When it comes to connecting people with their dream jobs, Sam Stone, Account Manager at ROI’s Needham headquarters in the Environmental South Team, is passionate about making a difference. With a hands-on approach, Sam is driven by the opportunity to change lives by pairing the right talent with the right roles. In this spotlight we talked about what fuels his passion and how being personal is key in this industry. Let’s dive in!

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

As I was wrapping up school at Connecticut College, I found myself eager to step into a career that aligned with my strengths and interests. Two upperclassmen I knew from my hockey team were working at ROI at the time, and they encouraged me to explore the recruiting field. Intrigued, I reached out to them to learn more, and they introduced me to Jon Abplanalp. Our conversations were eye-opening, and Jon shared how recruiting combined elements of sales with the opportunity to build meaningful connections with people.

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of sales—not in the traditional sense of selling a product, but in fostering relationships and helping others achieve their goals. Recruiting felt like a perfect match. It gives me the chance to meet and talk with new people every day, which I genuinely enjoy. Thanks to my teammates and Jon’s mentorship, I took the leap into recruiting, and I’ve never looked back. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience so far, and I’m excited about continuing to grow in this field.

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

At the start of every week, our team comes together to strategize and align our focus. Whether we’re tackling a high volume of job openings or ensuring candidates are placed quickly, we take time to identify our priorities and adapt our techniques for the week. This collaborative approach not only sets clear goals but also provides an opportunity to recalibrate as challenges arise.

When I was a recruiter, my primary focus was on candidates—finding the right fit and helping them succeed. Now, as an account manager, my role has expanded to include the business side as well. Balancing these two aspects keeps my work dynamic and exciting. Each week is different, which keeps me motivated. I enjoy the ability to adapt on the fly and make real-time adjustments to meet our goals while staying flexible.

Our work spans two key areas: environmental science and environmental construction. This means I’m constantly engaging with new people and encountering unique situations that challenge me to think creatively and solve problems. These ever-changing interactions not only keep the job interesting but also fuel my passion for what I do. It’s the variety, teamwork, and ability to continuously grow that drive me to maintain a high level of performance.

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

One of my proudest moments at ROI involves a candidate I met who had been in the construction industry for a long time but was struggling to find steady work. When I first interviewed him, it was clear he had a wealth of experience and a strong work ethic, but the right opportunity just hadn’t come his way.

Initially, I placed him on a short-term project that lasted only two weeks. While it wasn’t a long-term solution, it gave him a chance to get back into the field and prove his abilities. After that, I worked diligently to find him a more stable position that matched his skills and goals. It took time, but eventually, I secured him a long-term role that not only provided consistent work but also offered opportunities for overtime, a key factor he was looking for in a job.

Now, he’s thriving in this role and truly enjoying the work. We stay in regular communication, talking on a weekly basis to ensure everything continues to go smoothly. Seeing him happy, secure, and working the hours he wanted has been incredibly rewarding. Moments like this remind me why I love what I do—helping people find opportunities that make a real difference in their lives.

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

At ROI, one of the biggest ways we stand out is our commitment to personal connections. We don’t just handle business over the phone or behind a screen, we make it a point to meet people face-to-face. For our candidates, this means getting to know them on a personal level, understanding their goals, and showing them who we are. For our clients, this means going to their sites, meeting supervisors, and truly understanding their needs.

One of my favorite parts of the job is visiting the sites, whether it’s to check in or just to drop off something small like coffee, donuts, Gatorades, or water. It’s incredible how a simple gesture can make such a big impact. I once brought a dozen donuts to a site, and while I joked that the donuts got a warmer reception than I did, the smiles and appreciation showed that the effort mattered. It’s about staying present, letting people know we care, and demonstrating that we’re here to meet their needs—not just as a business, but as people.

That’s the ROI way: building relationships, showing up, and making a difference every day.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

At ROI, one of the key lessons we emphasize is to never stop learning. Whether it’s exploring new roles, understanding cutting-edge products, or mastering innovative techniques in the environmental sector, staying curious and informed is essential for growth.

Learn from those with experience—a wealth of knowledge surrounds you. Engage with industry veterans, adopt their language, and tap into their insights. Attend networking events and connect with professionals who share your passion.

Name 5 fun/interesting things about you!

• Hobbies: I enjoy playing hockey, participating in men’s league softball, and diving into fantasy football.
• Travel Adventures: Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to explore some amazing destinations, including Las Vegas, Nashville, Switzerland, Italy, and Chicago.
• Favorite Tradition: My favorite place to visit is Lake Winnipesaukee, especially during Fourth of July celebrations with friends.
• Coffee Lover: I’m a proud Dunkin’ Donuts fan and a serious coffee enthusiast—I can easily go through 3-4 cups a day.
• Skiing Passion: I’ve recently taken up skiing with coworkers on trips around New England, and I’m excited to pursue this hobby even more in the future.

Looking for talent or a new opportunity in the environmental sector? Connect with Sam 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.