Optimizing the Hiring Process Podcast

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"How can I shorten the amount of time it takes to develop a hiring process that consistently produces top performers?" When CEO of The Hire Talent, Fletcher Wimbush, created this podcast he had one goal in mind. Optimizing The Hiring Process Podcast was created for entrepreneurs and executives to short cut their paths to a dependable hiring process and leave worries of making bad hires in the past. Each episode we share hiring and leadership insights from top-performing entrepreneurs and industry experts. All businesses want to conquer the world today, but it can only be done one great hire at a time! And if you have ideas, are interested in being a guest, or feel like disagreeing with us on something, we'd be more than happy to have you on! Get in touch at info@thehiretalent.com or call us (714) 582-2730.

The Hire Talent


    • May 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 43 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Optimizing the Hiring Process Podcast

    Paige Byrd — 20 Years to Break Ground: Building a Team Built to Last

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 22:42


    In this episode of People First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Paige Byrd, Co-President of Thiel & Team, a seasoned leader in amenities-focused interior design and architecture. With over 30 years of experience, Paige shares the remarkable story behind the revival of the historic Baker Hotel and Spa in Mineral Wells, Texas — a project nearly two decades in the making. From her early site visits in 2008 to the official project kickoff in 2024, Paige offers a rare inside look at what it takes to sustain momentum and passion over the long haul. She unpacks how her firm built a “dream team” of design professionals, weathered industry-wide challenges like the 2008 recession and COVID-19, and maintained transparency and unity through economic uncertainty. You'll hear insights on: Retaining top talent through flexible work models and transparent leadership. Scaling and evolving a firm without compromising on culture or quality. Attracting high-impact hires in a competitive market through values-driven strategies. Revitalizing historic properties with design innovation and community alignment. Plus, Paige discusses how Thiel & Team embraced remote and hybrid work long before it was common in the architecture world, enabling a more diverse, connected, and resilient workforce. Whether you're leading a creative team, building a legacy property, or navigating economic headwinds, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights. Connect with Paige:

    Building with Heart: How Justin Bride Brings Integrity and Intention to Residential Construction

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 38:57


    In this episode of the People First Builders podcast, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Justin Bride, CEO and founder of Ascent Contracting, to explore what it really means to lead with purpose in the construction industry. From his unconventional path—pivoting from a physics degree to a career in residential construction—to founding a company rooted in empathy, integrity, and craftsmanship, Justin shares the lessons that shaped his leadership style and his people-first philosophy. We dive deep into: ✅ How emotional intelligence transforms customer relationships ✅ Why investing in your team leads to better client outcomes ✅ The challenges of hiring in the trades—and why referrals matter most ✅ What commercial-grade project management looks like in a residential setting ✅ How Justin's company culture empowers every employee to lead with care Whether you're a builder, a business owner, or someone passionate about leadership through service—this conversation will resonate with you.

    From Complaints to Culture: Leading with Purpose in the Trades with Traci Austin

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 34:05


    In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Traci Austin, Chief Talent Officer at Elevated Talent Consulting, to unpack one of the biggest leadership challenges in the trades: the blame game. Tracy, a lifelong advocate for transformational leadership in construction and the AEC space, shares how leaders can shift from chronic complaints to intentional culture-building. Her no-nonsense mantra — "Stop bitching, start pitching" — sets the tone for a conversation packed with practical tools and mindset shifts. You'll learn:

    Building Culture That Lasts: How Brandon Stanchock Keeps Turnover at 12% in the Trades

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 28:48


    In this episode of the People First Builders Podcast, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Brandon Stanchock, CEO of SWF Industrial, to explore how authentic leadership and a true commitment to people-first values can transform a business. Brandon shares his journey from project management in power plant construction to leading a growing industrial fabrication company—where he's driven incredible results: a 12% turnover rate (versus an industry average of 37%) and an employee retention average nearly double the national standard. We dive into: ✅ The power of humor, transparency, and flexibility in leadership ✅ Building culture by eliminating outdated rules and investing in people ✅ Creating sustainable career paths from the shop floor to leadership ✅ How employee development drives business success and customer loyalty ✅ Why workplace authenticity matters more now than ever If you're passionate about leadership, culture, and creating work environments where people actually want to stay and grow, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

    From Boots to Blueprints: How Sal Hernandez Scaled, Systemized, and Served His Way to a Successful Exit

