Bryce Batts, co-founder of Career Collective, an AEC staffing firm, discusses leveraging culture, mentorship, and coaching for rapid growth.
Key Takeaways
- Career Collective is a fast-growing AEC staffing firm founded in 2022, now with 20 employees across offices in Raleigh and Tampa
- The company emphasizes culture-building through team activities, performance incentives, and a collaborative work environment
- Key challenges included initial hiring mistakes and partner dynamics; solutions involved implementing structured hiring processes and defining clear roles
- Bryce advocates for leveraging mentorship, coaching, and mastermind groups to support business growth and personal development
Topics
Company Overview and Growth
- Founded Career Collective in early 2022, an AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) staffing firm
- Grew from 2 to 20 employees in under 3 years
- Offices in Raleigh (HQ) and Tampa, working with clients nationwide
- Focus on permanent placements for degree-holding professionals, especially those with 3-8 years of experience
Hiring and Team Building Strategies
- Initially made hiring mistakes due to rapid growth and inexperience
- Implemented a 3-stage interview process:
1. 15-30 minute initial call with founders
2. Longer interview with Director of Operations, focusing on KPIs
3. In-person meeting with business partner and/or location director
- Hire in "classes" of 4 for peer support and healthy competition
- Emphasize culture fit alongside performance metrics
Company Culture and Benefits
- Monthly team days for out-of-office activities
- Annual President's Club trip (international, all-inclusive) for top performers
- Holiday party in December (previously held in Pinehurst, NC)
- Unlimited PTO policy
- Hybrid work schedule (work from home Wednesdays and Fridays)
- Production-based incentives (e.g., half-day Fridays)
Business Partnership Dynamics
- Bryce and her co-founder were former competitors who learned to work collaboratively
- Emphasize clear role definition: Bryce focuses on marketing and business development, while her partner excels in sales and floor management
- Likened business partnership to a marriage, requiring ongoing communication and adjustment
Financial Management
- Utilize a fractional CFO for financial guidance and hiring decisions
- Emphasize understanding key financial metrics to avoid overextension during growth phases
Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs
- Bryce balances business ownership with raising two daughters (ages 14 and 10)
- Recommends setting clear boundaries around time and energy
- Advocates for being fully present whether at work or with family
- Utilizes career coaching and therapy to manage demands and improve leadership skills
Leveraging Mentorship and Personal Growth
- Participates in a women's business mastermind group, meeting remotely with periodic in-person gatherings
- Recommends seeking out mentors through professional networks or LinkedIn
- Suggests leveraging free resources like books, podcasts, and online content for those unable to invest in paid coaching
Book Recommendation
- "Radical Candor" by Kim Scott - Provides a framework for direct communication with care, building trust and promoting growth in business relationships
Next Steps
- Bryce to consider potential podcast guests from her network, particularly her mastermind group
- Matthew to include promotion of Bryce's podcast "Wine After Work" in the episode introduction
- Matthew to send Bryce promotional materials (clips, thumbnails) for sharing once the episode is ready for release (estimated 6-8 weeks)
- Interested listeners can connect with Bryce on LinkedIn or through the Career Collective website (MyCareerCollective.com) for recruiting needs or potential job opportunities
