S3 hosts 13th Annual Charity Golf Outing, raises more than $40,000

August 20, 2014 by

S3 employees pose behind sign

Four! Strategic Staffing Solutions held their 13th Annual Charity Golf Outing on Sunday, August 10th at The Inn at St. John’s.

Proceeds from this year’s golf outing support the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s (DDP) Safety and Security program, which implements and coordinates a private/public security strategy that provides a sustainable, safe environment in Downtown Detroit.

S3 CEO Cindy Pasky (left) with Paul Huxley (right)

Cindy Pasky (left) with Paul Huxley (right)

This year’s event was spectacular!  Moderate temperatures and clear blue skies throughout the day proved ideal weather for the over 140 golfers who participated.  And most importantly, S3 raised more than $40,000 to support DDP’s Safety and Security program.

S3 Executive Vice President Carl Bentley and Detroit Branch Sheena Wells, Resource Manager on the Consultant Care Team, along with the incredible Detroit Team coordinated the day.

“We are ecstatic so many golfers came out to help support the DDP and raise much needed dollars for our city,” said Bentley.

Headquartered in Detroit, S3 believes in giving back to the communities in which they do business. DDP also understands the importance in uplifting communities and creating opportunities.  Together, S3 and DDP will continue to build a partnership where corporate, civic and philanthropic leaders support, advocate, and develop programs and initiatives designed to create a clean, safe, and inviting Downtown Detroit.

Next year’s Annual Charity Golf Outing will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2015.  We look forward to seeing you there!

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Cindy Pasky tells DEC Young Leaders never put up a barrier

July 18, 2014 by

There is great power in “AND” vs. “BUT,” Strategic Staffing Solutions CEO Cindy Pasky told the Detroit Economic Club’s Young Leaders during a speech at Eastern Market in Detroit. S³ interns were among the 50 or so in attendance.

S3 CEO CIndy Pasky speaks to DEC Young Leaders Series at Eastern Market

S3 CEO Cindy Pasky speaks to DEC Young Leaders Series at Eastern Market

“Never put a barrier up in front of you,” Pasky said. In order to win, she believes you must work hard and outwork your competition. She did just that when she started S³ 24 years ago with little to no resources and has grown the company to roughly a quarter billion dollars.

A keystone of her speech was that there are three life lessons to achieve success:

  • Who are you looking to serve?
  • Why are you providing that service?
  • What’s the best way to execute the service?

Pasky also spoke about her struggles growing up. She said Eastern Market was her refuge and that she able to buy large portions of food for a cheap price.

Khalil Naim showcases accessory company

Khalil Naim showcases accessory company

At the conclusion of the talk, those attending had the opportunity to check out some Eastern Market vendors. Eastern Market veteran Khalil Naim of Creator of Unique Designs was one of them. Khalil says he’s been in business for more than 15 years with his African-inspired accessory company. His continued mission is to inspire people through his accessories.

“I like designing things and I like what I do. I was once told, ‘find a job you like and you will not see it as work,'” he said.

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi

Khalil credits his longevity to persevering over challenges and not giving up. Eastern Market is not only a place for vendors to sell products but a mecca for hope and an important hub of the Detroit community.

For more information on the DEC Young Leaders Series, click here. For more information about Easter Market, click here.

Since its inception in 2011, the DEC Young Leaders Series is held approximately every month at Eastern Market. The series has its DEC board members speak about their company and experiences and offer tips in moving forward in chosen career fields. The Young Leaders are business professionals under the age of 36.

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S3 interns attend After 5 program kickoff

July 16, 2014 by

This year’s After 5 program kicked off at the beautiful Campus Martius Park. Festivities included an ice cream social, ping pong games and a networking scavenger hunt.

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi pose for a photo op

L to R: S3 interns James Maier, Ashley Terry, Evan Taylor, Jamie Wheatley, Frank Hope, Natasha Modi pose for a photo op

Interns from various companies in the Downtown Detroit area attended the event.

Created four years ago, the After 5 Program was established to retain young talent in Detroit. The program puts together activities where interns participate in fun, engaging networking events where they can form relationships in hopes to create a future in Detroit.

James Maier, S3 intern, reconnects with his intern friends

James Maier, S3 intern, reconnects with his intern friends

Some of the events include a loft party, dinner with the executives of various companies, and a town hall meeting with Michigan’s Governor Snyder.

At this year’s kickoff, S3 interns met with other interns to discuss their experiences and future plans within the city.

“It is a great first event. I am able to relate to other interns my age and network,” said Max McCain from BillHighway, reflecting on the success of the event.

Interns play an intense game of ping pong

Interns play an intense game of ping pong

If you didn’t know, BillHighway is a cloud-based financial solutions company.

Asia Ross, intern at S3, enjoyed the experience.

“This (After 5) program integrates all interns in the Detroit surrounding area. It allows us to socialize and build relationships with people who we wouldn’t normally interact with. I also appreciate the fact that people are exposed to the beautiful culture of Detroit versus the negativity we are always shown on the news,” said Ross.

The After 5 Program kickoff solidified its kickoff as a success amongst interns. Check out other events and photos regarding the After 5 Program here.

