An Interview with Tommy Stoudt, VP of Human Resources at Utility Keystone Trailer Sales
As we close out another record year for Liberty Employment Solutions, we have been thinking back over who we have had the opportunity to serve this year and what we have learned.
We wanted to highlight one of our clients, Utility Keystone Trailer Sales in Manheim, PA. They have over 40 years in the trailer industry. They continue to build their legacy of providing the ultimate customer experience by staying committed to three core values: FAITH. SERVICE. FAMILY.
We worked with them in the 3rd and 4th quarter this year to fill some strategic positions including an Accountant, the Executive Assistant to the President and a member of their sales team. One of the things they brought to the table was a GREAT company culture. They are clear on who they are, what they provide to their customers and the expectations of how that service is provided.
One of the drivers of the culture is Tommy Stoudt. He is the VP of Human Resources, overseeing all the HR functions for over 100 employees. He’s warm and engaging in the interview process which helps to break down barriers!
Here is a quick window into a conversation between Jamie, our Employer Brand Strategist, and Tommy Stoudt, Jr.
Jamie: Thanks for taking the time. What was your challenge before jumping on board with Liberty Employment Solutions?
Tommy Stoudt (Tommy): I think the challenge was our bandwidth, or lack of bandwidth when it came to recruiting. Our sole focus in the HR Department is not on recruiting. This led us to the need to partner with someone. That time of the year, hiring was just tough. We thought, if we can just give this a shot in the arm, getting someone to come along side of us would help.
Jamie: Did you try any other solutions prior to talking with Liberty?
Tommy: We tried bolstering the job board postings, referral programs, trying pretty much everything within our power including increasing our offers. Some of the strategies we’ve been trying for four years with little success.
Jamie: You’ve known Valonda and her family for several years, but how did you actually hear about Liberty?
Tommy: Yeah, I think Valonda and I reconnected some time ago. I knew her journey and the beginning of the Liberty adventure. We have a heart to partner with likeminded businesses. Moving your offices to SUPPLY Manheim didn’t hurt. The personal relationship dynamic played a part as well as knowing that you agree with our business philosophy was key for us.
Jamie: What were some of the benefits you experienced from working with Liberty?
Tommy: The level of professionalism was outstanding. The whole idea of Liberty being a true representative of our company, the process of discovering who we really are as a company was very thorough. That to me was a big thing, it’s a big deal. Candidates feel like they are communicating with us directly. That’s a big deal.
Jamie: Is there anything that surprised you about working with Liberty?
Tommy: I don’t know if anything really surprised me, per se. I think everything from the professionalism, follow up, thoroughness of the details, getting information on candidates was expedited efficiently. The level of urgency was there. There are good people out there but there are a lot of places they can go. So, Liberty picking up on our sense of urgency and kept the process moving without violating the process. It’s very easy in times when it’s difficult to fill positions to take short cuts and go with the “warm body” method of just putting anyone in there, which doesn’t usually end well.
Jamie: If you were going to recommend Liberty to a friend of yours that owns their own business what would you tell them?
Tommy: I’d tell them you can be confident that Liberty will handle the recruiting and onboarding process as if they were hiring for themselves. They can be trusted to follow through with what they say they are going to do. They have a great team of qualified individuals that will help you meet your business needs. There were some services that Liberty offers, which we didn’t need at the time because we have our own marketing and HR department, but for businesses that don’t have that in-house, it’s just a no brainer, a one stop shop deal. It’s not cheap, but neither is hiring an HR person. At some point you need to invest. The Return on Investment is exceptional, because for us to do what Liberty was able to do, we would need to hire someone for that.
Tommy: Your process challenged us, challenged me to ask the questions, why do we do the things we do and the way we do them? I really learned from your process. It also brought confidence to our whole methodology of finding the right person and putting them in the right seat. Bolstering that is so helpful. Good things happen when you do that. You minimize drama and time wasting, while you are increasing productivity, success, and fulfillment. Your process served us well.
It was an absolute pleasure to serve Utility Keystone Trailer Sales. Success for us is a two-way street, so the successful placement of 3 distinctly different positions in 3 ½ months has a lot to do with their willingness to collaborate, their responsiveness in communication and their willingness to think outside the box.
We can help clients who are clear on what they’re trying to accomplish and value their employees. And for those companies who go the extra mile in how they demonstrate their appreciation – we can help those clients even faster.
No one does those things better than Utility Keystone Trailer Sales.
Thanks for the opportunity, Tommy and Team!