Next up in our Meet Jackpocket series is Nicole Gendusa, Jackpocket’s Office & Culture Manager.
1. What do you do at Jackpocket?
What is it that I don’t do here? My day-to-day focus has two parts. The first is making sure everyone in the office is super happy. The other is HR compliance — doing all the nitty gritty paperwork and benefits. At the end of the day, I’m always working to make sure that everyone at the company is protected and well taken care of. One side is more about engaging people and one’s more about creating a great work environment.
2. What got you interested in Human Resources?
I actually went to school to be a nurse! I always wanted to help people. But I hated blood, so nursing is not for me! At the end of the day, HR is the people team. I help people every day. I can help them develop their careers and help them navigate any issues they are having.
3. How would you describe the company culture at Jackpocket?
Our culture is built on a foundation of accepting differences. Our team is full of people from different backgrounds, and we’re so successful because we’re able to work together as a unit. That’s why any event at Jackpocket that’s meant to foster work culture has to be about more than a happy hour or a catered lunch. Every event I plan for the team ties back to our company values. Lunch and Learns get people out of their comfort zone in a good way. Friday Wins are a chance for people to speak in front of the company and get recognized for their accomplishments. Quick Pick Your Brain is a spin on Ted Talks and is an opportunity to give your coworkers insight into who you are. We also plan fun outdoor things like Field Day or in-office massages for office wellness.
(Editor’s Note: Nicole recently announced a Puppy Party in the office coming up this summer with… you guessed it… puppies! Check out allll the adorableness on our Instagram.)
4. Who would play you in the movie about your life?
My ultimate dream would be Reese Witherspoon. She’s bubbly and fun and knows when to lay down the law, which is who I am too.
5. What’s one thing about you that surprises people?
I come from a lacrosse family. My dad was a huge lacrosse guy and coach, and my brother played in college. But my hometown didn’t have a girl’s lacrosse team, so my dad made me play with the boys. Growing up, I was the tiniest person. And one day all of a sudden I was tall. My mom always says, “Just because you’re tiny, doesn’t mean you don’t have the heart of a lion.” That’s always stuck with me anytime I’ve been down or didn’t think I was good enough.
6. We launched our Private Pools feature this spring. What song would definitely go on your Pool Party mix?
80’s hits. “The Boys are Back in Town” always gets me in a summer mood!
7. Anything you’ve always wanted to try?
I really want to go to Greece. You know how when you see a picture and you could just see yourself there? That’s Greece for me.
