The Talent Buyers' Market and a Guy named Kurtis...

With a 6.5% unemployment rate and approximately 240,000 people laid off last month (over 1.2 million jobs lost year-to-date), it is a Talent Buyers’ market. The vast pool of unemployed Talent (and the eager army of the currently employed) are more ready than ever to listen to your hiring sales pitch.

The lovely and talented Dina Berta wrote this article last week in NRN-Laid-off Midlevel Execs Face Tough Job Market.

from the article:

“There were nearly 100 layoff actions in the hospitality industry in September, up from 37 in the same month last year, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau reported 7,552 claims for unemployment insurance last month by personnel from the accommodations and foodservice industries, up from 2,681 a year ago.”

Clearly job seekers have a tough task. Leverage has shifted in the hands of the hiring managers. So are you taking advantage of a time to upgrade and aquire top talent.

One of my longtime mentors Kurtis Montgomery was mentioned in the article. We worked together for many years. Recently, I’ve been working with him on finding a gig and defining his Ultimate Career Lifestyle.

Talk about talent you want in these economice times! Kurtis get’s his thrills figuring out how to save and make the company money. I’ve never seen a guy so maniacal about it (and good at it). He's become quite the famous Profit Guy, check out the song Budweiser's Real Men of Genius recorded for Kurtis on his home page. I suppose that’s why he was responsible for over $127 million dollars in sales.

My favorite thing about KM is his drive to develop people. Under Montgomery’s leadership and dedication, he built a region from 3 to 30 restaurants. Eight District Managers, two Regional Managers, a Regional Vice President and Senior Vice President of Operations are just a few of the many Montgomery prodigies.

Who couldn't use a guy like that?
Kurtis Montgomery's resume…

Kurtis Montgomery Resume.doc

this is your guy. Better catch him now, before I talk him into starting his own chain and becoming your competitor.

While most companies are downsizing, smart companies are seizing the moment and taking advantage of the fact that there is Tremendous Talent out there exploring opportunities. Even companies that are downsizing need to take advantage of these opportunities, and make upgrades. Today, getting your maximum Return On Talent is more important than ever.

Amanda Hite
talent revolutiona drastic change in thinking and behaving with talent.

Tags: amanda, buyers, hite, kurtis, market, montgomery, revolution, talent

0 members like this

Comment

You need to be a member of FohBoh to add comments!

Join FohBoh

Comment by Amanda Hite on November 14, 2008 at 2:05pm: Paul you are so right I shouldve mentioned Rob! Thanks for add.

Comment by Paul Paz on November 14, 2008 at 12:09am: Hello...

The other great talent that appeared in the NRN article was my good frend and associate, Rob Gage. I worked with Rob for many years with Pacific Coast Restaurants and learned much as a trainer, mentor, hourly employee, and consultant. I should like to throw his hat in the ring alongside Mr. Montgomery's.

Here's Rob's website for more information.
Rob Gage
http://www.hiresmarttrainhard.com

Thanks for sharing the space in this discussion!

Paul

Comment by Keith Bernhardt on November 11, 2008 at 7:50pm: Amanda,

This is a great testimonial to Kurtis. I agree with Andy, any organization will be lucky to have him !

Best of Luck, Kurtis !

Keith

Comment by Andy Swingley on November 11, 2008 at 4:46pm: I am one of those Regional Managers that Kurtis took under his wing. Over 15 years I went from Assistant Manager managing a couple of bumbling employees to leading over 30 restaurants and I owe Kurtis for the largest part of that success. Profit, People, Sales, discipline, execution, commitment, attention to detail....I could go on and on. Kurtis my thanks to you from me, Janie, and Alex. We wouldn't be nearly as successful today without your brand of connection and accountability. I mirror many of the things I do today based on your leadership style.

Much luck to you!

Anyone that gets lucky enough to have you head up their enterprise will reach far higher levels than the competition!

Comment by Mel Kleiman on November 11, 2008 at 11:55am: I don't know Kurtis but this sound like people are not only willing to refer him they are willing to put their name on the line for him and that is a lot more than a referral that is a recommendation.

Make sure and ask the question next time you get a referral. "Is that a referral or a recomendation"?

Second point this is the time more than ever when you need to be upgrading your talent. Good is no longer good enought, and OK employees will put you out of business.

Comment by Bill Campion on November 11, 2008 at 11:26am: I worked with Kurtis for 14 years. You won't find a more dedicated leader. He is able to drive profits while providing a culture where people feel valued. During his time with Thomas & King he earned a reputation for outstanding operations throughout the Applebee's system. His results were so impressive, operations leaders from other franchises would fly to Phoenix to learn from the Master! One more thing... Kurtis always took on the toughest projects for T&K. He is detailed and focused. His project work always made a positive impact on the company P&L!

Comment by Scott Hutchinson on November 11, 2008 at 10:16am: Who can argue with the Bud Light song! Kurtis is one of if not the best in the business. Whether its making money, growing talent, or caring enough to remember your anniversary, there aren't many out there that can keep up with him. Where ever he lands, he will be successful and someone will be lucky to have worked with him. (Not to mention make a ton of money!)