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 23:40


    From Field to Founder: How Sal Hernandez Scaled, Exited, and Now Coaches the Next Generation of Builders In this episode of People-First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Sal Hernandez — a veteran, serial entrepreneur, and former owner of a successful design-build firm. From humble beginnings mowing lawns with his father to scaling a full-service construction company with multiple licenses, Sal shares how he went from technician to strategic leader — ultimately exiting the business to focus on coaching and supporting fellow veterans. You'll hear how Sal built a thriving business from the ground up, developed systems that enabled him to delegate and grow, and how he navigated the tricky process of finding, hiring, and retaining quality field talent — spoiler alert: Craigslist still works. We dig into:

    From Sales Rookie to $70M Revenue Leader: Sam Rockaway's People-First Playbook

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 23:14


    In this episode of People First Builders, Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Sam Rockaway, Head of Sales at REDCOM Design & Construction, to unpack his remarkable journey from construction outsider to B2B sales powerhouse in the design-build space.

    Designing Culture, Building Legacy: How Lance Cayko Scales Success Through People

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 26:04


    From Farm Life to Design-Build Leadership: Lance Cayko's People-First Journey What happens when a poor farm kid from North Dakota trades irrigation lines for blueprints? You get Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions—a thriving design-build architecture firm in Colorado—and one of the most intentional leaders I've met. In this episode of People First Builders, Lance shares how a summer job with a general contractor sparked a lifelong passion, how mentorship shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, and why putting people first is the key to his firm's success. We talk: ✅ Building teams through mentorship and teaching ✅ Cultivating leadership in young architects ✅ Creating true work-life harmony (not just lip service) ✅ Inspiring future builders through purpose and culture This isn't just a story about architecture—it's about legacy, leadership, and building something bigger than yourself.

    The Best Strategies for Reducing Turnover in Blue-Collar Hiring with Core Matters' Ryan Englin

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 31:43


    In this episode of the People-First Builders podcast, Fletcher Wimbush interviews the CEO of Core Matters, Ryan Englin. Ryan shares his journey from running a marketing company to specializing in recruiting for trades like HVAC, plumbing, and construction. He highlights the high turnover rates and the inefficiencies of traditional staffing agencies. Ryan discusses the importance of creating a sustainable hiring process, improving company culture, and aligning employee goals with organizational objectives. Check out Ryan's work HERE. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    Building a People-First Culture: Transforming the Construction Industry One Hire at a Time with Fletcher Wimbush

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2025 19:04


    In the inaugural episode of the People-First Builders podcast, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence interviews the creator and host of the show, Fletcher Wimbush. Fletcher is the owner and CEO of Discovered.ai, Wimbush & Associates, Inc., and Integrity First. Fletcher addresses the significant talent shortages and shares strategies for effective hiring and retention. Drawing from his extensive experience, he introduced Discovered, a recruitment automation AI platform designed to streamline hiring processes. Fletcher emphasizes the financial impact of poor hiring decisions and the importance of retaining talent. The episode aims to inspire construction leaders with practical insights and invites listeners to share their success stories in people leadership. Check out Fletcher's work HERE. Connect with Fletcher on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.

    Treating Your Employees Like Artists In The Workplace

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 51:00


    Fletcher and Gerald discuss how looking at your team as artists can help with better understanding their role and how everyone ties into your workplace orchestra.

    Navigating the Post-Pandemic Norms with Damien Filiatrault

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2022 43:32


    In this episode, Damien joins Fletcher in discussing the new norms that have stemmed from the pandemic such as remote work, the rise of international workers in the software development field, and how to identify and include these new set of workers into the company and its culture.

    Diversity Equity & Inclusion with Julie Kratz

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2022 35:14


    Fletcher Wimbush brings on Julie Kratz from Next Pivot Point to discuss diversity in the workplace and how important representation has become in both society and our workforce. Next Pivot Point Linkedin Facebook Twitter

    Optimizing Your Candidate List

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2021 37:12


    Michael Yinger, CEO of Resume Sieve, joins Fletcher Wimbush to discuss the best ways to hire the right person for the right job through the resume sorting process.

    ceo candidate optimizing michael yinger resume sieve
    Attracting the Right Talent with the Right Job Ad

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2021 41:33


    Fletcher Wimbush talks with Shaun Martin, author of "Hack Your Hiring: The Tactical Playbook to Find, Evaluate, and Hire A+ Talent" on how to attract and find the best talent using the right job ad.

