WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: A visit with Tina of Express Employment Professionals of Oregon City
We visited with Tina Irvine, hardworking Mother, leader and owner of the Oregon City Express Employment Professionals, and discovered her passion for community and how she helps create impactful change through volunteering. We also got to know more about how Express helps the community achieve their employment goals by connecting good businesses with good people.
It might come as a surprise to know that Express is not just a temporary employment agency, but that they offer “great long term and direct placement opportunities. We specialize in administrative, general labor, manufacturing, production and much more.”
Tina has been with Express for over 16 years, saying, “I have always had a desire to help people, and helping people with employment is a great way to support individuals, families and our community.”
This is why she purchased her franchise in 2014 which now has an internal staff of 7 and a workforce of over 200 people! You’ll find her office along the bustling Main Street in Oregon City, tucked inside Settler’s Corner 900 Main St. Suite 106, Oregon City, OR 97045.
Finding diversity in their workforce is important, and Tina emphasizes that everyone is welcome, and in addition, they also help local businesses who are in need of hiring. Don’t shy away if looking for a job or wanting to find good people for your business.
They are eager to help and post new opportunities regularly to their Facebook page. Follow them there to not miss out on job postings.
A reviewer online shares their experience saying, “I love the Oregon City office. They make a solid effort to not only find you work, but work that suits you. If a job isn’t a good fit for you, they do their best to find a better fit, as long as you show a desire to work with them.”
When she’s not in the office Tina finds joy and accomplishment being on the 18th hole with a rewarding game of golf, taking walks outside, Pokémon Hunting and video gaming with her son.
When asked what her secret sauce was to balancing everything, Tina states that balance isn’t always easy, but managing her time well has been crucial, and that she contributes it to the people around her. The generations of her resilient family and their unwavering support for her mission and goals motivate her; having supportive friends, and seeing her staff succeed inspires her “to be better, do more and work harder.”
You get a strong sense that being actively involved in community endeavors is foundational to Tina, and you’ll find her making an impact by spending her time on the board of the Children’s Center, Clackamas Workforce Partnership and Bob’s Red Mill. She also loves being a member of the Oregon City Rotary Club.
She encourages people to “be kind to each other and to help others by seeking out opportunities to get involved in our community and volunteer. Go out and meet your neighbors and fall in love with your community.”
WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING WOMEN OR FOLKS WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESSES AND THINKING ABOUT MAKING MONEY DOING SOMETHING THEY LOVE?
Tina finds value in supporting and uplifting other women in business, saying “I recommend finding mentors and other business women that can help lift you up, provide encouragement and be a sounding board for ideas and coaching. I believe it’s incredibly important to have a TRIBE of women that you support and they support your back.“
GROWING THROUGH THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC, ALONG WITH THE WILDFIRES, SNOW/ICE STORM, AND NON-BUSINESS RELATED LIFE, WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED THAT HAS MADE AN IMPACT?
“People are more resilient than they give themselves credit for. I learned that our community steps up and comes together and supports each other and our vulnerable populations. I witnessed FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE being put into action in 2020.”
Her workforce was impacted the hardest from COVID-19 in March of 2020, and at times it was difficult to place people at work but Tina and her team moved folks to new positions when possible and continued to find work for the community. Now there are vacancies waiting to be filled and she’s finding opportunities for individuals who are ready to start working.
You can view a list of current openings here or call them at (503) 654-3600.
WHAT LESSON(S) HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR TIME AS A WOMAN IN BUSINESS?
“That nothing worth having comes easily. And when people say you can’t… Use their fuel to drive you to YES I CAN, and I DID!”
Tina is spearheading change in our community and mentions that she “would like people to know that there is work available and that people should have hope. We’re here to help people achieve their employment goals.” It’s apparent Tina finds so much value in what she does!
By walking into Express Employment Professionals, you’ll be met by the friendly faces inside who are ready to find you the next right position, and who are passionate about seeing their workforce succeed. After meeting with Tina, it’s truly a core value of theirs to create connections and serve everyone who walks through their door!
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH AND SUPPORT TINA WITH EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS
- Visit Express Employment Professionals website
- You can follow for new job listings and updates over on Facebook.
- Stop in at 900 Main St. Suite 106, Oregon City, OR 97045.
- Email them at jobs.oregoncityor@expresspros.com
Written and photographed by Ashleyann Burnett, of Simple Shot Photography. Here is her story about visiting with Tina.
“Tina is a changemaker, and I personally felt inspired hearing all the ways she supports our community! If people want work, there is work to be found and businesses are ready to hire. Given the past year during the pandemic and government shutdowns, employment is difficult to find, so hearing about the current opening positions was wonderful to learn. I can tell that she truly loves what she does every day and it shines through to her staff and into our communities.”