Purrfectly PETCO
Put your paws together for their innovative bilingual recruiting solutions and fun work environment
The joy that pets bring people is universal. But does that joy really translate when working at PETCO, a company that provides all that is needed for the well being of everything from lizards and labradors to cats and hamsters?
To find out, we spoke with Mardi Montague, director, Talent Acquisition, for PETCO, where pets patter around the corporate office, and Mardi and her team tackle finding top talent and keeping employees motivated and productive.
Q. First, may I ask a few questions about your background? How long have you been with PETCO? Were you in human resources beforehand?
A. I have been in staffing for 10 years, and with PETCO for 3 years, in Organizational Effectiveness. Organizational Effectiveness is focused on “people strategy.” Our goal, through our departments under the Organizational Effectiveness banner--Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Performance and Learning--is to design, implement and monitor long-term plans for acquiring, retaining and developing top talent for our continued growth and success.
My department, Talent Acquisition, creates, implements and monitors recruitment and selection processes to ensure we have the greatest applicant pool possible and the most effective selection processes to ensure a great hiring fit.
We do have a human resources department, which is focused on the tactical and functional delivery of services, including benefits administration, payroll and employee relations.
Q. Let's talk about the creative. Which component have people been most receptive to in the internal mobility and bilingual ERP campaigns? Do you have a favorite?
A. We're all animal lovers at PETCO, so the best campaigns always involve fun and creative animal graphics. For our employee referral program to attract pet stylists and grooming salon managers, we teamed with Hodes and came up with a great paycheck stuffer with three poodles, all with fun, wild hairstyles and pearl necklaces. It was about having a bad hair day! It was wonderful.
See how PETCO transformed their ERP campaign with a little translation
Read about PETCO's success getting employees to learn and stay
Q. Why do you think people responded well to the tone of these campaigns? I guess they might be best described as "tongue in cheek."
A. The environment at our stores, distribution centers and corporate headquarters, is focused on caring for animals and the fun they bring. So our associates really enjoyed the light-hearted campaign messages. They are all tastefully done and bring a smile to everyone's face.
There is always something going on here. We have animals in the corporate office all the time. Dogs, hamsters, fish, etc. We, of course, get to go to PETCO Park in San Diego frequently. We have Beach Day and our annual picnic. Last year, our picnic was at PETCO Park and we played baseball on the field. We also have sample sales and auctions on products. And every Friday, we have Café PETCO, with lattes, mochas and pastries.
Q. Some people are conservative about creative, while others are willing to take chances. Did anyone find these pieces over the top?
A. There were definitely a few people who found our campaigns over the top, but we also realize not everyone is always going to agree. We get approval for our campaigns from our senior leadership team and whenever the team is presented with a new concept, they smile first and then say "run with it." It always has to be in good taste. I also make sure I have our VP of Animal Care and Education review everything.
Q. What should companies do to maximize their internal talent pool--before going outside for talent?
A. Maximizing our internal talent pool is high on PETCO's initiatives. We have an outstanding, award-winning Performance and Learning Department that develops incredible training programs for our associates. They are now piloting an e-learning system.
Most recently, my department has been creating an internal portal allowing our associates to search and apply for opportunities across all our stores, in Washington, D.C., and at our corporate headquarters. We believe these internal opportunities will help us grow and develop our current associates.
Q. In your experience, what unique challenges are inherent to recruiting for the retail industry?
A. Retail is not glamorous. Communicating the opportunities for growth and development within our industry is a challenge. Oftentimes, it is not the first choice of a recent college graduate. Our job is to clearly articulate the opportunities available for career and professional growth that PETCO can offer.
Q. Do you have a pet? I bet a lot of people ask that when they find out where you work.
A. Yes. I have a rag doll cat named Harry. A rag doll is a breed of cat that is relatively new. They are big and fluffy with great personalities. And my team has a guinea pig named Theodora. The name was recently changed from Theodore when we found out she was a female.
Mardi Montague joined PETCO in 2002 to focus on recruitment for the corporate headquarters. In April 2005, she was promoted to director, Talent Acquisition, tasked with responsibility for recruitment and selection for the corporate headquarters, 750 stores and 9 distribution centers. Prior to joining PETCO, Mardi was area manager for The Eastridge Group of Staffing Services. Before that, she was director, Finance and Accounting, with kForce. Mardi moved to San Diego from New York in 1994. She attended the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she majored in Environmental Studies.
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