40 Under 40: Stephanie Walls

Stephanie Walls has a knack for identifying the right person for the job, every time.

Her peers say she exemplifies exceptional leadership at Optimum RV, where she has a reputation for finding the right candidates in record time, through a unique approach that helps her identify qualified individuals who are also prompt and committed to attending interviews.

The depth of her skills earned her a promotion to senior regional recruiter within four months of working with the company, and nearly as quickly, she earned the title of recruiting manager.

Today, as a full-cycle recruiter, Stephanie works alongside the company’s chief human resources officer to develop and streamline the company’s entire recruiting and onboarding process for nearly 500 employees. She has staffed five new dealerships in the last two years and maintained the staff of its headquarters in Ocala, Florida, which employs roughly 50 sales professionals.

Her communication skills are second to none, her nominator says, allowing her to connect with candidates and team members alike, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.

Stephanie’s punctuality is unmatched, setting a standard that others aspire to follow. “She consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring that every detail is handled with precision and that she is always on time, no matter the situation,” nominating peers say.

“Stephanie Walls is truly an asset to Optimum RV, demonstrating leadership qualities that inspire and elevate those around her,” says one of her peers. “Stephanie shines in today’s challenging workforce landscape, where finding candidates willing to put in the grind can be a daunting task. Despite these hurdles, Stephanie has consistently overcome them with grace and efficiency, securing top-notch candidates for our company.”

She has created a network that helps her identify and land top talent, according to her peers. “In a time when many struggle to find quality employees, Stephanie stands out by quickly and efficiently bringing in talent that fits perfectly with our company’s needs,” a peer says. “Her dedication and effectiveness in this role are a testament to her exceptional recruiting abilities, making her an invaluable asset to our team.”

She accomplishes this by fostering relationships with local technical colleges and universities, such as Purdue University, and by launching the company’s first internship program.

Stephanie has been on the board of directors for a local nonprofit since 2019, focusing on downtown revitalization and creative place-making. As vice president of the nonprofit, she oversaw the planning and installation of the first large-scale mural along the Route 30 corridor in southern New Jersey.

She also sits on the board of directors for her two sons’ wrestling club and is currently developing their website and communications as active secretary.

Stephanie is a classically trained fine artist, painting in both oil and watercolor, and is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor. She also enjoys working out and walking with her dog, Bogey.

Stephanie’s advice for upcoming leaders in the RV space:

“Change is the only constant in this industry. We must continually evolve to meet its demands. In recruiting, as in the broader industry, adaptability is key; with each adjustment, we gain valuable insights and the opportunity to improve. Embracing this dynamic environment allows us to better serve our candidates, clients and employees.”