    Cameron Herold, the CEO Whisperer on The Hire Talent's Podcast with Fletcher Wimbush

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2021 31:25


    The Hire Talents podcast, Optimizing The Hiring Process, for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs is excited to host Cameron Herold, a true serial entrepreneurial genius known around the world . He is the mastermind behind hundreds of companies’ exponential growth. Join us as we get in depth with THE CEO WHISPERER

    Bianca Lager of 'Social Intelligence' Speaks to Fletcher at The Hire Talent

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 47:29


    Fletcher Wimbush speaks with Bianca Lager of 'Social Intelligence' a consumer reporting agency focused on online risk for human resources. www.socialintel.com

    Can a Remote Workforce Truly Improve Performance Results?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2020 52:06


    A lot of leaders fear having a remote dispersed workforce will hurt productivity. Learn about this and more on today's podcast with Shane Metcalf.

    How are Negative Energy Levels affecting your hiring and business results?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2020 45:43


    On today's podcast Fletcher interviews Natalya Berdikyan, the Founder and CEO of Life By Design-Academy. Discussing How Negative Energy Levels may affect your hiring and business results. Answering questions like, "Can you you detect Energy levels quickly in an interview?" Hear the latest podcasts online at TheHireTalent.com Podcasts. Learn about pre-employment assessments to help you hire smarter today at PreEmploymentAssessments.com  

    How to Interview Salespeople with Justin Weeder

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 36:38


    Justin Weeder is the owner and head coach at The Covert Closer where they help organizations and individuals implement the LISTEN method to scale sales results. Additionally, he is currently developing a high performing team of Rockstars as the Director of Sales at PaySimple. To work with Justin you can reach him at https://www.thecovertcloser.com/ Our sales assessments help companies hire salespeople they can depend on to consistently generate revenue. Get a free trial https://www.preemploymentassessments.com/testing/assessments/sales-assessment/

    The Key to Hiring Great Sales People with Deb Venable

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 36:23


    In this episode of The Hire Talent's podcast, Optimizing the Hiring Process, we are joined by Deb Venable. A leader in sales strategy, sales coaching and sales training, Deb's passion for people and progress help her work with business owners to generate significant, predictable & sustainable growth year after year. As a 27-year entrepreneur and business owner, Deb understands first-hand the struggles and obstacles of growing a business. She owned a trade show business for 25 years and now for the past 2 years she has been helping sales teams grow. To work with Deb you can reach her at: Phone: 312-296-2818 Email: debv@myb2bcoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debvenable/ Our Sales Assessment Testing measures the traits critical to succeeding in sales roles. Get a free trial https://www.preemploymentassessments.com/testing/assessments/sales-assessment/

    Leading Remote Teams & Inspiring Innovative Thinking with Rebecca Morgan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 39:51


    Rebecca Morgan, CSP, CMC, is an international speaker, trainer, and consultant specializing in creating innovative solutions for workplace effectiveness challenges. She's appeared on 60 Minutes, Oprah, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, National Public Radio, and USA Today as well as international media.  Rebecca is the bestselling author of 28 books, including "Leadership Lessons from Silicon Valley: How to Survive and Thrive in Disruptive Times”. Two have sold over 250,000 copies each and have been translated into 9 languages. Many recognizable organizations have engaged Rebecca to develop creative solutions for their situations. These include Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Adobe, Microsoft, Singapore Airlines, Wells Fargo Bank, New York Life Insurance, ING-Singapore, Shangri-La Hotels, and Stanford University, among many, many more. She is an exemplary trusted resource who partners with clients to accomplish high ROI on their key-talent development projects. Her customized presentations are thought-provoking, highly interactive, and full of immediately usable ideas. She knows what works. Since 1980 she's transformed executives, managers, salespeople, and customer support staff into much more effective workplace contributors Click here to Work with Rebecca Get her latest book: "Leadership Lessons from Silicon Valley: How to Survive and Thrive in Disruptive Times" Interested in trying out remote work with your organization? Here are 3 ways remote work helps attract and retain top talent. 

