Ericka Stearns

Branch Manager, Tacoma

Before joining TERRA, Ericka had a successful 14+ year career in retail management. She wore a variety of hats, including being a Regional Account Coordinator for the company’s beauty division and overseeing WA, OR and AK.

In want of something new, she joined TERRA as a Recruiter in the Tukwila office in 2021—and her recruiting career quickly took off.

Ericka was promoted twice in a very short span of time and is currently the Branch Manager of the Tacoma branch office.

About Ericka

When Ericka isn’t working, she enjoys traveling and taking weekend trips with her husband and boxer pup, Bella. As a true Pacific Northwest gal, she also enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking and exploring the beautiful landscape.

Fun fact: Ericka was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. And although her previous career at Nordstrom allowed her to travel and work in many different places, she couldn’t be happier to be back in Tacoma supporting her local community

Get to know me

Tell us about your first job.

Not certain what you would consider my first job. When I was about 10 years old, my brother and I served waffles and bussed tables at my mom’s restaurant during Sunday brunch. In middle school, I helped my dad, who owned a residential construction company, by being his “putty girl” and puttying all the nail holes on the woodwork. This was a very daunting task, but I became very savvy in this position. I realized I'd make more money charging by the room vs the job. Needless to say, Dad caught on to me pretty quickly, but honored our previous agreement. My first "real" job was after college working at Nordstrom—where I wound up staying for 14 and 1/2 years!

What other professions would you like to try?

I would almost try anything, but thought for sure I would become a lawyer. Nordstrom ended up taking me a different path, but I’m still curious where I would be today if I continued on my legal journey. No regrets though!

If you could possess any super power, what would it be?

Ability to heal.

What do you enjoy most about working in the staffing industry?

I love nothing more than helping other people achieve their goals. This position allows me to make a great impact, not only for my office, but for the community as well.

Best career advice you've ever received?

A mentor once asked me what my career goals were. I looked at him honestly and said, “I don’t really know.” He said I was the first person that gave him the answer he was hoping for. He shared with me that if you focus too much on the next thing, you don’t end up being as successful in the job you have now. He then shared that if you keep your head down and focus on being the best you can be today, people will tap on your shoulder when the time is right. His last piece of advice was that if it's an opportunity that allows you to learn something new and make a greater impact, just say “yes.” His advice has always stuck with me and it has yet to let me down.