Commitment to Community E43
In this episode of Arizona Good Business, host, Thomas Barr discusses with Andy Shirk, CEO of Educational Services, Inc., their mission to address staffing challenges in schools amidst teacher pay issues and shifts in teaching perception. They emphasize the need for more educators and ESI’s role in supporting HR managers. Shirk remains committed to ESI’s mission, while also exploring the complexities of operating in the education sector and bonding over shared interests like playing the bass guitar.
Barr and Shirk explore the complexities of operating a business in the education sector, including challenges such as teacher shortages and reliance on emergency certifications. Shirk shares his leadership perspective, focusing on empowering and supporting his team, while they bond over their shared interest in playing the bass guitar. Shirk highlights the value of community events like the Arizona Good Business Summit for networking and learning from others, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing complex challenges.
Andy Shirk is the President & CEO of ESI, delighted to lead a company where heart and integrity are cherished in a people-centered culture.
Prior to joining ESI, Andy lead TrueRoots Development for 7 years advising business owners throughout the Valley.
Kindness, curiosity and wisdom are his core values. His greatest joy is serving people with warmth and compassion which is the bedrock of his career. Whether as a business leader or playing upright bass in the local music scene, Andy genuinely loves to create the setting for others to shine.
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.