A Culture Built on Trust and People

Founded in 2010, HireEducation was built on a vision of genuine connections and trust with clients. Mark Phillips, our Founder and Punmaster, is known for his exceptional recruiting skills and playful humor. He set out to create a company where authentic relationships were at the heart of everything we do.

By 2014, HireEducation had grown into a million-dollar firm, driven by a commitment to these values. But despite this success, Mark realized that one area needed more attention—our people.

Behind the scenes, the company was struggling with cultural issues, and Mark himself was grappling with stress, burnout, and personal health challenges. He found himself in a cycle of poor sleep, excessive drinking, and a rigid, ‘my way or the highway’ leadership style, contributing to a disconnect between him and his team.

Mark admits that the company’s initial success came at the cost of not prioritizing the well-being of the team. “We were growing fast, but it wasn’t relationship-first. The stress and pressure led me down a path that wasn’t sustainable.” By early 2019, this misalignment reached a tipping point when key partners and team members left the company, leaving Mark questioning the path forward.

During this time, Mark made a major shift, and the second iteration of HireEdu was born. This was a needed refresh—not only for the business but for himself. This time, the focus was on “protecting the team.”

Protecting the Team

The company’s next chapter would foster a culture where the team could thrive—both personally and professionally. Mark made significant changes, including taking the financial hit on a newly leased 5,000-square-foot office space to allow the team to work remotely. This commitment to healthier personal and professional habits, in combination with an intentional, relationship-centered leadership style, put HireEducation on the path to sustainable success.

Another key moment was promoting Katie Morrison to CEO & Head of Happiness. Katie had been pivotal in the early stages of the company, starting as Mark’s Executive Assistant in 2014 and quickly moving up to Director of Operations by 2016. After returning to the company as VP of Operations, Katie played an essential role in operationalizing HireEducation. More importantly, she was someone Mark knew he could trust to carry out this new team-centered vision for the company.

By the end of 2019, HireEducation had undergone a profound transformation, with a renewed focus on building strong internal relationships and cultivating a healthy, sustainable work environment. The challenges of 2019 served as a turning point, reshaping the company’s mission and values.

Our core values now reflect the lessons learned from this pivotal moment:

• Listen: We actively seek to understand and address the needs of both our team and clients.
• Evolve & Grow: We welcome change and encourage continuous personal and professional development.
• Protect the Team: We are committed to creating a supportive environment that fosters long-term success.
• Stay Positive: We maintain an optimistic outlook, even in the face of challenges.
• Commit to Greatness: We pursue excellence in every aspect of our work.
• Promote Sustainability: We advocate for a balanced work-life approach and sustainable practices.
• Celebrate Successes: We take pride in acknowledging and celebrating our achievements and milestones.

At HireEducation, our mission is clear: by nurturing our team and upholding our values, we build a stronger company and deliver exceptional results. Our journey is not just about growth—it’s about growing together.