This month, we’re pleased to spotlight Justin Gutierrez, a regional Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) based in our Amarillo, Texas office. Just over two years into his journey with Giving Home, Justin currently serves our Texas, Colorado, Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois markets, bringing with him a broad HR background and a genuine passion for people.
Before joining Giving Home, Justin had built a well-rounded foundation in HR, with experience in everything from Talent Acquisition, HR Analytics, HRIS, and Leave of Absence Administration. “I like to say I sampled the cafeteria line of HR,” he laughs. Most recently, he worked in oil and gas as an HR Business Partner, where he learned a lot very quickly. When a Giving Home recruiter reached out about an open position, he looked into the opportunity and knew it was the right move.
No two days look the same in Justin’s role, and sometimes his plans shift entirely by mid-morning. Even on days when his calendar is full, something usually pops up that needs his attention – but Justin doesn’t mind. “We always want to be there for our employees,” he says, “and sometimes that comes at the sake of our schedule.” As an HRBP, he manages the full spectrum of employee relations and often finds himself serving a dual function: acting as both a resource for Giving Home and a voice for its employees. Whether he’s rolling out initiatives with management or helping amplify concerns from the caregiver and employee level, Justin sees this balance as one of the most important parts of what he does.
The relationship-building aspect of his work is what Justin enjoys most. He wants everyone who reaches out to feel met with warmth and readiness, whether they’re navigating a medical leave, processing a loss and needing bereavement, or learning about an exciting benefit like Giving Home’s tuition reimbursement program. For Justin, supporting employees is its own reward. When questions come up or a need arises, he’s a consistent, approachable presence, ready to help.
That spirit of going above and beyond was put to the test in a meaningful way last year, when the Amarillo team was unexpectedly displaced and transitioned into remote work. With their access to an on-site training space no longer available, the team had to find creative ways to keep Giving Home caregivers compliant and ready to serve patients. Their solution? Taking laptops and iPads into local coffee shops to conduct onboarding and training on the spot. “We even brought CPR manikins into the homes of those who couldn’t leave their patients for too long,” Justin recalls. The gratitude shown back to the team during that season, including thank you cards and baked goods, is something that really stuck with him.
Something else that has stuck with Justin? The collaboration and structure that is woven through the organization. Though Giving Home is among the smaller HR departments Justin has been part of, he sees that as an advantage. He can wear multiple hats – including compliance, counseling, benefits, and employee relations – and learn new skills he might not have otherwise. Justin also speaks warmly about the collaborative culture within his department, where recruiters, onboarding specialists, and HR Specialists all step in for one another without hesitation. For Justin, that kind of teamwork is a daily reflection of Giving Home’s H.E.A.R.T. values in action.
Justin is also a firm believer in professional development and recognition. He encourages everyone, himself included, to take ownership of their growth, whatever form that takes: coursework, conferences, new experiences, or simply chasing what sparks curiosity. And when it comes to recognizing others, he leads by example, regularly encouraging his team to pause and give “kudos” to the great contributions happening around them.
Outside of work, Justin is a proud husband and dad to a two-and-a-half-year-old and a one-month-old, whom he describes as his pride and joy. Supporting his wife and being present for his family is a priority he takes just as seriously as anything on his work calendar. He’s also currently earning his master’s in Strategic HR Management at West Texas A&M, applying the same drive for development that he encourages in others. Between challenging coursework and little ones at home, life for Justin is full but very fulfilling.
Thank you, Justin, for your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our employees and caregivers. We’re proud you’re part of the Giving Home family!
