the MSP industry, I had the privilege of speaking with Jackie Oliva, the Executive Vice President of Operations at Homefield IT, whose professional journey has been a remarkable ascent from the help desk level.
While pursuing a finance degree from St. John's University, Jackie worked as a personal trainer to support herself through college, eventually finding her place in the corporate fitness world in the help desk department, where she supported thousands of users. Notably, all of Jackie's technical expertise was acquired on the job. When she found a place at Homefield IT, the founders gave her the opportunity to expand on her career, as she ascended through the ranks, ultimately assuming her current role.
“The founders of what is now Homefield IT, found me, and the rest is history. I’ve found my dream job here.”
As a leader at Homefield IT, Jackie prioritizes giving back to her employees. The founders of Homefield IT, and initially her mentors at Plus One, played a pivotal role in shaping her perspective on company culture and effective leadership, and she wants to pass that along. Continued learning is not just encouraged, but done intentionally, as they teach their employees the “why” behind every technical issue they encounter. Investing in employee well-being is a cornerstone of Homefield IT's approach. Beyond standard benefits, the company provides a meditation app and a city bike membership. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to employee health, recognizing the importance of mental and physical well-being in fostering a productive and satisfied workforce.
At Homefield IT, the commitment to employee growth is palpable. Jackie's role extends beyond operational efficiency to cultivating leaders and contented team members. She views her job as working for them, not the other way around. It’s like a two-way street: Homefield IT wants their employees to want to work there, as much as they want their employees to be with them. Jackie says their team likes to grow from within, just like she did. By providing employees with awesome benefits, perks and encouraging internal employee growth, actual productivity and efficiency follow as employees stay motivated and happy at Homefield IT. She has sat in every seat her team has occupied and noticed how this contributes to how she leads.
“That’s what I feel like my job is now. It's not just to make sure the business operation runs, which is obviously one of my main goals, but it's also about trying to create more leaders and more content employees here.”
Despite fierce competition in the MSP industry, Homefield IT distinguishes itself through its people-centric approach. The "work hard, play hard" mentality permeates the company culture, creating a unique and enjoyable atmosphere. Clients choose Homefield IT not only for technical expertise but also for the exceptional treatment they receive. Remaining at the forefront of the tech curve is a priority for Homefield IT. Strong partnerships with vendors prove essential in staying informed about industry developments.
Jackie's journey serves as an inspiring example of growth and giving back to her team Homefield IT's commitment to its employees and innovative approach to industry challenges make it a standout player in the competitive world of MSPs. As Jackie aptly puts it, "It's not just about running the business; it's about creating leaders and content employees."
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