Gary Carmichael, Strategic-Partner, C.S.P.

Experience: I opened my first PrideStaff office in July 2006 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In October 2009, a second office was opened in Gulfport, Mississippi. I am an accredited Certified Staffing Professional by the American Staffing Association and have received several PrideStaff President’s Circle Awards for achieving sales goals.  The Hattiesburg Office was also the Office of the Year for PrideStaff in 2007.

I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1977 and my MBA in 1989. I am also a Certified Public Accountant that transitioned into the manufacturing industry and eventually my own company. Prior to joining the PrideStaff team, I had managed all facets of the business operation in the last 25 years, with the last 15 years in senior management positions related to plant management. 

I was the chair of the Area Development Partnership Ambassadors for 2009 to 2011, where I currently still serve as an ambassador. I am a past President and Board Member of the Hattiesburg Country Club. I have also served as the VP of Membership for local SHRM chapter 2008-2009, and was Secretary of that SHRM chapter for 2009 to 2011. As Director of Professional Development for SMEI 2008-2009, I have also served with a number of other charitable organizations both as a member and on their executive teams. I am currently a Board Member of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association and was recently appointed the Chair of the Economic Development for the Area Development Partnership.  

The big picture: At PrideStaff, we are engaged in our Mission: “ Consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.” We have the resources and expertise of a large, national firm and the level of service you would expect from a local team. Our goal is to assure quality service to our clients by providing innovative business solutions and maintaining the highest ethical standards. To establish a reputation of exceeding both our clients and associates expectations, utilizing proactive customer service and assuring honesty, integrity and dependability, while giving back to the communities through participation in various charitable and non-profit organizations.   

Our clients and employees choose PrideStaff because of the results and experience they receive as partners with PrideStaff. PrideStaff chooses to work with our clients and employees because our values align and we provide solutions that solve their challenges.      

The scoop on staffing: In many cases, it does not matter how good an employee performs their duties, some decisions are made that result in associates losing their jobs and disrupting their career goals. At the same time, it does not matter how well the employer believes they are treating their employees, not everyone is satisfied and good employees look for other opportunities. The staffing industry allows for the opportunity to help both the client and the associate on a day-to-day basis to find the best fit for both of them. That keeps the team going to work each day with smiles on their faces and a passion to help those in need of our services.         

Secrets to success: My success has been a result of an ability to listen to people and identify their needs; to utilize my knowledge base to help them find a solution; to use that strong internal drive to help solve problems; and the ability to find and retain a talented team with those same characteristics.

Stress relief: My biggest stress relievers are watching old TV shows, exercising and golf.

Areas served: Serving Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas, including: Laurel, Petal, Waynesboro, Collins, Sumrall, Columbia, Seminary, Ellisville,Lumberton and Wiggins.