Great Service Starts with Great Staff!
Our agency has been helping good people find honest work since we opened our doors in September of 2012… and that started with our staff! In the years since, our numbers have both changed and grown, but one thing remains the same: our staff is treated like family. We have some folks who work “behind the scenes” to get your time cards and paychecks processed and the following staff members are available in our branches for clients, employees, and applicants:
Darren Ziembo – Business Owner
Darren recently took over ownership of the company after the founders retired from the business. He strives to keep the same level of customer service for clients and candidates that Canalside has been known for. Darren has unique insight into the staffing industry… because he got started as a temp! While earning his bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Oswego, he worked as a temp on a few industrial assignments during summer and holiday breaks. After completing his degree, he earned a permanent position in staffing. During his 10+ years in the staffing industry, he has worked in sales, client development, and direct recruiting. Clients and coworkers appreciate his drive and willingness to help out wherever he can. Part of his success comes from understanding our client’s staffing needs firsthand- as a former temp, he understands the high demands of industry!
Eric Gunderson – Director of Operations
egunderson@affinitypersonnel.com
Eric received his undergraduate degree in Communication from University at Buffalo before beginning his career in the staffing industry. After two years of recruiting experience in the Rochester area, he joined the Kenmore branch of APS in 2016, and now oversees operations and recruiting in both Kenmore with APS and Rochester with Canalside Staffing. Eric is a Certified Staffing Professional who manages internal operations and staff, client relations, contractual negotiations, recruitment and placement of individuals within skilled trades, manufacturing, industrial, engineering, management, and administrative roles for a wide variety of companies in Western NY. His prior experience in landscaping, skilled trades, and heavy labor allows him to identify with applicants and potential candidates in order to match them up best with opportunities for our clients. Timeliness and feedback are very essential for speed to market recruitment, and this is something that Eric pushes for on a daily basis for both applicants and clients!
Alex Johnson – Recruiting Coordinator
Alex is a talent acquisition professional with customer service and recruiting background. He graduated from Rider University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Marketing in 2015. His main goal at Canalside is to help people, and by doing that, helping people find not only them a job, but finding them a career. At Canalside, Alex specializes in recruiting for light industrial manufacturing and warehouse roles, as well as skilled trades and office related roles. Timeliness and professionalism are very important for efficiency in high volume and professional recruitment, which Alex feels very passionate about.
Elyssa Mordenga – Recruiting Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
Elyssa is a driven staffing recruiter with a unique blend of manufacturing experience, extensive customer service skills, and a genuine passion for connecting people with rewarding careers. Her hands-on experience in manufacturing gives her a deep understanding of industry needs, while having a strong customer service background ensures a positive and personalized experience for both clients and candidates. With Canalside, Elyssa focuses on staffing for light industrial, skilled trades, and administrative roles. Elyssa is committed to making the job search process seamless and successful for everyone involved.
Jesse Donaldson – Recruiting Coordinator
Jesse is a recruiting coordinator with an extensive background in customer service and some experience in manufacturing as well. He has worked all over the place, from food service to office/clerical work, and even roughly 2.5 years as an electroforming technician! Jesse graduated from St. John Fisher College in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Here at Canalside, Jesse focuses on recruiting for light industrial roles (manufacturing, warehouse, etc.) along with skilled trades and some administrative/office roles. He enjoys helping people and forging real connections with them over time, and is looking forward to helping the people of Rochester find work that suits them.