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