More Than Just a Staffing Agency
Halpin is an active participant in the communities we serve.
About Us
Halpin has been an active part of the Southeastern Wisconsin business community since 1994. For more than two decades, we have focused on providing local businesses with flexible customized staffing solutions including recruiting, workforce management and payroll. Halpin offers local career opportunities for candidates in a variety of industries. As a proud member of our community, we look for opportunities to serve our area through scholarships, sponsorships and volunteerism. We match top talent with great jobs in Southeastern, WI and Northeaster, IL.
Mission
To serve our communities, as a local market leader through a trusted service of excellence, bringing together business with candidates and associates of all industry.
Core Values
- Courage: You are willing to be critical of the status quo even if it is uncomfortable
- Inclusion: You nurture and embrace differing perspectives
- Humility: Carry ourselves with quiet confidence, treat others like you would want to be treated
- Winning: We accelerate each other in the pursuit of our mission
- Drive: Talent shines in ways to raise the bar
- Innovation: Developing an idea into a solution
- Discipline: Enabling us to follow through
How Can We Serve You Today?
Our Team
Michelle Smith
Managing Director
With 27 years in the staffing industry, I bring deep experience and a hands on approach to leading Halpin Staffing Services. As Managing Director at Halpin, I lead with a people-first mindset. I’m responsible for overseeing all areas of the business including client relationships, recruiting, business development, associate management and operations; all while focusing on strategy, efficiency, and results.
From day one, my goal has been to build more than just a business. I work to create a team where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to do great work. I believe the best outcomes come from strong teams, clear processes, and leadership that listens.
Driven by connection, purpose, and a desire to make things better, I bring years of experience to everything I do. I support and push my team and always look for ways to improve. As a leader, I focus on lifting others up, creating clarity, and empowering people to do their best work. If you put what you want out there and believe it, you can make it happen!!
I also believe great leaders never stop learning. I stay active in HR networks and keep a pulse on industry trends to ensure we are a step ahead.
Outside of work, I prioritize wellness and balance. Whether it’s CrossFit, pickleball, yoga, running, or walking, I stay active every day. I recharge my mind through reading and growing my personal library. Staying sharp physically and mentally is part of showing up fully as a leader, a teammate, and a person. I share a book any chance I get!
Ryan Halpin
President | Halpin Staffing Services
Hi, I’m Ryan, President of Halpin Staffing Services. I’ve worked in the family business my whole life. I first started as an associate working at clients in High School and then after college went to work for the business. I’ve worked a variety of jobs across the organization and have focused on developing the business beyond the family into a professionally managed organization.
One of my core business beliefs is that ‘a business can only grow as fast as it can find great employees; that can then grow themselves’. Likewise, a key management belief is ‘the strength of the team lies within the individual, and the strength of the individual lies within the team.” These tenets are fundamental to how I manage our business — focusing on developing a team, empowering our people, and then driving them forward in supporting our clients and associates.
When I’m not focused on the business, I enjoy golfing, parenting, reading, history, watching baseball, and exploring new food and craft beers.
Mary Rodriguez
Workforce Services Manager
Hi, I’m Mary! After starting my career in logistics, I discovered my passion for staffing and found my next career path here. I love helping people connect with opportunities and supporting both clients and candidates in reaching their goals.
I value personal growth and enjoy learning about different religions and beliefs, which helps me better understand and connect with the diverse individuals I work with. My approach to work is simple: bring a smile, stay positive, and create an encouraging environment for those around me.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about reducing my carbon footprint — I reuse more than I recycle and try to live as sustainably as possible. I’m a self-proclaimed “tree hugger” and love spending time outdoors, especially hiking. At home, I care for over 25 indoor plants, including a purple shamrock I’ve had since 2006, and I enjoy gardening, growing tomatoes, and nurturing flowers from seedlings.
Gary Herb
Recruiter
With over 20 years of recruiting experience and 10+ years in HR management, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a detail-driven approach to helping candidates and clients succeed. I pride myself on being proactive, staying ahead of deadlines, and fostering open communication and collaboration across the team. My goal is simple: build strong relationships through transparency, follow-through, and client-focused solutions.
Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with my dog, hitting the golf course, or exploring new restaurants — because great food is always worth the hunt!
Jennifer Kirt
Workforce Services Manager
Hi I’m Jenny, I've found immense satisfaction in helping people discover their next career. My approach is built on strong relationships and a collaborative spirit. I'm dedicated to working with the Halpin team to continuously improve our processes and adapt to the dynamic world of recruiting. Away from the office, my time is spent traveling and making memories with family and friends.
Trevor Lyons
Recruiter
Hi, I’m Trevor! I have more than 12 years of experience in the staffing industry. I’m passionate about helping candidates find meaningful opportunities and building strong relationships along the way.
I enjoy collaborating with the Halpin team to improve processes and adapt to the ever-changing staffing landscape. For me, it’s all about connecting the right people with the right roles and making a positive impact on both candidates and clients.
Outside of work, I love traveling, spending time with my family, and hanging out with my dogs.
Rhianna O'Shea
Recruiter
With a background in hospitality, I made the leap into recruiting when I joined Halpin — and I’ve loved every minute of connecting talent with opportunity! I’m passionate about building strong, lasting matches between clients and candidates by working with honesty, integrity, and a people-first approach.
When I’m not recruiting, you can usually find me listening to music, experimenting with photography, making art, getting lost in a good book, or hiking new trails.
Sonia Alonzo
Recruiter
I’m Sonia, a recruiter with Halpin Staffing Services, and I’ll be celebrating two years with the team this October. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2015 and have a professional background in the social services field, which has given me valuable skills that translate seamlessly into the world of recruiting.
My approach is rooted in respect, empathy, and resourcefulness. As an immigrant to the U.S., I grew up interpreting for others and learning the importance of helping people in need. That experience shaped my values and passion for connecting individuals with opportunities, whether it’s employment, information, or meaningful connections.
Outside of work, I’ve been happily married for eight years and am a proud mom of two little ones. In my free time, I enjoy being in nature, going on trips, volunteering in local communities, and trying new things — especially through my work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
Alician Martell
Workforce Service Manager
Hi, I’m Alician! I’ve been in the recruiting world for over 20 years, working in various roles including recruiter, onsite manager, assistant manager, branch manager, and talent acquisition specialist — and I’ve loved every step of the journey. I first worked with Halpin years ago for two years and returned last February, excited to be part of such a dedicated and supportive team again.
Recruiting is truly my passion. I enjoy connecting great people with opportunities and helping businesses build strong, reliable teams. I value hard-working coworkers, a collaborative team environment, and a company that stands behind its people while working together toward shared goals. I’m very hands-on and always eager to jump in wherever I’m needed.
Outside of work, I’m a social person who loves spending time with friends and family. You can often find me enjoying music, going to basketball and baseball games, singing karaoke, attending social events, having bonfires, or relaxing with a good movie.
Faye Villamor
Talent Acquisition Specialist
I’m Faye, a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Halpin Staffing Services. I truly enjoy the work I do helping people find opportunities where they can grow, and supporting businesses in building strong, capable teams.
My approach to recruiting is shaped by curiosity, empathy, and dedication. I believe that every placement is more than just filling a role, it’s about creating a match that can positively impact both the individual and the organization. That’s what inspires me to keep learning and growing in this field.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading books, traveling to new places, and watching movies to relax and spark new ideas. Each of these hobbies fuels my passion for connecting with people and discovering different perspectives.
At the heart of it all, I see my role as helping to build futures one connection at a time.
Janessa Cates
Administrative Ops Manager
Hi, I’m Janessa Cates, the Administrative Ops Manager at Halpin Staffing Services, and I’ve been proud to be part of the Halpin team since August 2021, supporting our operations across Racine and Kenosha.
Since joining Halpin, I’ve grown across multiple roles — starting in office coordination and associate management; and now in Administrative Operations. I’ve built a strong foundation in administrative support and daily operations while continually expanding my skills. Whether it’s keeping tasks on track or ensuring payroll is handled accurately, I take pride in being someone the team can count on.