    Business Productivity Practices to Streamline Your Hiring Process with Michael Melhberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 30:59


    In this episode of The Hire Talent's Podcast, we are joined by Michael Melhberg. Michael is a Husband, Father, Entrepreneur, Business Professional, author, fitness nut, Organization Freak, and productivity Junkie. He is currently the VP of Marketing at Star Lab and when he's not doing that, he's writing articles and books to help high achievers consistently save time, get productive, become more organized so they can live their passion and achieve their dreams. - Pre-Order Michael's Book on Amazon - Home Early: Destroy Distraction, Become Powerfully Productive, and Finish Work Before Dinner Kindle Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089Y341NC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7fI4EbD143JBH - Get The First Chapter Free - https://michaelmehlberg.com/homeearly - Our Complete Guide to Hiring Million Dollar Talent - Our exact strategy for hiring the best talent on the market, created from 30+ years of experience helping hundreds of businesses hire top performers. https://www.preemploymentassessments.com/your-guide-to-hiring-million-dollar-talent/

    Performance Based Job Descriptions and KPO's with Lou Adler

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2020 27:34


    Lou Adler is the CEO and founder of The Adler Group – a training and search firm helping companies implement Performance-based Hiring℠. Adler is the author of the Amazon top-10 best-seller, Hire With Your Head (John Wiley & Sons, 3rd Edition, 2007). His most recent book has just been published, The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired (Workbench, 2013). He is also the author of the award-winning Nightingale-Conant audio program, Talent Rules! Using Performance-based Hiring to Build Great Teams (2007). Adler holds an MBA from the University of California in Los Angeles and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University in New York. Looking to write the perfect job description? Check out our guide on how to write a job description.

    How to Deal With Covid-19 and Your Workforce with Tiffany Ablola

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 34:11


    In this episode, we spoke with Tiffany Ablola. Tiffany (Tran) Ablola is a California attorney and EOS Implementer. Her mission is to help company leadership teams build healthy work environments and empower them with the tools to scale. After finding her own focus as a management consultant, she helps others achieve the same. With Tiffany’s guidance, clients have been able to capitalize on their personal strengths and take back their time. She also enjoys working with social change companies and donating her time to helping non-profit leadership teams. When not working, Tiffany’s favorite pastimes include reading at the beach, cooking, scuba diving and traveling. Tune in to learn some of Tiffany's knowledge on how to best manage employees, through the best times and the toughest.  Looking to identify top performers before you hire? Explore our hiring tools and get a free trial

    How to Hire and Train Top Performing Virtual Assistants with Anne Lackey

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2020 35:02


    In this episode, we sat down with Anne Lackey to discuss how you can hire and train the best virtual assistants. Anne Lackey loves starting and running businesses. Mark Lackey has always been fascinated with making things work better and run smoother. Together they have co-founded and run multiple businesses simultaneously for 2 decades. They have generated over 15.7 million dollars in revenue for their service-based businesses in the past 4 years alone. By coaching and consulting with hundreds of CEOs and Executives, they have found 3 common core business problems: Owner Overwhelm, Staff Turnover & Failures & Poor Customer Service/Follow Up. They solve these issues by taking the guesswork out of hiring virtual assistants and placing the best VA's for your company. 

    Applicant Tracking Systems, AI, and the Future of Recruiting

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2019 30:09


    In this episode we sit with the pioneer of Applicant Tracking Systems, Art Pereless, and discuss the future of recruiting using AI.

    Empathy and the Identity Iceberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 13:03


    In part 2 of this episode we discuss the concept of the identity iceberg, and how our sense of empathy influences how we see and related to others.

    Soft Skills and Core Beliefs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2019 36:50


    In part 1 of this episode we discuss core values and beliefs about one's capabilities and skills and how that relates to the process of achieving goals.

    Why the Best Leaders are Culture Driven with John Waid

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2019 17:36


    In this episode, we sit down with John Waid who hones in on the importance of building a strong company culture, stating, "the best leaders are culture driven." We talk about how to create a purposeful culture and how to align our hiring of candidates who re already living the values and type of culture we want to grow within our businesses. 

    Combining Human Soft Skills + Business Strategy to Increase Business Outcomes with David Meyerowitz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2019 59:51


    In this episode we discuss how to add the human touch and soft skills, combining with a well-thought out business strategy to influence positive business outcomes.  David Meyerowitz is a strategy, business, and finance consultant who helps businesses realize greater capital and profit from implementing performance management practices. 

    Communication, Best Hiring Practices and Speaking the Language of Your Candidates with Susan Bellows

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2019 38:13


    In this episode, we talk with Susan Bellows of Susan Bellows & Associates. Susan is a business consultant specializing in empowering middle management women to attain the recognition, respect, and rewards they deserve. Listen in as we dig into topics like how to help women in middle management grow their careers, cover best hiring practices, finding an "A" player by refining your interview skills, and speaking your candidate's language. 

