Jarod Benjamin

Jarod began his career in the hospitality industry as a Night Audit, gradually working his way up to the role of Assistant General Manager at a full-service hotel in Mid-Michigan. During his time in operations leadership, he discovered his true passion for employee development. After completing his studies in Political Science – Public Administration, Jarod transitioned into Human Resources, taking on a hybrid role as an Executive & HR Assistant before delving into various training and development positions. He now serves as the HR Business Partner at Thetford, where he combines his extensive experience with his commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.

In addition to his corporate experience, Jarod dedicated 12 years to the nonprofit sector, notably serving on the Board of Directors for a local arts center, where he helped oversee the restoration of the historical structure that housed the organization. During his tenure, he was actively involved in organizing theatrical performances, concerts, and even a magic camp for children.

One of the significant challenges Jarod has faced throughout his professional journey has been navigating his age in leadership positions. Despite being a young leader, he has worked diligently to “earn a seat at the table,” honing his skills and proving his capabilities.

Jarod’s decision to join Thetford was inspired by his love for camping and outdoor activities, which have always been integral to his life. He was eager to elevate his career and step into a leadership role within Human Resources, aligning his professional aspirations with a company that resonates with his personal interests.

In his current role, Jarod oversees most HR functions at Thetford alongside his dedicated HR team. His responsibilities encompass talent acquisition, employee relations, policy creation and implementation, training and leadership development, and employment law compliance. He collaborates closely with the leadership and executive teams to ensure that Thetford’s people strategy aligns seamlessly with the company’s overall vision. He prides himself on his ability to adapt to challenges and find effective solutions, often remarking that his knack for “winging it” leads to desirable outcomes.

What excites Jarod most about working at Thetford is the company’s culture of respect and understanding, where everyone is committed to continuous improvement. He looks forward to coming to work every day to collaborate with his amazing colleagues. As a leader, Jarod brings a compassionate and people-centric approach, always listening to understand and eager to take initiative.

Outside of work, Jarod is an avid gamer, often immersed in games such as World of Warcraft and League of Legends. He enjoys cooking lavish feasts and hosting dinner parties for friends, reading fantasy novels, traveling as much as possible, and listening to loud EDM in his car.

A fun fact about Jarod is that he used build haunted houses professionally. Halloween is his favorite season, fueled by a love for all things spooky, horror, supernatural, and mythological!