RickHermannsofHireQuestonhowleadersstaymotivated,inspired,andcreativewheneveryone'slookingtothemforanswers

The interview

Cynthia Corsetti, Interviewer: Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

Rick Hermanns, President and CEO of HireQuest Inc.: I began my career in banking and finance in Los Angeles after earning my degree from USC’s business school. My journey led me to a CFO role at what was then known as Labor World, sparking my interest in the staffing industry. A few years later, a colleague and I took the leap to start our own firm, which has since evolved into HireQuest as it stands today.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

I’ve had interesting things happen to me just about every day in my career — but August 24, 1992, stands out above them all. It was the day Hurricane Andrew tore through Miami-Dade County, completely changing my life and career.

At the time, I had just become a franchisee in Miami, working in the manual labor staffing business. The hurricane was initially predicted to hit near my house, but it veered 50 miles south and ended up devastating Miami-Dade instead. The destruction was overwhelming but also created an immense need for workers, something I was uniquely positioned to help with.

That moment was a turning point for me. It was pure luck to be in the right place at the right time, but success wasn’t all chance either. I worked 20-hour days to meet the demand, and in doing so, I laid the foundation for what would eventually become the company it is today, a global staffing and recruiting firm with more than a half billion in sales.

The big lesson for me? Luck plays a part in anyone’s career, no doubt about it. Sometimes, you’re in the right place at the right time; sometimes, you’re not. But what truly matters is what you do with that luck when it shows up. In this case, it worked for me — but only because I was willing to do the hard work to make something of it.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

At HireQuest, what makes us stand out isn’t something you’ll find on our individual resumes. We’re a group of hard-working, determined individuals from all walks of life — and that’s where our strength lies.

We’re radically diverse by design and practice. More than half of our branches have at least partial women ownership, and our franchises are owned by Hispanic and Black leaders in greater than average percentages relative to the overall economy. That diversity isn’t just a checkbox for us; it’s intentional. It’s about creating an environment where anyone from any background can thrive if they’re willing to put in the effort.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we promote from within. If someone walks through our doors, works hard, and shows commitment, they’ll have opportunities to rise to the top. That’s not just a slogan or aspiration — it’s our reality.

Here’s the thing: when people from different backgrounds and perspectives come together and work toward a common goal, incredible things happen. Our success is about more than following a traditional blueprint. It’s about recognizing potential, rewarding hard work, and embracing each person’s unique contributions. Being a franchise organization makes it easier for us to create a clear pathway for people to rise.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

When I think about the traits that have shaped my success, three come to mind: humility, adaptability and decisiveness. Each one has played a pivotal role in how I’ve approached challenges and opportunities throughout my career. Let me break it down.

#1. Humility

Leadership isn’t about being the star of the show — it’s about recognizing that success is a team effort. At HireQuest, it’s never been about me or our corporate staff. It’s about everyone playing their part, from franchisees to front-line employees.

#2. Adaptability

The ability to adapt has been integral to HireQuest’s success. In 1996, I envisioned the company going public. But numerous circumstances intervened, and it didn’t happen right away — in fact, it took over two decades — but in 2019, we finally made it a reality.

The lesson? Plans change, and that’s okay. Sometimes, opportunities don’t fit neatly into your current strategy but can still lead to great things. Staying adaptable has put us in a position to make moves — like acquiring companies we couldn’t have imagined buying years ago.

#3. Decisiveness

We don’t waste time with endless meetings or overanalyzing every decision. At HireQuest, we believe in moving forward. Facts don’t generally change, even if we don’t love the options in front of us.

For me, being decisive isn’t always about having the perfect answer — it’s about making the best choice with the information you have and being willing to act. That mindset has allowed us to grow and evolve quickly as an organization.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. What personal habits or routines do you practice daily to maintain motivation and inspiration, especially when facing significant challenges?

Staying motivated and inspired is important, but it’s not the whole story. When it comes down to it, persistence and discipline keep me going. Motivation comes and goes, but persistence gets the job done.

Since my earliest career days, I’ve stuck to a routine that keeps me productive. The key? I don’t let problems sit. If something needs to get done, I tackle it head-on. Time and ignoring the issue never make it better — if anything, they make it worse. That’s a lesson I’ve learned time and time again.

