HCM Minds at Work

In this episode of HCM Minds at Work, Christian Gomez sits down with Dr. Robert Rustman, vice president of human resources at Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS), to explore how employee engagement can fundamentally reshape culture and business outcomes. Dr. Rustman shares how LRS launched its first engagement survey, branded “Your Voice,” and used the insights to drive meaningful cultural change across the organization.
From navigating the shift from Fortune 20 processes to leading a more agile, people-first HR function, Dr. Rustman offers candid lessons on building trust, empowering leaders and using technology to free HR from tactical work so they can focus on strategy. Whether you’re an HR leader, executive or aspiring changemaker, this conversation highlights how intentional employee engagement can spark transformation and deliver true return on investment (ROI).

Belle Tire, a full-service automotive repair facility with a history extending over a hundred years, has almost 180 retail locations across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois. The company employed just over 3,000 workers, with approximately 90% being frontline retail employees. The company prides itself on exceptional customer service within the retail space, offering automotive services and tire products.
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Dave Nelson, Director of Talent Acquisition, recognized the unsustainable nature of previous hiring practices, Belle Tire's HR team, in collaboration with the talent acquisition and operations teams, embarked on a mission to create a more controlled and strategic staffing process. This initiative aimed at aligning staffing levels closely with the actual business needs, rather than hiring indiscriminately.

Kimberly Coldiron, serving as the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at American Woodmark, has been instrumental in steering the company towards embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology within its operational strategy. This focuses on her contribution to applying AI practices within the company’s framework and her approach to human resources management that leverages technology to boost organizational performance and employee engagement.
Maintaining American Woodmark’s innovation stride within a rapidly advancing technological landscape, particularly in AI, without diverging from its core manufacturing strengths. Another area of focus was to ensure that the adoption of AI technologies aligned with the Human Resources goals of improving workplace efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Potbelly Sandwich Works, a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain, recognized for its warm, neighborhood atmosphere and delicious sandwiches, operates nearly 400 shops across 18 states in the United States. With a workforce of nearly 6,000 employees, including 5,000 hourly associates and 600 shop operation managers, the company strives to maintain its culture and values while ensuring operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
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The primary objective was to streamline HR and payroll processes to improve administrative efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance employee satisfaction. Additionally, Potbelly aimed to maintain its strong company culture and values amidst these changes.

Cultivating continuous improvement and strong leadership at SiteOne Landscape Supply 
Melissa Mirando, the company’s Senior Manager of talent and organizational development, has been with SiteOne since its inception in 2015 and was tasked with transforming the leadership landscape and shaping employee culture across the organization. With ADP’s support, SiteOne has invested heavily in its leadership to sustain growth, create a supportive environment for employees and enhance its overall market position.
 

By centralizing payroll, restructuring the HR team and aligning roles with employee skills and preferences, CarDon was able to enhance its HR capabilities, improve employee satisfaction and achieve significant growth in its workforce. Here is Amy Haug’s success story.