So many people ask us what the strangest thing we were ever asked to do is. Unfortunately, we don’t have too many juicy, sensational stories for them (and we probably wouldn’t tell you even if we did!) but what has continued to be exciting are the projects that we find ourselves working on that we would have never guessed that we would have been called upon for when we founded Fini Concierge. Every once in a while I plan on highlighting such a project – to give you more of a flavor of what we’re doing everyday at Fini!
One such project is my ongoing involvement in the recruiting efforts of Seven Cycles. Seven Cycles is the largest exclusively custom bike frame builder in the world, headquartered right here in Watertown. We had the opportunity to start working with Rob Vandermark, CEO and Founder of Seven Cycles, 3 years ago, helping him primarily with personal projects. In the spring of 2007 he presented us with a challenge – help him with the recruitment of an executive administrative assistant. Amazingly, Rob had worked for over 8 years as the CEO of Seven Cycles without any admin support partly because he had been so disheartened with candidates during past searches with and without the help of professional recruiters. Rob trusted us with this project because we had developed such a strong working relationship with him and knew his working style. In an effort to get Rob the help he needed right away, we had one of our team members, Marissa, work part time at Seven to help pave the transition for the new full time assistant. It took us several months but we were successful in helping to find the right match for Rob – and we’re so happy to say that she is still working with Rob – because it makes Rob’s life easier but also because Denise is so awesome to work with!
So most people would get why Rob would ask for our assistance on helping him hire an executive admin, but most people wouldn’t imagine why Rob would have continued to ask for our help to fill other positions at Seven. I’m first to admit that I’m not a regular on a bike (although inspired by all of my time at Seven I did ride 30 miles for the MS Ride in NYC two years ago!) and didn’t have much knowledge of the frame building industry. But I’ve learned a lot and hiring goes way beyond technical knowledge. Although we certainly are just a small part of the team and don’t take credit for the successful hires they’ve had over the last 18 months, our role is to help them manage and facilitate the process…and as any of you who do your own hiring know, it can certainly be a frustrating and long process!
Even more valuable than the recruiting lessons I’ve learned while a member of Seven’s recruitment team, I’ve been inspired by Seven Cycles and the people who work there. As is evidenced by vast media coverage and positive reviews of its bikes, Seven Cycles is synonymous with unparalleled quality, precision workmanship, design innovation and handcrafted customization. All immensely impressive. What continues to impress me is the dedication that the Seven team has to the mission of Seven -- crafting each bike to meet the needs of its’ rider with uncompromising service. I feel honored to work as part of their team and especially to have such close dealings with Rob, whose knowledge, passion and devotion to his business is unrivaled…and who always looks for the opportunity to share his expertise with others.
So although Seven hires me to help them, often days I wonder if it’s me who’s making out on this one as I continue to learn a great deal from them.
Interested in working at Seven Cycles? Check out: http://www.sevencycles.com/career/index.php.
One such project is my ongoing involvement in the recruiting efforts of Seven Cycles. Seven Cycles is the largest exclusively custom bike frame builder in the world, headquartered right here in Watertown. We had the opportunity to start working with Rob Vandermark, CEO and Founder of Seven Cycles, 3 years ago, helping him primarily with personal projects. In the spring of 2007 he presented us with a challenge – help him with the recruitment of an executive administrative assistant. Amazingly, Rob had worked for over 8 years as the CEO of Seven Cycles without any admin support partly because he had been so disheartened with candidates during past searches with and without the help of professional recruiters. Rob trusted us with this project because we had developed such a strong working relationship with him and knew his working style. In an effort to get Rob the help he needed right away, we had one of our team members, Marissa, work part time at Seven to help pave the transition for the new full time assistant. It took us several months but we were successful in helping to find the right match for Rob – and we’re so happy to say that she is still working with Rob – because it makes Rob’s life easier but also because Denise is so awesome to work with!
So most people would get why Rob would ask for our assistance on helping him hire an executive admin, but most people wouldn’t imagine why Rob would have continued to ask for our help to fill other positions at Seven. I’m first to admit that I’m not a regular on a bike (although inspired by all of my time at Seven I did ride 30 miles for the MS Ride in NYC two years ago!) and didn’t have much knowledge of the frame building industry. But I’ve learned a lot and hiring goes way beyond technical knowledge. Although we certainly are just a small part of the team and don’t take credit for the successful hires they’ve had over the last 18 months, our role is to help them manage and facilitate the process…and as any of you who do your own hiring know, it can certainly be a frustrating and long process!
Even more valuable than the recruiting lessons I’ve learned while a member of Seven’s recruitment team, I’ve been inspired by Seven Cycles and the people who work there. As is evidenced by vast media coverage and positive reviews of its bikes, Seven Cycles is synonymous with unparalleled quality, precision workmanship, design innovation and handcrafted customization. All immensely impressive. What continues to impress me is the dedication that the Seven team has to the mission of Seven -- crafting each bike to meet the needs of its’ rider with uncompromising service. I feel honored to work as part of their team and especially to have such close dealings with Rob, whose knowledge, passion and devotion to his business is unrivaled…and who always looks for the opportunity to share his expertise with others.
So although Seven hires me to help them, often days I wonder if it’s me who’s making out on this one as I continue to learn a great deal from them.
Interested in working at Seven Cycles? Check out: http://www.sevencycles.com/career/index.php.
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1 comment:
Fini is the best! Chantal understates the impact Fini has had on Seven's recruiting efforts. Fini has also been instrumental in many other ways for Seven.
If you don't work with Fini yet, do. If you do work with Fini, find ways to do more work with them!
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