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S3 sponsors annual career day at Clippert Academy

June 14, 2014 by

Local radio and TV personalities and many others joined the S3 staff as they spoke to students at Clippert Academy about their chosen career fields.

Guy Gordon talking about being a reporter and anchor to 8th graders

Guy Gordon talking about being a reporter and anchor to 8th graders

Vickie Thomas rewards a 6th grader will a blow-up ball

Vickie Thomas rewards a 6th grader will a blow-up ball

Guest speakers included WDIV’s Guy Gordon, WWJ News Radio 950’s Vickie Thomas, and Elise Ramsey from the Michigan Humane Society, to name a few.

This event was an opportunity for students to be exposed to different careers while witnessing what was required for each professional to obtain their position.

Students took notes as they listened attentively to the skills and classes needed to pursue each career.

“Career Day gives these young people building blocks upon which they can start developing their own careers,” said Cindy Pasky, S³ president and CEO. “Our hope is the careers these children choose will become a passion, not just a paycheck. Having people share their passion for the work they do will help achieve that goal and give these young people a look into what the future might hold for them.”

In 2013, Clippert Academy was recognized as one of the top Detroit schools by Excellent Schools Detroit.  Located in Southwest Detroit, this multi-cultural school offers a college-preparatory curriculum for grades 5-8.

ester Bryant listens to students questions about his position at the Michigan Chronicle

ester Bryant listens to students questions about his position at the Michigan Chronicle

Here’s how it worked.

The speakers went from class room to class room talking to small groups of middle schoolers about their profession, what they do, how they got started and what they did to prepare for a career in their chosen field.

Liz Blondy accompanied by her two dogs, Bunny and Argon, were a student favorite

Liz Blondy accompanied by her two dogs, Bunny and Argon, were a student favorite

One of the speakers included Lester Bryant of the Michigan Chronicle. Speaking on behalf of the career day, he said, “I’ve been going [to Clippert Academy] for the last 4-5 years.  The kids are always interested in the money I make, how it’s made and the process I used to get to where I’m at now.  It’s a good program.”

A student favorite was Canine to Five’s owner Liz Blondy.

Liz opened Canine to Five in 2005, which is now considered Metro Detroit Area’s finest dog daycare, boarding and grooming facility, to help pet owners and their dogs live a more balanced life together.  She spoke to the students about her love for dogs and her commitment to supporting small businesses.

S3 believes academic excellence is the foundation for a thriving community. Its people donate their time and resources to cater to the future of Detroit, starting with the youth.

 

 

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S³ donates hundreds of books to Carver Elementary School

June 9, 2014 by

For more than 10 years, S³ has donated books for elementary school students to the Detroit Public Schools. This year Carl Bentley, executive vice president and Shalini Lawson, Detroit branch manager, were on-hand to deliver hundreds of these books to Carver Elementary School on Detroit’s west side.

arl Bentley and Shalini Lawson presented books to Carver students

arl Bentley and Shalini Lawson presented books to Carver students

The books were donated by guests attending the S³ annual holiday party last December.

It was ideal timing for the delivery as a group of fourth and fifth grade girls of the LitWorld literacy program happily greeted Bentley and Lawson. Flanked by Principal Sabrina Evans and other Carver Elementary staff, the young hostesses of the LitWorld program listened intently to Bentley and Lawson as they spoke about the importance of literacy and S³’s role in helping promote that mission.

Bentley believes that S³’s continued dedication to improving literacy in students will be beneficial to the city of Detroit as a whole.

“Our commitment to academic excellence in the classroom helps instill discipline in our young people which in turn makes for better leaders in the community,” he said.

Principal Sabrina Evans and Carl Bentley

Principal Sabrina Evans and Carl Bentley

Principal Evans welcomed S³ executives with opened arms. “We are excited for the opportunity to have more books added to our accelerated readers’ inventory,” she said. She also spoke highly of the LitWorld program, “Our girls love it. I want the program to be extended to boys so they can also grow a love for reading.”

Detroit Public Schools teamed up with LitWorld, an international non-profit literacy organization, to enhance literacy in metro Detroit. LitWorld has established programs that encourage self-confidence and leadership in students. There are eight LitClubs in the district at Carver, Davison, Detroit International Academy for Young Women, Earhart, Garvey, Gompers, MacKenzie, and Palmer Park Academy.

Shalini Lawson helps stack books with students

Shalini Lawson helps stack books with students

Lawson was hands-on with the students. She shuffled through stacks of books as the girls looked on with excitement.

“This is what community service is all about,” said Lawson. “I love that I work for a place that can create this much enthusiasm for reading.”The program has positively impacted the girls at Carver.

“It’s great for kids my age,” said Adriana Smith, a fifth grader who loves the program. It teaches you about literature.”

The girl’s LitWorld group at Carver also helps organize the other students in the lunch room and auditorium. Because of this program Adriana says she wants to help more people in the future.S³ is committed to its mission in furthering culture, helping children succeed and giving back to the communities in which it does business. The company fulfilled a bit of that mission at Carver Elementary School.  With the company’s unwavering dedication to charity and community work, the S³ team looks to continue donating books to schools in the metro Detroit area.

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