In this episode, our host Jacob Edmond interviews industry professional Seth Clark, who shares insights on the challenges and solutions in hiring and staffing within the millwork industry. Seth brings a wealth of experience in the field as a recruiter for management positions, with a background in history of architecture and residential construction. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the industry and discuss the importance of practical experience, remote work, and continuous improvement.
About Our Guest:
Seth Clark’s journey began in the midst of job sites and sawdust. His father, a residential contractor and skilled carpenter, imparted his knowledge to Seth through teaching cabinet making at a technical high school. At a young age, Seth found himself drawn to the industry, with memories of his early childhood being filled with residential job sites and creative projects using two by four cutoffs. Despite the occasional mishap with tools, Seth’s passion for woodworking never wavered, and he remained committed to honing his skills in the craft.
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Summary:
In this episode, Seth Clark discusses the unique challenges faced in hiring and staffing for the millwork industry. From the need to interpret design intent to protecting profit margins, Seth explores the essential factors in finding the right candidates. They emphasize the importance of practical experience, technological advancements, and effective information sharing. Let’s dive deeper into the key takeaways from the conversation:
Putting Numbers on the Unengineered:
- The millwork industry often requires putting a number on something that is not fully engineered.
- It is crucial for estimators to have a deep understanding of the design intent to avoid margin erosion.
- Seth emphasizes the importance of knowledge about the intricacies of the construction process.
“If you’re fast, you have to slow down because you have to get in there and dig in and make sure you don’t miss something.” – Seth Clark
Practical Experience and Knowledge:
- Practical experience in the millwork industry is highly valued, especially for engineers and project managers.
- Seth encourages individuals to gain hands-on experience on the shop floor and familiarize themselves with the equipment used in millwork.
- The transition period between engineering and fabrication departments can be beneficial for engineers to gain a comprehensive understanding.
“Some of the best engineers I know came from hands-on experience.” – Seth Clark
Remote Work and Efficiency:
- Remote work can be a viable solution for staffing shops, especially in less populated areas.
- Companies need to be well-equipped with hardware and software to effectively share information remotely.
- Automation on the shop floor can contribute to increased efficiency and improved productivity.
“Some companies limit themselves by not allowing remote work, especially if they are in a less populated area.” – Seth Clark
Recruitment Challenges and Solutions:
- Finding suitable candidates for senior management positions can be challenging.
- Seth highlights the importance of industry-specific recruiters and understanding the candidate’s perspective.
- Companies need to clearly articulate job descriptions and fine-tune their hiring process.
“The companies that are willing and open to working remotely are going to get the pick of the litter.” – Seth Clark
Conclusion:
Hiring and staffing within the millwork industry present unique challenges, from the need to interpret design intent to ensuring a suitable cultural fit. Practical experience, remote work, and technological advancements are key factors that can contribute to successful staffing and improved efficiency. As the industry continues to evolve, companies must adapt their hiring strategies to attract and retain the best talent. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes on Verify In Field: The Millwork Podcast!
Remember, “Some of the best engineers I know came from hands-on experience.” – Seth Clark
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