By Rebecca Kirkman, Founder & President, Hire Up Staffing Services

May 10th, 2025, marks 15 official years of Hire Up Staffing, but my journey as a founder began long before the doors ever opened. I started with a small three-person team in a single office in California’s Central Valley, driven by purpose and a deep belief in people. Today, we’ve grown into a nationwide staffing firm with multiple specialized divisions, Hire Up Healthcare, Hire Up Executive, and Hire Up Staffing Services, serving clients across the U.S. with excellence.

It’s been a journey of growth, grit, and gratitude, and one I’m incredibly proud of, not just professionally, but personally, too.

From Startup Dream to Scalable Impact

Starting Hire Up as a young woman and a mother came with no shortage of challenges. But I wasn’t just building a company, I was building a mission: to create workplaces rooted in positivity, gratitude, meaning, and connection. I believed there was a better way to do staffing, one that focused on people, not just placements.

Fifteen years later, we’ve helped thousands of companies and candidates write new chapters in their story. What’s carried us this far? Staying true to the values we began with, authenticity, creativity, and care. Those values still guide everything we do.

A Woman in Leadership, and in Ownership

Being a woman in leadership is something I deeply value, but being a woman in ownership, especially in this industry, has taught me even more. Many companies say they’re women-owned, but few have female founders who are fully engaged in the day-to-day, side by side with their teams. I’ve never wanted to lead from afar. I believe that if I ask something of my team, whether they’re our receptionist or a senior account manager, I should be willing and able to do it too. That’s not just leadership by title, it’s leadership by example. It’s showing up, staying hands-on, and doing the hard work when no one’s watching.

Over time, I’ve learned that strong leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about listening, adapting, and surrounding yourself with passionate people who believe in the mission. And I’ve also learned something else, the power of forgiveness and grace.

People grow. Circumstances change. And while I believe in lifting others up, I’ve also learned that it’s okay to walk away from what doesn’t serve you. You can still wish someone well while honoring your own peace. As women, we’re often expected to absorb, to accommodate, but there’s real strength in protecting your energy and standing up for yourself, too.

What Sets Us Apart

We’re not just another staffing agency, we’re problem solvers, culture shapers, and opportunity creators. Our recruiters are trained to focus on people’s strengths, not just their shortcomings. We don’t replace internal HR teams, we partner with them. And we’re always evolving to stay ahead in an ever-changing market.

Even when we’ve had to adjust budgets or pivot strategies, we’ve continued to grow, averaging 10 to 25% annual growth, because we’re built on a strong foundation of integrity, innovation, and relationships that matter.

Philanthropy at the Core

Growing up in a small town taught me the value of community and the importance of giving back. Today, philanthropy is embedded in our company DNA. We raise funds, support local nonprofits, and volunteer regularly, not as a checkbox, but as a calling.

Personally, I stay involved year-round. I serve on boards and committees, promote causes close to my heart, and show up, whether it’s planning fundraising galas or working behind the scenes. I do it because I believe success isn’t measured just by what you build, but by what you give.

Looking Ahead

Fifteen years in, and I’m more energized than ever for what’s to come. We’ve built something meaningful, something that matters. And I know there’s so much more ahead, for our team, for our clients, and for the communities we serve.

To every company that’s trusted us, every job seeker who’s partnered with us, and every team member who’s poured their heart into this mission, thank you. You are the soul of Hire Up.

Here’s to continuing the journey, and building something extraordinary, together.

With gratitude,

Rebecca Kirkman
Founder & President
Hire Up Staffing, Healthcare, Executive