In this edition of Bright Lights, we introduce another key PeopleFluent team member: Account Executive Rich Christman. When he’s not at work, Rich loves playing a round of golf or whipping up a meal from scratch. Let’s get to know him better!

So, Rich, what’s your role at PeopleFluent? How long have you been working here?

I’m an account executive in our Sales department, and I work primarily with clients on PeopleFluent’s recruiting and org charting solutions. I’ve only been with the organization for eight months, but I plan on being here for quite a while!

What did you do for work prior to joining PeopleFluent?

I used to work in logistics. I got my start at UPS when I was finishing my undergraduate degree. I stayed with the company for five years and was eventually promoted to Albany Preload Manager.

While I was working for UPS, my dad passed away. My priorities changed after that, and I was ready to find a position that better aligned with the goals I had for my life.

After UPS, I worked for a smaller logistics company and was their director of human resources. I enjoyed my time there, but the role didn’t allow me to live the life I’d envisioned for myself. I realized the problem wasn’t with either of those companies; it was the logistics industry itself that wasn’t fitting for me anymore.

A friend of mine worked at PeopleFluent and told me about the company. I had never worked in sales before, but I have a lot of experience with purchasing and implementing HRIS systems. I understand clients’ pain points. The interviews went well, and here I am eight months later. I’ve definitely found the right fit here.

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What skills are needed to be successful in your role?

People skills are at the top of the list. My job is about listening to our clients and understanding what it is they’re looking for so I can help find a solution. In order to do that, I have to be an active listener and a great communicator.

Problem-solving skills are important, too. Sometimes our clients have a particular need, and there’s not always an obvious solution. In those situations, we have to really dig into the problem and get creative. We do everything we can to make our clients happy.

What skills do you want to develop?

I have a pretty heavy workload, so I’m trying to develop better personal processes to ensure that I’m covering everything I can when I work with prospective clients. I want to have a systematic approach.

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How would you describe your team dynamic?

Well, I’d say the team is dynamic. I really think the strength of PeopleFluent is the people who work here. We have an excellent support team and a professional services team who are incredibly helpful and approachable. They’re ready to assist anyone at the drop of a hat.

My supervisors are great mentors, and they’re always able to direct me when I have questions. I also work with a lot of great solutions consultants who always take the time to thoroughly educate me on our products. There’s been a lot to learn as I’ve switched from logistics to sales, and the team at PeopleFluent has been ready and willing to help me every step of the way.

What’s your favorite work perk?

Definitely remote work. It’s been life-changing for me. Now that I can work from anywhere, I’m doing just that. I’m selling my house in New York and moving to South Carolina, and I plan to move to Nashville next. Remote work gives me a lot of freedom that I didn’t have before.

I also really appreciate how flexible my supervisors are. They’re incredibly supportive. I’ve never felt micro-managed, and I have a lot of room to be creative.

What are you doing when you’re not at your desk?

I love to golf. I played for Russell Sage College in Albany and have always loved it. When I started working remotely, I really got back into it. I’d be at the driving range at 6:30 every morning to practice and still be ready to work by 8:30.

I also enjoy going to live events—concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, all of that. I went to see the New York Jets and the New York Mets play games on the same day earlier this year.

Cooking is another pastime of mine. I like making pasta, steak, pastrami, eggs benedict—you name it. I’ve even catered weddings and retirement parties for relatives.

What’s some advice you’d like to give other professionals?

It's never too late to make a change. If you're in an industry and don't feel that it's going to work out, make a move. You don’t have to stay in an industry that isn’t giving you the life you want to live.

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