Nick Gust

In his 10 years at Salo, COO Nick Gust has not only helped the Minneapolis-based finance, accounting and HR staffing and consulting firm triple its revenue and increase its talent base, he has helped people find fulfilling careers through innovative development programs.

Like many young professionals, Gust had second thoughts about his first career choice. “I never loved sitting down and doing the work of accounting and finance. I enjoyed the relationships, the team building, and working with clients.” When he got the chance to join Salo 10 years ago, he never looked back — except to help others in the same situation.

One of his biggest achievements is helping launch Compass, a program for public accounting professionals interested in exploring various career paths. “I see candidates join us who are at a pivotal point in their career, struggling with what to do next, and a little burned out,” he explains. “When we help them find meaningful work, it shifts their outlook. When you’re doing what you enjoy, it becomes part of the fabric of who you are. It’s not just a job.”

Gust believes in the staffing model as a way to find a fulfilling career. “Finding meaning in your job is something people strive for. People can … step back from corporate life and try something different. The lifelong career is about being fulfilled. I don’t think it’s tied to a job title,” he says.