Meet Our Team


RUSS HOVENDICK

My life has centered on helping people. While discussing my desire to start a unique site called Directional Motivation, comments ranged from "Are you crazy?" to "Wow! That's really cool - can I be a part of it?" To be honest, yes, I am probably a little crazy, as I am just crazy enough to believe that I can impact and touch a lot of lives. My vision with Directional Motivation is to become a "Difference Maker" in the lives of others, while having a lot of fun doing it, creating a bunch of incredible relationships, and at the end of the day, maybe even being able to pay a few of our bills. You may be one that senses the heart and passion associated with our mission and would like to get involved. I would encourage you to become a member of our Directional Motivation Team of Advisors. We are seeking a few individuals with a genuine heart for people. If this is you, we need you. Or, possibly, you are someone that can benefit from the services we provide; just email me and I would be happy to help you. The only prerequisite in either case, is that you and I smile, laugh, and have a lot of fun along the way. Sound like a deal? Let's get started!

Click here for Russ' Bio

Russ Hovendick, President



DARIN HOVENDICK


I don’t just like working at Directional Motivation (DM) I love working at DM. DM was designed around the theme of helping people and I LOVE that idea. When I see entry level people and Fortune 500 executives both benefitting from our material, I know we are doing the right thing. I take great pride in knowing that we aren’t a company just looking to make money. In fact we are more concerned with helping individuals succeed in their careers and in life, that is truly exciting. I also enjoy the fun work environment, which while being focused, is not “corporate” or “stuffy.” Don’t get me wrong, I still look forward to Fridays, but that is due to our relaxed dress code: Flip Flop Fridays!



Darin Hovendick

ANDREW ROCK

I am excited to be a part of the Directional Motivation team because of their strong vision for helping people.  I am a firm believer that most great accomplishments are a result of desire, hard work, and a phenomenal support staff.   Russ has put together a team that will provide that support and the tools to help you create your next path.  It is not often that you have the opportunity to be a part of a group whose main purpose is to improve the lives of other people. I am humbled to be a part of what Directional Motivation is doing and look forward to helping you achieve your goals.    

Gold Medalist Andrew Rock

Click here for Andrew's Bio

Darin Hovendick

NOLAN RUBY

For most of my life I have had the desire to make a difference in a way that would be rewarding to the veteran community.  Serving as a US Marine with combat tours in Afghanistan in '02, the Persian Gulf in '03, Haiti in '04, and Iraq in '05, has allowed me to proudly claim the honor of being a veteran in the service of my Country.  With that said, I came out of the Corps with a heart for this community.  The VA gave me the opportunity I was looking for, allowing me to serve as a Veterans Service Representative as well as a Military Service Coordinator in Sioux Falls, SD, (my hometown), an opportunity I took full advantage of for five years.  However, I have continued to look for other methods to be effective in a unique way, something that would allow me to make a true impact and bring to light the talents and abilities of the outstanding men and women of the US Armed Forces. When I was approached about being a part of the mission of Directional Motivation, I became very excited! In my role with Direction Motivation I now have the ability to help fellow veterans who were willing to embrace a selfless motivation, taking up a cause they considered to be more important than their own. I feel so blessed to be in a role designed specifically to help my fellow veteran community and look forward to the lasting relationships that the Directional Motivation mission is sure to create. What's great is that I get to do this in a highly ethical, fun loving environment. I really couldn't ask for more!

Click here for Nolan's Bio

ZINA COOPER

I am excited to be a part of the Directional Motivation team because of the man and the character of Russ Hovendick. I have worked with Russ for more than 10 years and have always been impressed with his integrity and true passion for people. I have had the privilege to work with Russ both as an employer and also as a candidate, so I personally know the care and concern he puts forth to ensure that individual candidates are placed in the right environment to make themselves and their companies successful. I have met recruiting professionals whose only concern was making the placement, but with Russ it is always about making the right placement and ensuring that the quality of his brand remained intact. With these qualities and his years of experience, it is a natural progression for him to move into coaching through the Directional Motivation organization. His first written work, "How To Get a Raise", is deeply rooted in the coaching style that he has historically provided. Teaching others to first look inward to discover the outward for validation of your worth. I am truly honored and excited to be a part of the Directional Motivation team as we provide needed support in the area of Diversity advisement and training. I truly believe that we can make a huge impact in many lives and for many years to come.

