Q&A with Alyssa, Account Development Lead at Workstream

Do what you love, love what you do.

At Workstream, we strive to build a team of passionate and humble individuals. Today, we turn the spotlight on our Account Development Lead, Alyssa Villarreal. Alyssa graduated from college with a double degree in Marketing and Business Administration. Coming out of high school, she was interested in advertising and figured she had end up at an ad firm or do something in marketing. Halfway through college, she was introduced to the sales program there and fell in love with sales and found that she had a knack for it! Being on the Account Development team, she spends most of her time finding franchisee’s or small business owners who are experiencing hiring challenges. Then, she connects with them and share how Workstream alleviates these problems. She shares that "it’s really rewarding to see how our software can save people time, money, and headaches when it comes to hiring!" 

When did you join Workstream, and what made you choose Workstream over other companies?

Alyssa: A close mentor of mine had shared several different companies that were hiring. When he mentioned Workstream, I’d never heard of it but the software intrigued me. It was something that sounded simple but could have a strong impact. I felt that having the small background as a deskless worker I did, it would help me to better relate to the software and make it easier for me to learn. Then, when I was connected with Blake and Desmond, I was sold. They’re incredible leaders and shared their vision for the company and it excited me. Blake has built an amazing sales team and Desmond has created an incredible company and culture that I am so lucky to be a part of!

As a Hiring Specialist in Workstream, I’m sure you’ve spoke with many hiring managers. What’s the number one challenge in hiring that you’ve seen?

Alyssa: A common challenge I hear is that the job market is extremely competitive - especially amongst delivery drivers. Recently, I was on a call with some owners who has a couple stores in close proximity of each other. They were saying that even their own stores are competing with each other to get the applicants, along with several other QSR concepts nearby! With other companies offering delivery driver roles, like UberEats, DoorDash, and local delivery groups, it can be hard to source applicants for this type of role or get back to the applicant in a timely manner to secure an interview with them. Speed and continuous engagement are huge in this industry. Responding to a candidate just a few hours after they apply can be too late to catch them. With Workstream, communication can be automated so hiring managers don’t have to worry about getting to an applicant an hour late.

Are there any up and rising trends in hiring that you have noticed?

Alyssa: Utilizing cellphones in the hiring process. In the time we live in, almost everything can be done by mobile phone - depositing checks to the bank, watching movies, sometimes even locking your front door! Digitizing the hiring process and enabling applicants/mangers to use their phone is a trend many places are moving towards and moving away from paper processes.

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of since you joined Workstream?

Alyssa: Becoming the top ADR for the month and getting promoted to lead the ADR team. It’s nice to know my efforts are seen and valued by my teammates and leadership!

Have you ever had an hourly job? If yes, please share with us your experience.

Alyssa: All through high school and a majority of college I was an hourly worker. When I was in high school, I worked as a sales associate in retail and also in parks and recreation. When I got to college, I needed to find a flexible job because I was playing lacrosse for the school and my schedule was packed. I ended up getting an hourly job at a call center. Essentially, I was an off-site leasing agent for apartment communities across the country, helping people to find apartments. It was great experience and I honed my communication skills which continues to help me in my role today.

What is something you learned that you practice daily?

Alyssa: Always celebrate the wins. I learned this while playing collegiate lacrosse. After every goal scored it was important to ‘celly’ (similar to what football players do after they score a touchdown) afterwards. It’s a great way to get hyped up and keep energy high. I try to practice this daily and the sales team at Workstream helps me to remember too. Everyone is constantly building each other up and creating positive vibes in the office. 

What is the biggest challenge you have met in your career?

Alyssa: Balancing work and home life. I’m not sure I’ve found the perfect solution to this challenge (certainly open to suggestions!), but I have some ways that help me to separate work and home. For me, when my work day is over I try and ‘unplug’ and not look at screens (tv, computer, phone). Reading has helped a lot with this. It’s easy to bring work home with you (don’t get me wrong I’m definitely guilty of this), but I think it is important to balance these parts of life to reduce the chance of burnout!

Who inspires you and why?

Alyssa: Different people inspire me for different things. When I think of business, I look up to Yvon Chouinard, founder and CEO of Patagonia. He’s built an incredible company simply by doing what he loves. He first started by making rock climbing gear to use personally on climbing trips and that’s how Patagonia was born! I’ve always been impressed that Yvon has woven sustainability and environmentalism in his company which is pretty amazing because the textile industry isn’t the best for the environment. He is not the typical businessman — he’s is unique in his leadership and inspires me to not be afraid to think outside of the box!

What quote / mantra inspires you?