    Ep. 11: Why New Hires Fail

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2019 24:02


    Hiring a new employee is an exciting time for a business, but, failing to implement best hiring practices like clearly defining expectations and performance objectives, can leave both you and the candidate with something to be desired from the relationship. We outline everything you need to know before hiring new employees so you have the best chance at retaining employees moving forward.

    Creative Recruitment Marketing That Makes Great People Apply

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2019 42:03


    We teamed up with Katrina Kibben from Three Ears Media for this episode of The Hire Talent Podcast.  Katrina is the Founder and CEO of Three Ears Media, a firm dedicated to teaching recruiters to be better communicators and writers. For most of Katrina's career, she has been a marketer living in a recruiter's world - listening to both sides of the talent equation to understand the real issues and find solutions. Today, she uses her technical marketing know-how and way with words to help both established and emerging brands develop and deliver creative, strategic recruitment marketing that makes the right people apply. Katrina has also spoken at events around the world and written for Fortune, The Chicago Tribune and many other digital publications. You can check out Three Ears Media here at www.threeearsmedia.com. Also be sure to find and follow Katrina on Twitter here @KatrinaKibben for tips on getting the right candidates to apply to your open positions. 

    Ep. 10: True Costs of Hiring Employees

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2019 22:48


    Hiring new employees costs businesses money, from the downtime of having a vacancy, to the people who are involved with spending their time trying to fill the position by screening and hiring a new candidate. Hiring employees who don't work out can cost up to 10% of that employee's annual salary, so it's crucial that when you hire someone, you go through all the necessary steps to ensure it's done right the first time. 

    Ep. 9: Does Your Candidate Leave the Toilet Seat Up?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2019 13:48


    Checking references is your goldmine for verifying a potential employee's performance and fit for your job. In a reference check, you can learn more about what it was like working with your candidate, which helps you understand and determine if the candidate will be a good fit for the role, your business, and the culture of your company.

    Ep. 8 An In-Depth Look at The Power Interview Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2018 26:52


    The Power Interview Guide is a 30-minute review of your candidate's past work history and accomplishments that allows you to learn about everything you've ever wanted to know about a candidate in a timely manner. The guide provides a repeatable and objective method to follow for interviewing any candidate for any position and industry so you can quickly decide if they're a fit for your business or not. 

    Ep. 7 Screening Candidate Resumes Quickly and Effectively

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2018 25:54


    We discuss all the tips and tricks for effectively screening a candidate's resume, so you can breeze through them, able to highlight the main points and effectively select only top performers. 

    Ep. 6 Why Hiring Interns is Good for Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2018 21:00


    On today's episode we discuss the benefits of putting interns to work at your company and how this work experience helps push business objectives forward while providing an intern with an invaluable real-world work experience.

    Ep. 5 Employees With Benefits

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2018 21:44


    Health benefits...to offer or not to offer? That is the question on the minds of many business owners. In this episode, we discuss the benefits (pun intended) of offering your employees health insurance.

    Ep. 4: Creating a Killer Talent Pool

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2018 43:05


    In this episode, we discuss how to create a talent pool that allows you to both actively and passively source candidates for your positions. 

    Ep. 3: Writing Your Job Ad

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2018 19:33


    We dig into the components necessary for creating a marketing-focused job advertisement (not job description- there's a difference) that will attract candidates to your open positions.   

    Ep. 2: Single Professional Seeking Career-Minded Candidate for LTR

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2018 49:34


    We've all heard about or read single's ads, yes? The single bachelor seeks his perfect match for long walks on the beach and a shared interest in wine tasting.  When you're hiring a new candidate, you're essentially doing the same thing, except instead of long beach walks and wine tasting it's more like shared interest in impeccable customer service and a clean inbox.  We discuss the differences between job descriptions and job advertisements, how to write both, and how to identify your ideal candidate by strategically creating a list of a ideal candidate qualities that match your job opportunity.  

    Ep.1: What's Up With the Talent Market Right Now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2018 38:38


    Current unemployment is at 3.8% (at the time of this recording), which is the lowest rate in nearly 18 years. While this is great for the economy and job seekers alike- what does this mean for employers? What are some of the unique challenges a business faces when we find ourselves in a candidate employment market?  We discuss the importance of hiring smarter by making recruiting a top priority, ensuring you have a strong opportunity to offer your candidates, and fully understanding your ideal candidate in order to win the war on talent.  

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