Employee Spotlight: Jennifer Bennett

At Tandym, we know that success is a team sport, and every month, we take a moment to recognize one standout player who goes above and beyond. Our Teammate of the Month isn’t just someone who gets the job done; they embody our values, uplift those around them, and make a lasting impact. Get to know Jen Bennett, a Senior Managing Director on the Business Development team and one of Tandym’s Teammate of the Month for September 2026!

Who are you?

I grew up in Darien, Connecticut, where my family has generations of deep roots. My great-grandfather founded one of the town’s three fire departments, so growing up there gave me a strong appreciation for family, community, and tradition.

Athletics were also a huge part of my life. I started gymnastics when I was four and continued competing at the club level through high school. I also participated in track, diving, and high school gymnastics, so I was usually double-dipping during every season.

After graduating, I attended James Madison University as a Division I gymnast. Being a collegiate athlete was an incredible experience, and I truly loved every second of my four years as a Duke Dog. I majored in kinesiology with a concentration in sports management and a minor in business. At the time, I was convinced I was going to become a sports agent.

Rather than following the traditional path from Connecticut to New York City, I moved to the Washington, D.C. area after falling in love with Arlington, Virginia and I lived there for nine and a half years. After applying to every professional sports team in the DC Metro area, I realized the traditional entry point of ticket sales was not for me and I spent a year in digital marketing. It was not the right long-term fit, but it gave me valuable training and helped prepare me for what came next.

Several of my friends were working in IT staffing and encouraged me to consider the industry. At the time, recruiters were expected to make anywhere from 50 to 100 calls a day and I remember my manager even asking if I was scared of the phone during my interview. I decided I was ready for the challenge, accepted the job, and started two weeks later.

I joined without knowing much about technology, but I knew it was a growing field with tremendous opportunity. My first year was difficult and involved more than a few tears, but I had incredibly supportive managers who helped me develop and succeed. I spent three great years with the Virginia office before transferring to New Jersey, where I became established in the Tri-State staffing market.

Today, I live in Midland Park, New Jersey, with my husband, Steve, and our four children: my 13-year-old stepson, our 5-year-old son, and our daughters, who are 4 and 11 months. Life is certainly busy, but more fun than I could have ever imagined.

Are you a dog or a cat person?

I’m a dog person, 100%. I’ve always had dogs, and my family has always been passionate about rescuing them. There’s something about the loyalty and comfort of a dog that I’ve always loved. We were simply never a cat family.

Now that I have children, though, I could possibly be persuaded. They want a pet so badly, and a cat might be a little easier to care for in the middle of our very busy lives

Who were your role models / inspirations growing up?

My gymnastics coaches were some of my earliest role models. They were from Ukraine and Russia, and they did not mess around. The discipline was incredibly profound at such a young age. If you fell, without question you got back up and tried again.

We often trained six or seven days a week, sometimes with two practices in one day, while traveling regularly for competitions. Balancing school, homework, practices, meets, and three high school sports taught me discipline, resilience, and time management early on. Gymnastics also helped me become deeply in tune with my body, mind, and overall well-being, which is something I continue to value today.

My parents were equally influential. They were incredibly grounded and never forced me to continue doing something that no longer served or fulfilled me. Everything I pursued was something I genuinely wanted to do, and they always reminded me that I could step away if that changed.

Their approach shaped the way I make decisions today, including how I view my career and being a parent. I’m not working in this industry simply because I have to. I’m here because I genuinely enjoy the work, and I think that is why my journey has been so fulfilling.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

I don’t know if I can choose just one because my two favorites are complete opposites.

Kings of Leon was such a soul-awakening experience. They were incredible live, and it was one of those concerts where you feel completely immersed in the music.

Then there was Tiësto, which was an entirely different kind of experience but just as unforgettable. The energy was unbelievable. It was the kind of concert that leaves you on a high for two weeks afterward. Both shows were in Washington, D.C

That really reflects my taste in music. I love a little bit of everything. Country music can fill me up just as much as something with a high BPM. It all depends on my mood.

Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents that most people wouldn’t know?

This is definitely not a “fun” fact, but it is something people would never know just by looking at me.

In 2011, I was involved in an extremely serious car accident. I was unconscious for several hours and brought to the hospital as a Jane Doe because the damage to my car was so severe that first responders could not locate my purse or identification.

It was an incredibly frightening experience, but also one that reminds me how quickly life can change and how much strength we are capable of finding when we need it most.

What’s a better state: Connecticut or New Jersey?

I want to say Connecticut. But after more thought, New Jersey might be my answer. I’ve lived here for the past 13 years, it’s become home for me and my family and there is so much more to NJ than most people realize.

Connecticut will always have a special place in my heart. Darien has three beaches, marinas throughout town, and easy access to great New England destinations. There is nothing quite like spending the day on the water or having dinner with a waterfront view. I still visit Connecticut often, but I’m not there enough anymore to call it home.

I’ve found that small town, CT feel in the areas of New Jersey that I’ve lived. We have easy access to cities, farms & beaches and the food and downtown vibes are high.

Did you find Tandym or did we find you?

Tandym found me.

Leaving my previous company was intimidating because I am an extremely loyal person. I knew I wanted to remain in staffing and continue growing but taking that next step felt daunting.