I also habitually look back when I need an extra push. I’ll pull out old photos from franchise conventions and reflect on how far we’ve come. Seeing the growth — how much the company and its people have achieved — is incredibly motivating. It reminds me why I do what I do and keeps me focused on the bigger picture.

But my biggest inspiration comes from knowing that what we’ve built at HireQuest has genuinely changed lives. I think about the people who’ve built successful careers and created wealth for their families because of this company. Knowing that HireQuest has helped others achieve a more prosperous, fulfilling life — it’s hard not to feel motivated by that.

Can you share a moment when you felt creatively depleted and how you managed to reignite your spark for innovation?

We’ve all been there — those moments when the energy to think creatively isn’t there. When I hit those walls, I’ve learned that the best way to reignite my spark is to take a step back and reflect.

One thing that always helps is looking back at the people we’ve impacted. Seeing how far someone has come because of an opportunity we gave them reminds me why we do what we do. It’s not just about business; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.

Sometimes, I revisit the tough times — the moments when things felt impossible — and remind myself that we came through them. There’s something empowering about recognizing resilience. It’s a reminder that challenges can be overcome and often lead to the best opportunities for growth and innovation.

As a person of faith, I find strength in knowing that there’s a bigger plan at work. When I feel depleted, I lean into that faith, trusting that creativity and inspiration will return when the time is right.

How do you ensure you remain open to new ideas and perspectives while being the figure people look up to for solutions?

One of my strongest suits is staying open to new ideas. It’s about being curious — constantly learning from others and looking at how they solve problems. I spend time reading about what other companies are doing, talking to people from all walks of life, and asking questions with an open mind.

Sometimes, those conversations lead to unexpected breakthroughs. A great example: My brother-in-law once told me how his company used AI to streamline certain accounting processes. That sparked something for me. I realized that we could apply similar concepts at HireQuest. Sure enough, we’ve started determining ways to integrate AI into certain operations, and it’s opened doors we hadn’t previously thought possible.

The truth is that 99% of the good things we do as a company come from learning from others. Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. It’s about taking those ideas, adapting them, and making them work in your unique context.

What sources (books, mentors, experiences) do you turn to for inspiration when you’re navigating uncertain situations?

When facing uncertainty, I find inspiration in a mix of books, mentors, and life experiences that have shaped my perspective and approach.

One book that stands out for me is Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s one of the most practical guides I’ve read on success — it focuses on how small, consistent actions compound into significant results. That’s the essence of grit: not about making giant leaps but about showing up every day and doing the work, even when things feel uncertain.

Mentors have also played a role in shaping how I approach challenges. One of the most memorable was Louis King, a client from my banking days. He owned a chain of auto dealerships in Florida and was the epitome of humility and kindness. When I first met him, he wore a straw hat and looked unassuming, but he was a savvy businessman worth millions. What made him stand out wasn’t just his success; it was his honesty, courtesy, and ability to put everyone around him at ease. Louis taught me you don’t need to be flashy or overbearing to lead effectively.

My upbringing and early experiences also shaped how I navigate uncertain situations. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, the predominant culture was about not standing out, which taught me the value of humility early on. I believe that has helped me create teams that know their input and participation is valued. People will make far greater sacrifices if they know it is done in the service of a goal greater than the whims of a solitary leader. Having a dedicated team like HireQuest does give me great confidence that uncertainty can and will be overcome due to the broad commitment that we have developed over 34 years from our franchisees and employees.

How do you balance the pressure of leading with staying true to your own passions and creative pursuits?

Balancing leadership pressures with personal passions is a constant challenge, but it’s also essential for maintaining a sense of purpose and perspective. For me, the key is staying grounded in what matters most — whether that’s the mission of my work, the people I’ve impacted, or the creative spark that keeps me inspired.

One of the ways I manage this balance is by reflecting on the big picture. Leadership can feel like an endless series of problems to solve, but when I look back at the lives we’ve changed — people who’ve built careers, started franchises, or achieved things they never thought possible — I’m reminded why I do what I do. Those reflections reignite my passion for creating opportunities and building something meaningful.

