Joshua Smith

Taking risks has paid off for Joshua Smith. His rapid career growth is proof that taking risks can be a beneficial way to separate yourself from the pack.

It was at Advantage xPO’s sister company, Pro Staff, where Smith cut his teeth in the staffing industry. What started as a series of short-term marketing assignments right out of college became that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when Pro Staff offered him a full-time job as a talent manager.

“I didn’t really know what temporary employment was, so I did a bit of homework and rolled the dice,” Smith says.

The gamble paid off. Smith rose through the ranks of the company, becoming senior vice president of Advantage xPO in 2019. Along the way, he’s built on the victories and grown from the failures.

Now, he’s mentoring and teaching others what he has learned.

“I’ve taken bold steps in my career,” Smith said. “I truly believe that you can accomplish anything when you set your mind to something, develop the right plan and surround yourself with the right people. And, of course, believe in yourself.”

Smith also draws motivation and inspiration from his family, especially his late brother, Jeffrey, who was a role model for achieving work and family balance.

Going forward, Smith plans to continue building the company. “We have such a great opportunity to strengthen our position as a leader in the industry,” Smith says. “I look forward to leading us into the next chapter.”