Detail as the Common Denominator

 Staff Spotlight Interview  |  Doni Richardson

By:  Jennifer Deroin

Many years of Doni Richardson’s career was spent in the manufacturing industry where details matter. Processes, consistency, quality and delivery are terms frequently used in manufacturing, and require attention to minute detail. When her professor recommended her for a position at Nichols Accounting, where details are also critical, she was welcomed into the firm. Here at Nichols, Doni started as an Executive Assistant, and like many in that position, soon learned to wear other hats. Her latest “detail adventure” has taken her down the path of Human Resources (HR), where she’s obtained a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.

The following is an excerpt from our staff spotlight conversation:

JD: Tell me more about your history.

Doni: I was a general foreman in the semiconductor industry and left when manufacturing operations were outsourced. I then did contract work for Idaho Commerce and Labor providing support services for the company’s displaced workers. While completing my degree, I also worked at a nursery and as a Case Manager for eligible participants in the Workforce Investment Act. I was hired at Nichols in 2006.

JD: How was it going back to the classroom?

Doni: I liked school! I had an excellent experience in NNU ‘s accelerated degree program.

JD: That’s great. What’s your favorite part of HR?

Doni: Employee relations and development. I like training, ensuring their skills and abilities are where they need to be for the position.

JD: What do you like to do outside of work?

Doni: My two passions are growing things and painting. I like to figure things out. I taught myself how to paint. If I’m working on a project, I’ll read about it, think about it, and try to do it.

JD: What kind of painting?

Doni: Mostly oil paintings of landscapes and birds.

JD: What else?

Doni: I love doing things with my grandkids, camping, skiing, biking…I love to try new recipes. I like variety and look for creative ways to tackle projects or tasks because I find repetition boring.

JD: That seems ironic to me, as that’s what I think of when I think of manufacturing.

Doni: As a supervisor, my day was never the same, and I looked for faster, more efficient ways to do things – better than before.

JD: Are you competitive?

Doni: No. Only with myself. I guess I compete to make myself better, but I believe cooperation yields better results. Like ping pong, or tennis, I can play without keeping score and be just as happy. Probably happier.

JD: What’s your favorite part of the Nichols culture?

Doni: I refer to it as compassionate capitalism.  There is a book written on this. Firms have to make a profit, businesses have to make a profit, but you can do that in a compassionate way with consideration for what your clients are going through. Some of our clients have gone through hard times and we’ve really stuck with the client. I find this attribute admirable and a true indicator of the culture and core values at Nichols.

JD: I like that, “Compassionate Capitalism”!   What motivates you at work?

Doni:  I am self motivated and enjoy serving others. I look for better ways to accomplish tasks, make connections between current processes and future business needs. I like to research and organize data. I like variety!

JD: What do you consider as your most significant accomplishment?

Doni: Probably graduating Summa Cum Laude from NNU as a non-traditional student after a 20 year career in operations.

JD: That is impressive! So we both have some life experience now. What would you tell your 20 year old self?

Doni: You don’t know as much as you think you do. You’ve got a lot to learn.

JD: Amen! If only we could go back in time and give ourselves some tips. What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Doni: I had a dog named Kat. I moved to Virginia when I was young with nothing more than $30 to my name….and I was a Captain in the Nampa High School Drill Team. I really wanted to be a dancer!

JD: You were adventurous! And we have something in common. Let’s bring our white marching boots to work on Monday and parade around the office.

Doni’s also known for her office goodies.  Click here for her “Best Chocolate Cake Ever” recipe.