Employee Spotlight – Tori Piechocniski

How has your career grown since starting at Marcum Search?
Since I started at Marcum Search, over 11 years ago, I have seen the company grow from a small start up to a national firm. This has given me the ability to grow by being able to collaborate closely with colleagues and tap into their expertise. This has given me the opportunity to develop a broader, deeper client base by allowing me to offer direct hire, temporary and consulting services for any and all back office positions of an organization.

In my career I am most proud of…
I am most proud of the deep relationships I have developed with clients and candidates. Over the years, our relationships have grown from just business to being friends, watching and sharing the highlights of our lives and our family’s lives. I am proud that some of the candidates that I did not have the opportunity to place, will still call me to staff their open positions because of how they told me I treated them as a candidate. This has been one of my greatest compliments.

My favorite quote is…
Until recently I would say hands down my favorite quote was: “Life is God’s gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to him.”

More recently I read the line “Shall we make a new rule of life…always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary”. It resonated.

I prefer not to choose one favorite and instead embrace both of these quotes.

Three words to describe myself…
Loyal, determined, tenacious

My perfect day is…
Being with my son and friends, preferably outside doing something by or in the water like swimming, kayaking and just having some great laughs.

Advice for my 16 year old self…
There are so many things I would say to myself, chin up, be confident, don’t settle, be accountable, learn from your mistakes, forgive yourself. I think the one I should actually mention is what my mom said to me constantly: “You can do anything you put your mind to”. (I say this, but I add “within reason” to the statement)

The person who had the biggest impact on my life is…
More than one. First my parents. They made decisions together, talked things out. Steps were never taken without communication and agreement. Mom especially had an impact. She taught me it was best to be independent so that you can have more choices in life. And now…my son, seeing things through his eyes have opened mine. Sometimes he blows me away with his perspective and strength.

What is your best tip on how to stay connected while still practicing social distancing during COVID-19?
Walk the dog if you have one! You end up meeting neighbors you never knew you had and you can still socialize because you are outside and typically 2 leash lengths away from each other.

What is one thing you hope to achieve in 2021?
Getting back to a sense of normalcy. Take a trip without worrying if we need to quarantine when we get there or get back. Find more quality time with family and friends.