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!
Elyssa Mordenga – Branch Manager
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.
Owen Mix – Recruiting Coordinator/Sales
Owen joined Canalside Staffing, Inc. in 2025 after earning his degree in Business Management from Utica University. As a lifelong athlete, Owen brings a strong team-first mentality and a competitive edge to the world of recruiting. His background includes several years of hands-on experience in customer service, landscaping, and large-scale events setup — giving him a grounded understanding of the physical demands and interpersonal skills required in many of the roles he now helps to fill. Owen is passionate about connecting great people with great opportunities. He focuses on building strong relationships with both candidates and clients, ensuring the right fit for long-term success.
Marquise Dixon – Recruiting Coordinator
A native of the Rochester area, Marquise joined the team as a Recruiting Coordinator in 2026. Bringing a diverse background to the role, he draws on previous recruiting, manufacturing, and military experience to streamline hiring processes. Prior to his career in talent acquisition, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 15 years, where he developed a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and dedication. These roots have profoundly shaped his work ethic, offering a unique perspective on organizational structure and team building. At the core of his professional philosophy is a deep enthusiasm for connecting with the public. He finds immense personal and professional fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with individuals and guiding them through the employment journey. By combining his sharp attention to detail with a genuine desire to serve the community, he excels at understanding a candidate’s unique skills, ambitions, and personal values. He is incredibly passionate about helping others succeed and takes great pride in strategically placing the right talent into the right positions. This thoughtful, candidate-first approach not only ensures seamless hiring integrations but also fosters long-term career satisfaction for the people he assists. Whether leveraging his background in recruiting or the leadership skills honed during his time in the military, he is dedicated to driving the company’s recruitment success while positively impacting the local workforce.