April Wiita on Leading Remote Teams: How Working Solutions Cultivates Success

On a frigid January day in northern Wisconsin, April Wiita snowshoed through ice caves on a frozen-hard Lake Superior. Despite the cold, she finds these hikes therapeutic. “It’s hard to think of a place that is more stunning and peaceful,” says April, Working Solutions Vice President of Operations. She and her husband kayak those same waters in the summer.

April makes her home in rural northern Wisconsin, a stone’s throw from the Canadian border and only two-and-a-half hours from Minneapolis. “We love this area. It is far from country with big-city amenities close by,” she explains.

Remote work has allowed April to stay rooted in her Working Solutions career. “I indicated to [chief executive] Kim Houlne that I didn’t want to work remotely,” she laughs, recalling her start. But as her path evolved, she came to embrace the flexibility: “I’ve now been working remotely for more than 11 years, and I’ve never regretted it.”

Working Solutions Is People

April joined Working Solutions in 2010 from Advanced Data Comm, which later became WS Live. More than a decade later, she serves as the executive in charge of the company’s network of independent virtual agents across the U.S. and Canada.

“I help put the resources and teams in place so contracts are executed, and Working Solutions delivers on its promises to clients,” she says.

“As I’m sure others have said, great people are the hallmark of Working Solutions. They’ve been differentiating us for the past 25 years — and they are the reason I’ve been successful.”

Energy and Enthusiasm Fuel Success

Early in her career at Working Solutions, Kim asked April to attend a session for agents. “I saw in the sessions and was blown away by the levels of energy and enthusiasm,” April recalls. “It was clear that Kim’s philosophy of managing from both the head and heart permeates the company’s culture.”

The company’s resilience was tested during 2020, but it proved out its culture of adaptability. “When we were asked to shelter in place, some of our clients simply couldn’t survive. Others had to adapt to working from home,” April notes.

At the same time, one of its best clients — a leading tax-preparation firm — saw an unexpected spike in business because of regulatory changes. “We had to get creative and scale quickly to help meet demand. It was the largest tax year we’d ever done due to the extended July filing deadline,” she says. “I’m proud to say our agents passed every test.”

Looking back on that year, she reflects: “Last year was surreal. I can tell you I crave getting back together with clients and agents. We’ve grown many with hugs, not handshakes. That’s what fuels us. Twenty-five years since its founding, Working Solutions is still growing, fueled by its upbeat team of skilled ‘WooHoo! Crew’ agents.”

Thanking the Team

More than anything, April believes the company’s empowered remote workforce forms a strong bond with coworkers and clients alike. She takes time to celebrate achievements, recognizing how agents embody the company’s values.

One of her favorite moments came when agents gathered in person to honor everything Working Solutions had accomplished. “Kim even made sure we had blue pins and green jewelry in the corporate colors for our agents there,” she remembers.

Not every agent could attend in person — but April worked to meet one who couldn’t at a coffeehouse near their home. Even when that plan fell through, she walked with the agent through their garden. “What a wonderful day,” April reflects. “I will remember it forever. I’ve never been more convinced what a special company we are. I love working here.”

A Loving Family

There’s at least one thing April loves more than Working Solutions: her family. Married for 20 years, with two daughters and a son in college, she spends most of her time outside of work attending volleyball, basketball, and baseball games.

One recent memory stands out: a five-hour basketball tournament held entirely in protective COVID masks. “I can tell you those kids were resilient,” she smiles.

Whether trekking through icy caves or conferring virtually with clients, April Wiita radiates all that is good about Working Solutions — helping to propel its success for the next 25 years.

“Working Solutions is, and always has been, in the business of people.”