Connecting People With Purpose
Hannah Hewlett, talent acquisition specialist at Material Handling Inc., discusses her career journey and what it’s like to help forge new connections in the industry.
By Nicole Needles
HANNAH HEWLETT’S JOURNEY to becoming a talent acquisition specialist has been shaped by early hands-on experiences, strategic career decisions and a genuine passion for connecting people with meaningful opportunities. Now at Material Handling Inc., Hewlett has been able to channel her skills and dedication into building a thriving workforce while fostering a work environment that emphasizes connection, growth and values.
Hewlett’s career path began in an unexpected place: her father’s butcher shop, where she worked her first job in high school. Taking on diverse responsibilities early on gave her an adaptable work ethic, while her experience in customer-facing roles during college helped hone her interpersonal skills. Working as a host and server throughout her college years in Chattanooga not only paid the bills but also highlighted for her the importance of understanding people and responding to various personalities – a skill set that would later prove invaluable in human resources.
After earning a degree in human resources from UTC Business School, she initially accepted a role in accounting, but soon transitioned to recruiting, where her passion truly took root. Navigating the job market during the pandemic, she discovered the value of aligning herself with a company that emphasized its people as its greatest asset. This search for a purpose-driven organization led her to Material Handling Inc.
“I eventually found that perfect fit,” Hewlett said. “As the first recruiter at my current company, I’ve had the opportunity to build processes and strategies from the ground up, aligning them with the company’s values and organizational goals. This past year has been the most rewarding both professionally and personally.”
Attending the Emerging Leaders Conference was a defining experience for Hewlett. Though initially feeling hesitant as a newcomer to the industry, she quickly realized that her fresh perspective was not only valued but needed. The conference’s focus on generational communication styles and team motivation was particularly resonant.
“The speakers did an excellent job addressing generational gaps,” she noted, adding that techniques to connect with and motivate people of different ages have strengthened her approach to recruiting.
Mentorship has been instrumental in Hewlett’s career, and her admiration for Jennifer Bingham, Material Handling Inc.’s director of human resources, is evident.
“Jennifer has taught me that regardless of the industry, people are the most important part,” Hewlett shared. “While the forklift industry may not be the most glamorous, she consistently emphasizes the best aspect of working at MHI – the people –and that’s why I’m eager to grow with this company.”
A core philosophy at Material Handling Inc. is Patrick Lencioni’s “Ideal Team Player” model, which stresses the importance of humility, hunger and emotional intelligence. Hewlett believes that this model is key to creating a strong team culture, as it emphasizes both accountability and growth.
“We seek these traits in every team member,” she explained, “and they provide a solid foundation for our team’s everyday interactions.”
By integrating this approach into Material Handling Inc.’s hiring process, Hewlett ensures that each candidate not only fits within the team but contributes to its shared values.
Hewlett’s role as a talent acquisition specialist is fulfilling not just because of the candidates she connects with but also because of the chance to see them thrive within Material Handling Inc.
“It’s rewarding to offer candidates an opportunity that I know will empower and motivate them,” she said. This alignment of values – finding candidates who both embody and appreciate Material Handling Inc.’s culture – has been a highlight of her career.
Additionally, her professional growth has been substantial. Completing her SHRM certification, a milestone that represented both a personal challenge and an accomplishment that has further solidified her skills and commitment to HR.
With her dedication, skills and the guidance of impactful mentors, Hewlett is contributing significantly to Material Handling Inc.’s future while redefining what it means to connect people with purpose in the material handling industry.
