In many college majors, it is not so much about the specific content of the courses as it is about the abilities one is able to refine and develop during their time at college. Nick Polk, human capital management advisor at the Payroll Co. in Little Rock, left the University of Central Arkansas in Conway with a degree in public relations and marketing.
The communication skills and sales acumen he gained during his stint there only enhanced a natural knack for networking. After an interlude in insurance, Polk happened upon a central Arkansas opening at TPC.
“I interviewed, not really knowing what I was getting myself into,” Polk said. “The sales position that I accepted opened the door to the [human resources] community.”
That was in September 2013. Now, after more than a decade with TPC and becoming partner in 2020, Polk has gotten a taste for the ever-changing world of human resources, where constant updates to laws and regulations keep both professionals and clients on their toes.
Like many others, he found himself stretched to adapt even further during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not being able to meet face to face when building rapport with new and potential clients was a serious adjustment, but it was one that made Polk and TPC stronger.
“I have learned that things can change in a big way in a blink of an eye,” he said, “and when they do, you have to have grit and a positive attitude and make the most out of the situation.”
Nowadays, Polk’s work schedule is full of networking events, meetups with potential customers, crafting proposals for potential employees and other work to make the Payroll Co. a known presence in central Arkansas.
The Missouri-based human resources company makes it a point to become an integral piece of the communities it serves. While Polk has had to learn the ins and outs of TPC’s suite of software tools to effectively make his case to different markets — and he is still learning new things every day, he added — his favorite thing about the job has not changed: helping people from clients to coworkers.
“I am sure I have changed over the years with my knowledge of the business, but I have always had a servant leadership style,” Polk said. “I love to help and be there for my teammates whenever they need me, whether that be in the office or out in the field.”
Other fundamentals that have kept Polk at the forefront of the industry come from both his insurance background and his undergrad years. From the former, Polk learned the importance of persistence and consistency. From UCA professor David DePoyster, he picked up a piece of advice that applies well outside the bounds of the medical sales course in which it originated.
“David DePoyster has been a great mentor to me throughout my career. One thing he told us in class was to always stay in touch with the people that you meet,” Polk said. “Doesn’t matter if it’s once a month, quarterly or once a year. Stay in touch because you never know when that next opportunity will come knocking at your door.”
Polk passes on that and other wisdom he has gained over his career by mentoring and encouraging young professionals, always stressing the necessity of networking. Another key tip for those early on in their careers is to have confidence.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want,” Polk said. “If you don’t ask, you will never know.”
In addition to TPC’s support of local nonprofit organizations, Polk makes an impact through his involvement with the Central Arkansas Human Resources Association and the city of Lonoke’s economic development committee, as well as his past service with the Lonoke Planning Commission and on the board of directors for the Lonoke Area Chamber of Commerce.
“These organizations all make a difference in our communities, and if I and TPC can help in any way, we will continue to do so,” Polk said. “The legacy that I would like to leave is that I helped as many people as I could and that I did my job with honesty and integrity.”
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