JoAnn Steffes
Vice President Human Resources

What got you started in Human Resources?

My declared major my freshman year of college was elementary education. At the time, I was working for Nikolai Construction as an administrative assistant. I worked with Allan Nikolai, and he encouraged me to explore a career in business, which later took me down the path to human resources.

Who was your biggest influence?

My parents. Growing up I was taught to work hard and always treat others as you would want to be treated. I think both philosophies have served me well.

What is the most bizarre thing a potential associate did to get your attention?

I had one person send flowers, balloons, and a singing telegram that told me all the reasons we should hire him.

What attracted you to Ovation?

The people. The clients. How cool is it to tell people that you work with some of the biggest brands in the country. Advertising seems glamorous compared to my prior HR life in health care and manufacturing. I also love that we are always in change mode. Asking ourselves the question – how can we do it better?

What makes Ovation’s work environment different from other companies?

I love the focus on health and wellness. We take a vested interest in the health of our associates – through our fitness facility, fitness challenges, fresh fruit, and a reduction in health insurance premiums to those that commit to working out. If associates feel good about themselves, it shows in their work. It is a win-win-win situation for not only the associate, but Ovation and our clients.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

I hate being late. And, I hate it even more when someone else is late.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could sketch. My drawings are similar to my 4-year-old Katy’s stick people.

If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?

My husband, my soul mate – Jon.

What can’t you live without?

Chocolate. Just kidding. My family.

Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?

Hmmm. Chocolate…chocolate…chocolate. It is a good thing that Hershey’s is one of our clients!

Do you have any pets?

Bailey – a 108-lb. yellow lab that still believes she is a lap dog. She was our first baby.

What do you do for a good time when you’re not working?

I love to hang out with my husband and kids. After the kids are in bed, I love to curl up on the sofa with a good novel.

Do you have any kids?

We have three awesome kids :) Calvin is 7, Kathryn (the princess) is 4 going on 16 and Meghan is 2.

If you could spend a day with any person, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?

I would want to spend one more day with my grandmother, Anna Martin. I miss her dearly. She was the best storyteller in the world. In her 89 years of life she saw incredible changes and often shared her experiences from her younger years. She was also the best baker in the world so I would ask her to make some of her famous doughnuts and kringle.

What is your favorite Internet site?

I love Google. You can find everything and anything on Google.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

It is difficult to choose just one place, so I’ll give you my top two. I love Mexico for the beautiful sunsets, sandy beaches, and the unbelievable warm weather. My second choice is New York City. You just can’t beat the Big Apple. So much to do…so much to see. You can’t beat lunch in Central Park, a trip to Chinatown, a walk around Time Square, and to top it off, a Broadway show.