Employee Spotlight: Michael Bollinger
Periodically, we’re going to highlight some of the awesome employees who work for Grafton. It’s our way of giving you a “behind the scenes” look at the people who make us what we are.
Name
Michael Bollinger
Title
Operations & Business Development
How long have you worked for Grafton?
Since October 2017
How did you get into the industry?
I took an inside sales job when I got out of college selling internet advertising. While I was very successful, I didn’t find that line of work something I was truly passionate about.
I had a friend who worked for a staffing company who was kind enough to set me up with an interview with the owner, and after a 2.5-hour interview/conversation, I accepted a traveling position.
Long story short, my first day I was instructed to report to the manufacturing facility 2.5 hours away from home and jumped right into the deep end. I then spent the next two years of my life on the road. I was traveling all over the country, managing onsite staffing with account sizes ranging from 50-1,200 employees.
I found my home and my passion in the staffing industry. It’s hard to put into words the levels of emotions, experiences and rewards I’ve been blessed with on many different levels.
Favorite Quote
- A kick in the a** is a step forward
- “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender” – Vince Lombardi
- “Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room” – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
What values are important to you?
- Honesty
- Drive
- Accountability
- Ability to be coachable
- Communication
- Teamwork
Michael Bollinger
What’s your favorite food?
- Steak (medium rare)
- Hot wings
- My mom’s homemade pizza
What’s your favorite movie?
- Top Gun
- Tommy Boy
- Invincible
Favorite Hobby
- Sporting events and concerts
- Golf
- Playing intramural sports (softball, lacrosse, golf league)
- Coaching wrestling
- Spending time at the lake
What’s on your bucket list?
Technically my mom took me to Super Bowl XXV in 1991, as I was about 6 weeks from being born. I would really like to return the favor and take her to attend a Super Bowl… hopefully watching the Chiefs!
What advice would you give to a job applicant?
Treat the job search like a professional fisherman. Before any fisherman hits the water, they make sure to research the lake, the weather, the tackle needed, etc. A lot of people will go on job sites and blindly apply to jobs without even doing any research.
It’s important to do research on companies, positions, values etc. That being said, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Make sure to have as many lines in the water as possible. When interviewing, always be positive and let your personality shine!
What’s something about you that would surprise people?
I hit a hole in one on a 179-yard par 3 with a 5 iron on the 2nd hole at the Shawnee Mission Country Club golf course. For anyone who has seen my golf game, I’m sure this comes as a pretty big shock!
What was your favorite vacation?
I have a very large family. There’s about 30 of us and we always take a family vacation once a year. We went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina a few summers ago. The level of chaos is exactly what you would imagine, but I don’t regret a second of it.
How do you define success?
I believe that true success is defined in many different ways. There are obvious measurements like financial, social status, etc. For me, success comes from achieving true happiness via internal fulfillment through my career and family life.
I was once told that, as long as I do the things I’m supposed to do to ensure that I meet my responsibilities in my professional and personal life, that everything will be okay. I’ve found this to be 100% accurate and it’s become a part of my life motto.
If you could interview one person, who would it be and why?
Mark Wahlberg. I admire Mark on so many different levels. It would take several pages to share the reasons for this. It really comes down to the fact that Mark has overcome so many different obstacles in his life to get where he is. Even with those obstacles, he still continues to push forward to better himself and to make a difference in the world. I love the fact that Mark never allows himself to become comfortable or take his success for granted.
If you could witness a historical event, what would you want to see?
I would’ve loved to have been able to witness Brett Favre’s Monday Night performance on December 22, 2003. Brett’s father had passed away on Dec. 21, 2003, and he showed up the very next day, in the national spotlight, and passed for 399 yards and four touchdowns. I’d already been a huge fan of his, but that moment showed me how a champion and leader responds in time of hardship and adversity.
What three words best describe you?
- Leader
- Humorous
- Fearless
