When we sat down with Laura Hawes, a Recruiter in the Environmental Division at ROI’s Needham office, we immediately sensed her passion for building meaningful connections. Her journey into recruiting is anything but conventional, starting as a professional dancer in NYC.

In our conversation, Laura shared what fuels her motivation, how the construction and environmental sectors are evolving for women, and the rewarding moments that remind her why she loves what she does. Let’s dive in!

What initially drew you to the recruiting field, and how did you get started ROI? What do you love most about recruiting?

I originally went to school for dance and worked as a professional dancer in NYC. When COVID hit, I decided to pivot my career and began working with a recruiter at a staffing firm who helped me land a job in NYC. I’ll never forget how well that recruiter prepped me for my interviews, which made landing a new position so much easier and stress free! Later, I moved back to Boston and transitioned into sales at a tech startup, which I really enjoyed. After the company was acquired, I found myself looking for my next opportunity. That’s when I ran into Jen Monroe, she spoke so highly of ROI that I decided to explore it. Coming from a sales background, the transition felt natural since both fields revolve around relationship-building.

It’s funny, my family is from Needham, and I used to drive by this building all the time on my way to TJ Maxx. Now, I work here!

My favorite part is the people. I love building relationships, getting to know candidates on a deeper level, and understanding their personal and professional goals. A job change is a huge life decision, and I take that seriously. I’ve had experiences with both great and not-so-great recruiters, and I want to be the kind of recruiter who truly sets people up for success.

How do you think the construction and environmental sectors are changing for women?

Some of my favorite conversations are with industry veterans, hearing about how leadership and company culture have evolved, where they started, and how things used to be. One of the biggest shifts has been the increasing opportunities for women in leadership. The workplace is more inclusive and supportive than ever, thanks to organizations like NAWIC and NAWIE that advocate for women in the field. Because of their efforts, we’ve seen real progress and positive change. These roles aren’t just for men, this industry is for everyone.

How do you stay motivated and maintain a high level of performance in your role?

I’m naturally competitive and view my work as my own book of business, I take ownership of my role and want to contribute to the team’s growth. My background in dance also plays a big part in my drive. As a dancer, I had to constantly advocate for myself, show up, and perform at my best to book jobs. That mindset translates well into recruiting.

What motivates me most is seeing our team grow and push boundaries in a positive way. This is a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment, and I want to show up every day ready to give my best, not just for myself, but for my team.

What has been your proudest moment helping a candidate or client since joining ROI?

My proudest moment was placing my very first candidate. He was excelling in his role, communicating well, and making such a strong impact that he was converted to full-time earlier than expected. At the time, I was still finding my footing in recruiting, learning as I went, so seeing his success made it incredibly rewarding, it reassured me that I was in the right place.

Beyond that, there are so many small victories along the way, from helping candidates land life-changing opportunities to learning from the challenges that don’t go as planned. But that first placement will always stand out as the moment I truly felt like I belonged in this industry.

What makes ROI different than other staffing firms? For candidates/clients?

I’ve been on the other side of recruiting and know firsthand how frustrating it can be to feel misled or ghosted. At ROI, we do things differently. We prioritize honesty, transparency, and real relationships. I take the time to meet candidates face-to-face, understand their goals, and break down their options in a way that makes sense for them. It’s not just about placing someone in a job, it’s about educating them on what’s possible in the industry and setting them up for long-term success.

The positive feedback I’ve received from candidates reinforces that this approach matters. Too many recruiters leave people feeling strung along. At ROI, we’re here to support and guide candidates and clients through the process with honesty and integrity. That’s what truly sets us apart.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received? “Solve problems—don’t create them.” Be the solution and always look ahead.
It’s easy to stand around and complain, especially when things are constantly changing. When I first got into sales, someone shared this advice with me, and it completely shifted my perspective. There will always be roadblocks and challenges that seem to hold us back, but when we approach them with a problem-solving mindset, we stop seeing obstacles and start finding opportunities. A positive mindset keeps us moving forward.

Name 5 fun/interesting things about you!

• Former professional dancer in NYC, now teaches dance whenever possible.
• Passionate about cooking, especially Italian cuisine.
• Favorite getaway is Cape Cod but always loves visiting friends back in New York.
• Proud dog parent to Ralphie, a Dachshund-Cocker Spaniel mix adopted in college.
• Avid Red Sox fan, eagerly looking forward to catching games at Fenway.

Looking for a position in the environmental space? Connect with Laura today!

About Resource Options Inc.

(ROI) is a full-service construction, design, environmental services staffing, and emergency response firm. We provide customized staffing solutions to clients servicing the built and natural environment. Recognized on five different occasions by Inc. Magazine as one of “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies”, ROI was founded in 1998 by a group of experienced industry professionals. Our proven ability to deliver highly qualified candidates in a timely fashion has earned us the reputation as a true and lasting business partner with both clients and candidates. www.resourceoptions.com.