Hiring for your team can be an exciting time at a startup. However, it is equally important to recognize the incredible talent you already have. Once a month we will be showcasing, our TwentyPine teammates.
This week, meet Max Hart, who was recently promoted and now manages our West Coast team. Max started with the team in 2015 and is always bringing high energy to the office. He is consistently the first one in and last one out of the office. Outside of work, Max is also a Director for Bike to the Beach: NY Ride a non-profit organization that promotes biking for fitness and raising money for Autism awareness in New York City.
I sat down with Hart earlier this week so he could share some of his experience at TwentyPine with all of you. Here is what he had to say…
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN TWENTYPINE?
To be honest, I did not know too much about recruiting prior to interviewing with TwentyPine – I knew I wanted to be in sales, but recruiting had never crossed my mind. I figured an initial call wouldn’t hurt – at the very least it just becomes a networking opportunity.
I spoke with Max Maeder, our CEO, and right away was attracted to his vision for TwentyPine. Not only that, but his genuine approach to the interview process and how he builds relationships aligned with my outlook. After one phone call, I was hooked and just wanted to learn more.
I then came back to meet with a few other folks, and each conversation from there solidified my initial desire to join TwentyPine. The team, the approach to the recruitment industry, and the opportunity they offered made my decision to join TwentyPine easy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR JOB HERE?
Let’s be real – this one is easy. Getting people hired. What makes this so awesome at TwentyPine is that you’re hiring talented people into the perfect job for them, and helping your clients with the perfect team-member at the same time. The hours we put in to build relationships that allows us to find the right match for both candidates and our clients makes every day and every deal worthwhile, not to mention the awesome team we have in place internally.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY AT TWENTYPINE SO FAR?
My favorite memory actually comes from before my first day on the job – as I mentioned, I help run a non-profit, Bike To The Beach. We host 100-mile bike rides for Autism awareness. Back in August of 2015, I had finished final interviews with TwentyPine, waiting to hear back. The Friday of our B2B: DC ride, I was 95 miles in – 5 miles from the finish – and my tire popped. I tried swapping the tube, but the tire itself was shredded so I needed a full new tire. As I waited for a chase car, I got a call thinking it was whomever was bringing me a new tire. As I answered, Max Maeder was on the other line. It took me about 5 long seconds to respond to his initial hello – I was not expecting it to be him. After the initial shock, Max let me know TwentyPine wanted to extend an offer – combining that with the last 5 miles of a charity ride that means so much to me made for a very exciting finish. What a way to kick things off with a new company.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN SHARE WITH A JOB SEEKER STARTING HIS OR HER CAREER?
I think one of the most important things for anyone who is beginning to search for a new opportunity is to start with identifying what is missing in your current job, that you want to have in your next job.
As recruiters, we do this with everyone we talk to – our job is not to just bring opportunities to people, but to help people think through career decisions and identify that passion. After identifying what you are really looking for, you’ll be able to find opportunities that align.
Bonus tip: Be different – there are a lot of people looking for new jobs, so if you just apply online like everyone else, your resume could get lost. Reach out to specific people at a company you want to work at – you’ll instantly stand out because it shows you’ve done your research and taken initiative, two things any hiring manager will appreciate no matter what type of job. Know what you are looking for, and be different.
TELL US A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF!
I love penguins – I have 4 penguins on my desk right now and if I could, I’d have a pet penguin. My colleague, Jason, actually got me one for Christmas last year, and my other colleague, Jerry, gave me a stuffed animal penguin – it was a re-gift, but still awesome.
I also can name all 196 countries – haven’t done it in awhile, but I am sure I’ll get challenged at work soon. I’ll win.