I value consistency, reliability, and adaptability. With a proactive mindset, I focus on keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes and stepping in wherever I’m needed. I strive to create a positive and supportive work environment while being a dependable team player.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring local events, golfing when I have the chance, and painting pottery. These activities keep me balanced, creative, and motivated both personally and professionally.
What People Are Saying About Us
We were seeking a junior accountant to assist our company during tax season. Halpin first met with us to discuss our needs, then began submitting candidates for us to interview which suited our requirements. By working with their staff of recruiters it not only saved us time and money, but we were able to utilize the services of a quality candidate to handle the increased work load that occurs every year at this time. I would highly recommend Halpin for any professional staffing needs.
I came to Halpin in April 2013 in search of employment. I was a full-time student obtaining my business management degree and looking for experience in the business field. This was my first experience with a “staffing” agency, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My recruiter did an excellent job of getting to know my professional background and finding the right fit for me. They set me up with an interview at a local organization, and I started with that company in June 2013. Throughout my employment with Halpin, they were very helpful with any questions that I had. Anytime I needed something and emailed them, I got an immediate response. After a probationary period, I was officially hired in at the company as a full-time employee! I am grateful for the opportunity that Halpin provided me, as it was a perfect start to my career!
Halpin has always been a great source for excellent temporary help. Their screening process and understanding of our business is well tuned with our needs in mind. In fact, over 72% of our staff started as temporary help from Halpin and as our company grew we were able to hire them on as full-time employees.
Our company has grown with them over the past 15 years and they’ve been a true asset for our labor needs. Their staff is excellent to work with and they really strive to find the right fit for our company.
Halpin supplies us with 70% of our work force during our busy season and has always came thru when needed. They are very responsive when we have last minute requests. Because of their dedication to make sure we are well staffed we are in our 3rd year partnering with Halpin to help us have another successful season.
For over ten years, our working relationship with Halpin has been more than just a client/supplier relationship. The recruiters at Halpin customize pre testing for our employees, based on our needs and requirements, which saves time and money when bringing on additional workforce. The staff is friendly and proficient with short term demands, as well as that hard to find CNC Machinist. I have been approached by other services throughout the years, but feel working with Halpin is truly a partnership. Halpin took the time to really get to know us and our business, which gave me the confidence to know that they will provide qualified individuals to fill our needs. Halpin is my “go to” when I need help!
We couldn’t have chosen a better partner for our payroll and staffing needs than Halpin. They have been consistent in their performance, while continuing to explore different avenues to improve our communications and processes to better serve our payroll and staffing needs.
I have worked with Halpin in several capacities – temporary assignments, temp-to-hire, payrolling and direct hire – and have been pleased with the results. I was especially happy that they were able to fill a high-level management position as a direct hire. I am confident in the candidates that are submitted, as they have taken the time to understand our culture and our machinery.
I was searching for new opportunities in the southeast Wisconsin area. After working with a local management recruiting service for several months, I had not been on any interviews which seemed strange. Halpin had been recruiting for a Manufacturing Manager at a local foundry and machine shop in Racine. I arranged an interview with one of Halpin’s professional recruiters. Shortly after, I was scheduled to interview directly with their client. It was a tight competition for the position, but I was offered the role of Manufacturing Manager shortly after my interview. I appreciate the professionalism of Halpin and am glad they were able to assist me in securing this Direct Hire role! A few months into my new job the person I had been working with from the management recruiting service stopped in and asked me why I was at a foundry when I had die-casting experience. This told me that Halpin was willing to look outside the box for other possibilities besides die cast for me, which is how I secured this position.
Integrity, reliability and excellence are all attributes that solidify our business relationship with Halpin. We have worked together for over 6 years, and have found them to be conscientious, proactive and progressive in their approach to satisfying our needs.
I have had a great relationship with Halpin. The Halpin team really stands out in their industry, not only for their staffing services, but for their approach to client partnerships as well. Our needs are consistently met with a very short time to fill and they have been one of our greatest allies as we source talent in a highly competitive recruiting environment.
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