I’ve been involved with hiring and placing workers in creative positions since the late 90’s. It’s something that is easy to do, but difficult to do well.  Most creative staffing agencies, or staffing agencies in general, will look to match paper resumes to paper job descriptions and hope for the best.

Throughout my 5 years of running the recruitment and hiring practice for a large interactive agency, I learned that making that connection is only part of the equation, and sometimes the best candidate might not appear to be the best on paper. 

While never professing to be perfect at it (we are dealing with people after all) 52 strives to take creative staffing to a level that views the whole employer/employee relationship as just that….a relationship…one that can be a good or bad, but making that determination should never be based merely on what looks to connect on paper. It’s all about nuance and knowing the people involved.  Again, easy concept but one that many miss or chose to ignore as it takes time to develop the knowledge and relationships required.

52 is excited to announce the addition of two new members to our team, Claire Sullivan and Heather Jones.

Claire Sullivan joined 52 Ltd. as a talent manager after three years in recruiting for IT staffing company ATSI Group. Claire previously worked in the non-profit sector, including a stint directing fund raising strategy as Prospect Research Manager at Lewis & Clark College.

In Portland six years, Claire considers the Northwest “home.” However, this native Mississippian still has an accent and a love of Southern food.
When not schmoozing and recruiting, Claire loves riding her bike around town, writing bad poetry, reading books at places such as Opposable Thumb and Powell’s, scouting weekend brunch spots for the one with the shortest line, taking her dogs to Willamette Park and going out for theater and music.

She says she chooses to work with 52 Ltd. because it has a stellar reputation and affords her the opportunity to mingle with creatives. Oh, and also because she couldn’t turn down a job at an office that is home to a large stuffed unicorn.

Heather Jones joined 52 Ltd. as talent manager after a stint at Opus Creative, where she was project manager and resource manager.

Previous occupational incarnations enabled Heather to sharpen her juggling skills (literally) and to master the fundamentals of the printing industry.

In her capacity at 52 Ltd., Heather is drawing on her extensive experience in the service industry. “I’m excited to be part of the momentum that has been building in Portland’s creative sector. I love helping great people connect with great companies,” she says.

Work stuff covered, the most important thing to know about Heather is that she is a dancing machine. Heather claims to be a forever friend to anyone who ever indicates even the slightest interest in any kind of dance. Salsa, swing, hip hop—all styles are welcomed by Heather.