peoplezest

Jonna Smith, Owner

Peoplezest was created through merging Jonna’s expertise of the multifamily space and enjoyment of connecting with people through impacting their career growth. “I like to be a safe confidential space for candidates to explore their career goals and receive objective guidance. Through these connections I am often able to place people in their next career step that benefits their career and personal lifestyle goals.” Objective guidance and personal connection create proper fit; one of the many unique aspects that sets our recruiting firm apart.

Prior to founding peoplezest, Jonna began her career in property management with JPI, a national multifamily organization. Through the years, Jonna has played a part in strategic leadership and HR operations, while honing her expertise in recruitment and staffing. Creating a team poised to achieve strategic goals takes more than just filling a role. Jonna’s approach is collaborative and individualized to finding the right person for each distinctive position. Every one of peoplezest’s clients and candidates receives a curated experience.

Having relocated from Dallas, TX after raising their two daughters, to a 40-acre farm near Lake Texoma with her husband of 27 years, Jonna has combined her love of the outdoors, boating & farm animals, who are often featured in our community updates. Jonna enjoys spending her free time serving her community in Kingston, OK.  She volunteers as an EMT periodically on weekends and donates time to the city’s spay/neuter clinic. One of Jonna’s greatest passions is her charity work in Ghana, W. Africa, where she provides safe homes for trafficked girls. The work in Ghana has enabled her to partner with Mumuni, a local farmer to run a hog business where the profits allow him to provide for his family and feed the community. 

“Each day we are given a chance to impact someone’s life as well as our own. I challenge you to find your passion and live it.”

Darla Miles, VP of Recruiting, CPM, CCHP

Darla is our principal “matchmaker” at peoplezest. She thrives in finding the best fitting talent to compliment the intersection of client company culture and candidate career goals. Her passion for connecting with people shines through in her recruitment strategy as she fosters the transformational growth and sucess of each candidate. Darla possesses an acute ability to connect hiring managers needs and objectives to source, deliver and coach top candidates every time. 

Prior to working for peoplezest, Darla’s multifamily career took her to the RVP level, where she has recruited and trained hundreds of multifamily professionals. Darla’s experience encompasses an in-depth knowledge of the property management industry and casts a strong continual network of candidates nationwide.

Darla holds her Bachelors of Science degree from Texas Tech University. Her faith, family and connections with others are what motivates her. Taking pride in exceeding her professional and personal goals, Darla strives to make everyday count and believes each day is “Mulligan” and we all get a fresh start.