Since joining real estate firm Oppidan in 2024 as vice president of HR, Nikki Hauck has applied her nearly 20 years’ experience to broad operational oversight, including HR, marketing, PR, information technology, and office administration. In her first year, the Excelsior-based property development firm saw a 25% increase in employee count, “driven by the hiring, recruitment, and onboarding processes she streamlined and led,” Oppidan president Dave Scott says. Hauck also launched Oppidan’s first structured internship and early-talent program. She built direct relationships with universities across the Midwest, establishing a talent pipeline for the company and the broader industry. Hauck also has worked to enhance and organize employee review sessions as well as payroll functionality and communication.