At the time, I regularly received messages from recruiters on LinkedIn. Most of them felt very transactional and sales-focused, but an internal recruiter from The Execu|Search Group reached out with a message that was different. She mentioned that I had been a gymnast at James Madison University (among other details), and it felt personal.

She encouraged me to have a conversation with one of the Partners, reminding me that I had nothing to lose. We were originally scheduled to speak for 30 minutes, or maybe an hour, but our conversation lasted for hours. By the end, I remember thinking, “This just feels right.”

I was drawn to the opportunity for many of the same reasons others had joined the company. I wanted to move away from the environment of a large, publicly traded firm and join an organization that offered greater flexibility, valued long-term relationships, and prioritized quality over quantity.

I took the leap, and I’ve been here ever since. This past April marked 12 years with the company.

Keep, Try, Toss: Pasta, Pizza, and Sandwiches.

Keep the pizza, try the sandwiches, and toss the pasta.

Pasta is good, but I have to be in the mood for it. I almost never order a pasta entrée at a restaurant. I might have some with chicken parmesan, but it is never the meal I’m craving. If I’m going to commit to carbs, I’m choosing pizza.

I could eat almost any type of pizza, but my favorite is a Drunken Grandma pie with vodka sauce. Sandwiches earn the “try” spot because there are certain places where I absolutely love them, but they can be inconsistent.

Pizza is simply more reliable. Even at a bad pizza place, you can usually find at least one good bite. That makes it the clear winner.

What was it like to hear that you won “Teammate of the Month”?

It is very difficult to surprise me, so the announcement was such a special and unexpected moment. I was in New York City surrounded by my team, which made it even more meaningful.

As loud as I can be, I’ve become much more of a behind-the-scenes person since having children. I don’t usually seek recognition. I’m more focused on doing my job well, achieving my goals, and providing for my family.

I’ve also been going through a particularly difficult season in my personal life, and work has been a wonderful and welcome distraction. Receiving this recognition during that time made me feel seen and reminded me that people notice how hard I’m working.

The messages I received afterward made the experience even more special. So many people reached out with thoughtful, personal words. It made me appreciate the people we work with and the support that exists throughout this company.

Knowing that so many people are cheering you on goes a very long way.

What fictional character do you think most represents you?

This was a tough one, so I asked Copilot for a suggestion. It chose Lorelai Gilmore from Gilmore Girls, which somehow feels both ridiculous and completely accurate.

Lorelai is a fun mom who shares a close friendship with her daughter. She is quick-witted, energetic, and positive, while also working incredibly hard. She knows how to keep life lighthearted, create memorable experiences and traditions, and connect with people through warmth and humor.

When I saw the reasoning, I had to admit that the comparison was pretty spot on. Apparently, I’m Lorelai Gilmore!

What are your goals for 2026 and beyond with Tandym?

I recently began supporting our Consulting Solutions team, and the experience has reinvigorated me in ways I did not expect.

Being able to sell a complete solution and help address a broader client challenge, rather than simply filling an individual staffing gap, has been incredibly fulfilling. It reflects the way I have always wanted to partner with clients. When you are solving a problem and working toward a defined outcome, clients engage with you differently and begin to see you as a more strategic partner.

I’ve felt that shift firsthand while spending time onsite with one of my clients. Being able to walk into their office, meet with different stakeholders, and feel like a trusted part of their environment has been so rewarding. I’m still growing into this new space, but experiences like that have shown me that I’m moving in the right direction.

Another unexpected benefit has been the opportunity to help other salespeople understand how Consulting Solutions can support their clients. I have so much more to learn myself, but I feel like I truly understand the value of this approach. Colleagues have begun coming to me for advice on how to introduce these solutions, ask stronger qualifying questions, and uncover larger opportunities.

I recently had a conversation with one of coworkers that left both of us energized. He shared that our discussion helped him think differently about the questions he asks clients and made him excited to explore new opportunities. Moments like that mean a lot to me because I have always enjoyed mentoring others. I’ve experienced formal leadership and learned that I’m at my best as an individual contributor, but I still need opportunities to pour into other people. Helping someone expand their thinking is incredibly fulfilling.

There is so much potential ahead for Consulting Solutions. We have exciting projects underway, a strong pipeline, and significant untapped business within relationships Tandym has already established. More salespeople are recognizing that opportunity and seeing how Consulting Solutions can open doors while also creating new staffing needs.

My goal is to continue building on that momentum. I want to challenge myself to think bigger, ask deeper and more strategic questions, and pursue opportunities where Tandym can make a greater impact.

I recently turned 40, and after 15 years in staff augmentation, I felt ready for a new challenge and another layer to my career. I’m grateful that I can begin that next chapter without leaving Tandym. I see 2027 as a year of larger solutions, stronger strategic partnerships, and continued growth. I think it is going to be a lot of fun.

What Disney movie do you not mind the kids playing over and over?

We love all new and classic Disney movies in this house! There is something comforting about sharing the movies I grew up watching with my own children while enjoying the music together from the newer ones –  I usually prefer a Disney movie over cartoons.

Some favorites we’ve watched many times over: Zootopia, Elemental, Moana, Frozen, Toy Story, Little Mermaid, Jungle Book, and my all-time favorite, Newsies. Love a good musical.