Faith is another anchor for me. When things feel overwhelming, I look to my faith to remind me that challenges are temporary and that perseverance pays off. This perspective helps me push through tough moments while staying true to my values and goals.

Finally, I believe in the power of discipline. Passion and creativity are essential, but they don’t always show up when needed. What does show up is the routine and work ethic you’ve built over time. I’ve learned that creativity and passion tend to follow when you consistently put in the effort, even under pressure.

What are your “Five Things That Leaders Can Do To Remain Motivated and Inspired”?

Over the years, I’ve found that certain practices help keep me grounded, focused, and ready to face the next challenge. Here are five strategies that I believe can make all the difference:

#1. Reflect on the Impact You’ve Made

When the day-to-day grind feels overwhelming, I find it incredibly motivating to look back at the people we’ve helped and the opportunities we’ve created. For example, flipping through old photos of franchise conventions reminds me how far we’ve come and how many lives have been changed for the better. Seeing someone grow from an entry-level position to running their own franchise is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

#2. Maintain a Routine Grounded in Discipline

Motivation is fleeting, but discipline is constant. Early in my career as a banker, I developed a habit of sticking to my routines and tackling problems head-on. Ignoring an issue doesn’t make it go away — it just makes it worse. This mindset has carried me through tough times. I don’t wait for inspiration; I rely on persistence to push forward, knowing that solutions come from staying on the course.

#3. Learn from Others

Inspiration often comes from outside your own organization or industry. I love reading books like Atomic Habits, which distill success into actionable habits. But learning isn’t just about books — it’s about listening to others. My brother-in-law once shared how his company was leveraging AI, and that conversation sparked ideas we’ve since incorporated at HireQuest. Ninety-nine percent of the good things we do as a company come from adapting what we’ve learned from others.

#4. Find Mentors Who Exemplify the Traits You Value

I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who shaped my perspective on leadership. Louis King, a client from my banking days, ran auto dealerships in Florida. He wasn’t flashy, wearing a straw hat and exuding humility — but he built an incredible business. Louis taught me the power of being approachable and putting people at ease. His kindness and honesty were inspiring, and I strive to bring that energy to my leadership.

#5. Stay Grounded in Your “Why”

I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who shaped my perspective on leadership. Louis King, a client from my banking days, ran auto dealerships in Florida. He wasn’t flashy, wearing a straw hat and exuding humility — but he built an incredible business. Louis taught me the power of being approachable and putting people at ease. His kindness and honesty were inspiring, and I strive to bring that energy to my leadership.

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about staying connected to your purpose. I often think about the young people whose lives could change with the right mentorship. If we can guide 14-to-20-year-olds to understand that their choices now will have lasting impacts, we can help them create a better future. This belief drives me to mentor others and advocate for opportunities that align with their strengths — college or a trade like becoming an electrician.

How do you cultivate an environment that supports not just your own creativity and motivation but also that of your team, especially during difficult times?

Creating a motivated, creative team starts with humility and shared purpose. At HireQuest, we value everyone’s contributions and foster a diverse environment where hard work leads to growth. Half our branches are at least partially owned by women, and many are led by Hispanic or African American franchisees — a testament to our openness to anyone willing to work hard.

I remind my team to reflect on past successes during tough times, showing we’ve overcome challenges. Adaptability is also key; we pivot and grow when unexpected opportunities arise, like going public in 2019. Collaboration also matters — most of our best ideas come from learning from others and being open to new perspectives.

By valuing diversity, fostering adaptability, and encouraging teamwork, we build an environment where creativity thrives, even under pressure.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I’d love to inspire a movement focused on mentoring young people — especially those in the 14 to 20 age range. This is such a critical time in their lives, and the choices they make during these years can profoundly shape their future. Too often, young people are pushed in directions that might not be right for them. Maybe college isn’t the answer for everyone — some might find their true calling as an electrician or in an equally fulfilling and valuable trade.

I wish more people would step up to mentor young adults and help them see the possibilities ahead. It’s about reinstilling the American Dream — the idea that if you work hard, you can achieve something meaningful for yourself and your family. Sometimes, it takes someone to show young people what’s possible and then encourage and guide them in the right direction rather than focus on barriers.

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!