Click here for Zina's Bio

Zina Cooper, Coach/Diversity Relations Advisor

CAROL MARTIN

When Russ approached me with the vision of Directional Motivation, I could not agree fast enough to become a part of the team. The vision of creating a resource to help people in so many ways absolutely connects with my core being. Making a difference is what drives Russ. Now having known and worked with him on various projects, I can say that he has definitely been a "Difference Maker" in my life. As a friend and mentor, he has generously shared his wealth of recruiting and coaching knowledge, which has been a great gift to me. I am honored to be included in the Directional Motivation mission. It allows me the opportunity to share my techniques with job seekers and/or professionals looking to expand their network or to utilize Social Networking to a better advantage. A new challenge for me—it's wonderful!

Click here for Carol's Bio

Carol Martin, Management Development Coach/Advisor Advisor

MARI PECK

In a word, okay, well maybe two or three (or four) words - to help others succeed! I can't begin to express how fortunate I have been to be blessed by people that helped me get through my crazy life both personally and professionally. I found if I was willing to learn, a mentor would appear. The impact of my mentors and advisers led me to a place where it has become my daily mission and honor to strive to be the best person I can be and help someone else succeed and realize their true potential. There is nothing more fulfilling than to help someone else be successful. Directional Motivation shares this passion and provides a venue for our team to impact a great number of individuals. I can't wait to meet you, listen to your story, and find a way to help in any way I can!

Click here for Mari's Bio




Mari Peck, Management Development Coach/Advisor

KEVIN FAHY

As the son of a High School science teacher and an elementary teacher, constant learning and helping people were two constant themes in our home. This led to some interesting times such as finding rats in the freezer for later dissection or grudgingly learning that treats and extra school supplies were sometimes bought, not for us, but for some other kids that didn't have what we did. The mission of the Directional Motivation team is a solid fit for me because these same values are part of my everyday life. What could be better? I am allowed the opportunity to meet and learn from great people, and in turn knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives. That's a pretty great reason to get out of bed every morning and one that many would be envious of.

Click here for Kevin's Bio

MOLLY MEESTER

While growing up, teachers, mentors, and parents were always telling me how demanding and stressful the job world can be; however, that is not the case at Directional Motivation. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work for Directional Motivation because we are continually helping others succeed in areas that need improvement. It is so exciting when a person has that “Aha!” moment when they realize what vital piece was missing, keeping them from the success they were pursuing! Working here proves that an establishment can be successful, while still being kind and compassionate towards their employees and clients.

 



Molly Meester

MILLIE LAPIDARIO

I'm a professional writer and editor. One of the greatest compliments anyone has ever given me was that my writing reflected my love for humanity. In working with Directional Motivation, I can funnel that passion into helping people take control of their careers. Everyone can use a pep talk every now and then, whether through reading our books or website, or attending a live webinar or coaching session. I'm inspired by people who are driven and have a vision for their professional and personal lives. If you've come across this website, you're not the type who sits back and lets life happen. Congratulations! You've found a valuable resource.

Click here for Millie's Bio


Millie Lapidario

CRAIG LIBIS

The people come first. I am strong believer that there are two types of people. Givers and takers. Russ and his team are givers, first and foremost. They are in it for the right reasons which is helping others. Russ and Darin have a strong faith background which is quality trait I respect. In our profession there are numerous peaks and valleys that can really affect a person and that is where I believe in the training and support of Directional Motivation. Expect success! That is what you will receive from the team at Directional Motivation. The many different layers of support and training will benefit anyone who is willing to listen, read and learn. Be a part of the Directional Motivation team today!

Click here for Craig's Bio



Craig Libis


ART SERRATELLI

The desire of Russ Hovendick, and his team at Directional Motivation, to reach out and make a difference in the lives of other people, matches the desire behind my immigration law practice.  We both seek to assist people from every part of society, and Russ is truly outstanding in his efforts.  My part in Directional Motivation is to reach out to international students seeking employment within the USA. This effort is focused on helping students and employers navigate within a system of private, for-profit "immigration consultants" that is sometimes untrustworthy, littered by fraud, and understood by few. I strive to provide a source of accurate information and a benefit to both sides of the hiring process. This gets me out of bed in the morning, and makes my heart pump! Because Directional Motivation has such a heart for people, it was just a pure fit for me.

A message to students and their parents:

"Why do I wake up every day and do what I do? I help international students in the USA because they are the best of the best, the brightest of the bright; because they are half-way around the world from their families; because they face unique obstacles in seeking employment in the USA after graduation; and because if I don't help, then who will? 
"It is this simple -- I believe in the nobility  of human dignity, and if I don't do my best to help an international student, then shame on me. If my child were half-way around the world, and someone like me could have helped my child but did not, then shame on him. In our immigration practice, we never forget that every student is someone's child. You are part of a family. This is bigger than us. We treat you with the kindness and respect that you, and your family, deserve." 

Click here for Art's Bio

Art Serratelli