Employee Spotlight – Erika Martin
"You feel truly connected to the company and the team"
This edition of our employee spotlight focuses on Erika Martin, Payroll & Benefits Specialist in our Dallas office. Discover Erika’s journey from marketing to HR, her dedication to helping others, and the impact of Cisco-Eagle’s employee-owned culture on her work.
What are your main responsibilities, and what does a typical day look like for you?
My main responsibilities revolve around anything payroll-related and all aspects of employee benefits. I interact with people throughout the day, addressing questions on pay, PTO, and insurance. Each day brings something new, from handling 401K distributions and rollovers to assisting former employees with various matters.
How has your role evolved over time?
I didn’t start out in HR! I majored in marketing with plans to work in hotel management. After some experience in that field, I realized it wasn’t my calling—it was too stressful. After graduation, I joined Southwest Airlines in Customer Relations and then moved into marketing, but I eventually shifted my focus after taking some time off to start a family.
A former colleague reached out about doing part-time payroll work, and over time, that opportunity evolved into a full-time HR position. When she retired, I took over HR entirely. That’s how I got into HR and I’ve loved it. It’s all about treating people the way you’d want to be treated. Cisco-Eagle’s culture is incredible in this regard; it’s collaborative and supportive, which is such a refreshing change from previous environments I’ve worked in.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Helping people. If I can make someone’s day a little easier, especially when they’re dealing with something stressful—like getting a prescription approved—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
How do you ensure employees fully understand the benefits available to them?
I take the time to go over everything in detail, letting people ask any questions they need to feel informed. Sometimes, I have to explain things like PTO in multiple ways before it clicks, but that’s okay! I want people to feel comfortable asking questions, no matter how many times they need clarity.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
Not to take things personally. In a past job, I took too much home with me, and it affected my health. You can’t let it all rest on your shoulders, and you can’t take yourself too seriously.
Cisco-Eagle is employee-owned. How does that aspect influence your work?
I’d give my best no matter what, but being employee-owned adds something special. You feel truly connected to the company and the team, and there’s a sense of accountability to each other and the future of Cisco-Eagle. We all play a part in its success, and that’s a really powerful motivator.
Who is Cisco-Eagle?
Cisco-Eagle is a group of unique individuals all working toward a shared future. We’re a team, and that sense of ownership is something we all take pride in.
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Evan Fleishacker is a Marketing Strategist at Cisco-Eagle. You can find him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/evanf