Jolene Tate Featured on the Inspired Stories Podcast
In November, Jolene Tate, the dedicated franchise owner of HireQuest Direct, sat down with Anthony Codispoti, host of Inspired Stories, to share her journey as a franchise owner, community leader and advocate for second chances. The conversation offers a candid glimpse into Jolene’s life, from navigating personal and professional challenges to building a multi-state staffing business that’s changing lives every day.
Weathering the Storm: Lessons in Resilience
Jolene’s story is a testament to perseverance. She candidly recalled how the 2008 financial crisis brought her to the brink, shutting down multiple locations and forcing her to lay off staff. At one point, Jolene went nearly two years without paying herself and even filed for personal bankruptcy.
“The lights went out overnight,” said Jolene. “We went from sending out about 1,000 people a day to around 150. It was difficult.”
Through sheer determination, Jolene rebuilt her business, growing from one location to 14 across Tennessee, Arizona, and Indiana. Today, her franchise is a cornerstone of the HireQuest Inc. family of brands, providing critical staffing solutions to a range of industries, from construction and hospitality to recycling and auto auctions.
Second Chances and Human Connections
As someone with a background in psychology, Jolene is passionate about helping underserved populations find meaningful work. On the podcast, she discussed her team’s commitment to hiring individuals from halfway houses and transitional programs, emphasizing the potential in everyone.
“They’re motivated… they want to get their families back,” she said. “So they have that motivation that a regular someone just walking in our doors doesn’t always have. They just want to get back in society.”
Jolene also touched on the recent launch of TradeCorp, a division of HireQuest Direct dedicated to staffing skilled trades roles. From electricians to carpenters, TradeCorp ensures businesses have access to highly qualified workers, while also helping tradespeople build fulfilling careers.
Skydiving for Stress Relief?
During the interview, Jolene revealed her unique approach to managing stress: skydiving. What started as a bucket-list activity during an Entrepreneur’s Organization retreat quickly became a passion. Jolene credits skydiving with teaching her focus, resilience, and the value of team support—qualities that have also shaped her leadership style.
“And it’s about a 7 or 8-minute ride flying your parachute down to the ground, which is just one of the most peaceful things,” said Jolene. “And there’s no phones; you’re living in the moment. There’s no stress. It’s just peace.”
Jolene’s story is more than a business success—it’s a testament to the power of second chances, strong leadership and community impact. Whether you’re a business owner looking for staffing solutions or someone seeking a fresh start, Jolene’s story will inspire you to see the possibilities in every challenge.
Listen to the Episode
