ConcreteCareers.com's Gene Vineyard

If you like people and have an aptitude for helping them succeed, then there's no better place for you than recruiting, at least that's what Gene Vineyard, founder and owner of Concrete Careers.com discovered.

"I'm doing what I would do if I was retired. I'm a very blessed individual," said Vineyard.

There was a time in his life when Gene Vineyard couldn't make that statement with great confidence. In the mid 70's, due to changing market needs, he found himself in need of a job.

"I went to a friend who owned a Management Recruiters franchise and he asked me if I had ever considered being a recruiter. I wanted to be in sales," said Vineyard.

At the time, Vineyard couldn't think of doing anything worse. The idea of sitting in an office all day and spending most of his time on the phone wasn't very appealing.

"I'm a Christian and I believe that all things happen for the good. What may appear to be negative is later a blessing," said Vineyard. In spite of his reservations, Vineyard accepted the offer, while standing on his faith.

As it turned out, Vineyard enjoyed the position. He was a natural. Soon he discovered how much he liked talking to different people, learning about them, and trying to help them. He's the type of guy who can sit in a mall while his wife shops, and know the life history of the individual sitting next to him by the time she's finished.

In fact, when asked what he contributes most to his success as a recruiter, he says, "Having a genuine interest in helping others succeed and having an interest in the people themselves. If your doing something you really enjoy, that's the key."

In November 1982, a recession hit and Vineyard was laid off. He decided it was time to start his own business. From his previous recruiting job at Management Recruiters, Vineyard had been asked to perform searches for a few clients in the concrete industry. His previous employer allowed him to carry his construction contacts and resumes with him. In December 1982, he began his own business, Vineyard & Partners.

"Survival was my main focus. I started out in my home in an unheated basement, a rotary phone, and $400 in the bank," said Vineyard.

At first, Vineyard wondered if he was doing the right thing. "One morning while I was praying, I read a scripture. It seemed as though I read raised letters and it spoke to me." The verse was II Chronicles 15:7, "But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward in your work." To Vineyard, this verse was a confirmation to hang in there.

Indeed, Vineyard experienced the reward of success. Within six months to a year, he felt his new recruiting business was stable and secure. It wasn't long before he realized the concrete industry was booming. In 1986, he decided to shift his focus exclusively toward the concrete industry, incorporating it as Construction Products Recruiters, Inc.

"It was a period of time when it was costly to shift the focus, but I really felt committed. I had to overcome the learning curve," said Vineyard.

In May of 2000, he changed the corporate name to ConcreteCareers.com and launched their business to a fully functional Web site. Vineyard has secured an online license for Sendouts Pro, a software package designed specifically for recruiters by recruiters.

With a login username and password, client companies and candidates are able to go online at ConcreteCareers.com to find what they need. Clients can browse through resumes, post job openings, and contact selected individuals. Likewise, candidates can post resumes, update their personal information, browse through job openings, and respond to those positions they would like to be considered for.

ConcreteCareers.com finds individuals with talents, skills, and experience that match the staffing requirements of client companies within the concrete industry. Their primary focus is on the precast/prestress, concrete masonry, and ready mix elements. As the need arises, they also fill positions for areas pertaining to cement, aggregate, additive, form, wire and other specialties in the concrete industry.

"Since we don't have the ability to meet candidates face to face, we try to be as detailed as possible by doing reference checks and screening them to make sure their personalities fit what they (client companies) expect from that individual," said Vineyard.

ConcreteCareers performs search assignments that go beyond the Internet. In addition to online advertising, they place ads for specific candidates in various trade magazines and publications. By applying their concrete industry expertise to search assignments, ConcreteCareers saves companies time and money through the introduction of pre-qualified candidates that reduce and minimize employee training and start-up requirements.

Vineyard says the company hasn't grown and come all this way without a few growing pains. "I had to overcome the fear of computers back in '88, and doing business the old way. Computers for my generation can be very intimidating," said Vineyard.

For someone who was at one time unsure of computers, the amazing path that Vineyard has taken his company to an all online service-based business speaks volumes to his flexibility and innovative style.

"Whenever we became a .com a few years ago, we began growing too fast and had trouble taking care of our customers. Since then we've added associates and focused our attention back to customer service – back to the basics," said Vineyard.

In spite of the growth of his company, Vineyard is still able to work out of his home. Now he has a heated room, dedicated and arranged for business, including a little more cushion money than $400 in the bank. Some of his employees are able to work from home as well.

"I believe doing business on the Internet," said Vineyard.

Vineyard's ideas, coupled with his faith and trust in God have enabled him to face challenges and take risks that he otherwise might not have done. As a result, his Internet business is a complete success, not only because it is profitable, but because he is happy doing what he does.

ConcreteCareers.com
P.O. Box 900
Bremen, GA 30110.0900
*Communicate by fax
only if email is not an option*
Fax 770.437.9512
Integrity@concretecareers.com
www.concretecareers.com

Jennifer Hudson Taylor writes each month on a concrete industry leader for The Concrete Network (www.concretenetwork.com). The articles are meant to inform and inspire by shedding light on leaders in the industry who are "making things happen."

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