Meet the Experts: Amber Stevenson
1. What do you find most unique about working at October Three? Without question, it’s our people. We are fortunate to have an exceptional group of highly talented individuals who not only excel in their roles but also genuinely embody our Hungry, Humble, and Smart values, as well as our Performance Behaviors. Everyone I have the pleasure of speaking with brings an impressive level of knowledge, enthusiasm, and drive—and their energy continually inspires and motivates me.
2. How did you get into this industry? I began my HR career at a construction company in Jacksonville, FL, that, much like October Three, was experiencing significant growth. My team and I were responsible for building many of the foundational processes from the ground up, and I discovered how much I enjoy identifying organizational needs and designing effective solutions. When I joined October Three in 2019, we had just over 60 employees and no formal HR department or established processes. It has been incredibly rewarding to use creativity and strategic thinking to support O3’s growth while helping to preserve the strong culture that makes our organization so special.
3. What's one project or achievement you're particularly proud of? I am truly proud of the onboarding process we have established at O3. A great deal of thought and effort goes into each new hire’s experience to ensure they are set up for success and integrated effectively. While much of the work happens behind the scenes, what stands out most is the dedication of our people—taking time out of their day to meet with new team members and share their knowledge essential to thriving at October Three. This level of commitment makes a meaningful impact and truly sets us apart from other companies.
4. What's one thing you wish others could know about your role? Our unwavering dedication to supporting others. Whether we’re helping someone understand their benefits or addressing a more complex concern, we approach every request with the same level of seriousness and care—regardless of its size. And most importantly, we genuinely enjoy doing it!
5. What's a book, podcast, or other resource you'd recommend to others, and why? I recently finished reading Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace by Minda Harts. I’m always looking for ways to enhance the work we do and strengthen our impact. This book offers valuable insights into fostering trust and belonging while supporting individual and organizational growth.
6. What's a skill or hobby you have outside of work? Have you applied any lessons or knowledge from your skills or hobbies in your role at October Three? I bake sourdough, and the process has taught me a lot about patience and discipline. There are many steps involved, and achieving the perfect loaf requires time, attention, and commitment. You can’t skip steps, cut corners, or rush the process and still expect a great result. Through this, there is a strong parallel to HR—and really to any work that someone does. Success requires dedication and focus; cutting corners or hurrying through tasks will never produce the outcomes you’re aiming for.
