DOWAGIAC — Terri Patterson, of Edwardsburg, was recently hired as the new human relations generalist for Lyons Industries in Dowagiac.

As HR generalist, Patterson will largely be in charge of hiring, dealing with employee benefits, complaints, evaluations and law compliance.

“We take care of all the employees’ needs, basically,” Patterson said.

Patterson became interested in HR later into her career. After a downsizing at Bayer, where she used to work, Patterson began to explore HR, taking any temp job she could in the field, just so that she could get experience.

“I love helping people. I love detail. I love everything about HR,” she said. “I knew this was the career I wanted.”

Even in her short time at Lyons Industries, Patterson said she could with confidence call it one of the best jobs she has ever had and said that she is excited to be part of the Lyons’ team.

“This company cares about their people. [President of Lyons Industries] Lance [Lyons] cares. I’ve never seen a leader care more about their employees,” Patterson said. “It’s hard work here, but if you put in the work and do your best, you will be recognized and you will move up.”

Lyons said that the positive feelings are mutual, saying Patterson is as good a fit for Lyons Industries as the company is for her.

“We felt her background and experience prepared her well for this role,” Lyons said. “She’s very good with paperwork and organization, which is something we wanted to bring to our company, and she’s good with people.”

Patterson’s role as HR generalist is more important for Lyons Industries now than ever, as the company is going through a period of growth and is expecting to do a lot of hiring. Immediately, the company is looking to hire 10 people.

“The hiring is so important right now because we are growing,” Lyons said. “In the last two years, we’ve only taken down the [help wanted] sign out front for three weeks. We are always looking for good people.”

Though Patterson said that being brought into Lyons Industries during a time of hiring and change will be a challenge, it is one she is ready for.

“It lights my fire. I like to be part of a company that is growing and changing and always thinking of bettering their processes and bettering their clientele,” she said.

Patterson said that she will be using social media to get the word out about hiring through social media and collaboration with Kinexus.

“We are a great company with great benefits,” Patterson said. “We’ve been here for 50 years. I want to get the word out that we have a great HR person who wants to help you and get you on the road to success here.”

Patterson said that she believes the hiring that she will be doing for Lyons Industries will not only benefit the company, but also the community of Dowagiac.

“It brings noticeability to our community that we are a great business,” Patterson said. “We are here to stay. We are here to grow. There is opportunity here. That’s the way I see it, and I hope [Lyons Industries] and Dowagiac will grow together.”