Thank You and Farewell to John Klem

Congratulations to John Klem on his retirement after 25 years of dedicated service!

John joined us on September 27, 1999, as an Employment Coordinator, serving participants in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Dislocated Worker, and other programs. His journey with Hired included rapid promotions to Senior Employment Coordinator, Senior Lead Employment Counselor, Program Manager, Senior Program Manager for STEP and JobAdvance, and Associate Director for MFIP programs. By 2018, he was promoted to Director of Career Pathways, and later became Director of Public Assistance and Career Pathways.

During his last week, John sat down with us to reflect upon his time at Hired.

What inspired you to pursue your career?

“I went to school looking at international development, and I had a realization while serving in the Peace Corps that we were looking at how to help people around the world, but we hadn’t solved those same problems here. I wondered what that looked like in our own community; how to make our community more economically equal.”

What did you enjoy the most about working at Hired?

“I thought I had known a lot, but I learned so much working with the people we partner with. I enjoyed being part of an organization that continues to work to change the narrative of connecting employers and job seekers. I also loved seeing Hired’s growth and entrepreneurial spirit and having the opportunity look at Hired from both a business standpoint and a social change standpoint.”

What is one memory you will always remember from your time at Hired?

“Watching someone who didn’t think they could get a decent job gain the confidence and momentum to find a meaningful career… There was one moment that we had a participant in our Office Admin class working on resumes, and I asked her what her employment goal was. She wanted to work in a bank, but didn’t think she could do it because her previous experience only included cashier work.

The more we talked about her experience, she came to the realization that she had been handling thousands of dollars of cash each day for years without error. This participant realized she had the skills necessary for the bank job she wanted, and it gave her the confidence to pursue it. There are so many people who come to Hired who are taught not to think highly of what they’ve already accomplished in the workforce, and it has been amazing helping participants realize their full potential.”

What is your favorite food?

The great thing about food is there are so many ways to be brilliant! The cubano at Manny’s Tortas is the best of it’s kind; though I also love the bahn mi at Saigon. My favorite food is the any mom and pop restaurant serving homemade food from a culture that I haven’t experienced yet. Bonus points for food that you don’t have to use silverware to eat.”

What is your favorite movie or TV show?

“My favorite TV show is probably Masterpiece Theatre. I also like a lot of British TV. I wanted to be an independent film maker when I was in high school, so I enjoy many kinds of movies. I love Bill Murray in The Razor’s Edge, Gallipoli (an Australian WW1 film), and anything with Monty Python. The Happiness of the Katakuris, a Japanese horror-comedy (also a musical!), is another wonderfully weird movie.

How has your time at Hired impacted your growth as a leader?

“If I can do it, anybody can do it; but grace, commitment and lateral thinking are more important than self confidence. Some of the best leaders at Hired don’t have any direct reports. I’ve learned so much, grown a lot, and tried to give people spaces to be heard.”

What is the best advice someone has given you?

“The best advice I’ve been given is to just listen. Hear what people have to say.”

What are you most looking forward to in your retirement?

“I’m looking forward to spending time in the woods, cooking an occasional good meal, and just slowing life down a little.”

John’s 25-year career was marked not only by his professional accomplishments but also by his willingness to pitch in wherever needed at the office. His expertise, sense of humor, and passion for workforce equity will be greatly missed.

We wish you all the best in your retirement, John! Thank you for everything you've done for Hired.