Core Matters, LLC

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I own 10 to 1 Public Relations, a strategic communications firm. We use proactive media relations to grow, maintain, and protect our clients’ brands, as well as build positive awareness of their companies.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Core Matters, LLC?

We serve many clients who often struggle to find good blue-collar job candidates for open positions. Though we excel at media relations, we partner with Core Matters to help those clients attract and onboard the right hires for their business.

What were your goals for this project?

The goals vary with the customer, but there are several that are fairly common, such as: reducing cost per hire; reducing time to hire; improving both the quantity and quality of applicants; developing a brand based on culture; and systematizing and automating the hiring process.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We met while working with a mutual client. I was extremely impressed by their thoroughness and genuine desire to help the client achieve their goals. I also found Core Matters’ owner to be candid and honest, promising only what he could deliver and delivering everything he promised. 

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

Core Matters works directly with company leadership to understand and remove friction points. This often consists of formalizing processes and company culture. Once these issues are acknowledged internally, Core Matters can then apply their marketing efforts toward promoting and recruiting new employees. Operating based on this common understanding increases the quality of the candidate, their ability to succeed within the company, and their likelihood to remain long-term. 

What was the team composition?

Though I have worked directly with the owner, I know that his team behind the scenes has been active in creating and implementing the established strategy. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Not only has Core Matters helped refine processes and develop the culture within my own company, but they have done so with our clients as well. Their improved processes have reduced the cost per hire and expedited employee recruitment time. 

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Core Matters’ emphasis on the process is evident in their workflow. They have been very easy to work with and always meet their deadlines. With the owner personally reviewing the entire team’s work, I have been consistently happy with their results.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I am most impressed by how much they actually care for their clients. I feel safe recommending them to my clients knowing that they will serve all parties with the highest levels of integrity and aplomb.

They also know how to use their digital and traditional marketing expertise to target the intended audience, generate the best results, and achieve the desired goals. The way they use and refine best practices for traditional marketing to improve recruiting and hiring is impressive in its directness but brilliant in its execution.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Their process works, so there is no need to fix what works.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the president of Shelby Erectors. We’re a construction company based in Florida, and we provide rebar installation, SIP metal decking installation, and bridge work.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Core Matters?

We were trying to hire and maintain a quality workforce. We were finding it difficult to find quality workers to work in our industry and retain them. We have a high turnover, since our industry is a tough trade, and it’s outside in the Florida heat. We were looking for high-quality employees that would have some loyalty.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

When Core Matters came on board, they helped us establish our core values, evaluate what we stood for, and figure out who we were looking for in the hiring process.

What is the team composition?

We work directly with Ryan (CEO, Core Matters).

How did you come to work with Core Matters?

We first learned about Core Matters at a national convention. We heard a presentation that led us to an interview with them; we liked what they had to say.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested $100,000 – $250,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in July 2018, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Core Matters helped us find 50 employees within the first 90 days of working with them, which was remarkable. They’re continually trying different methods of getting us more leadership personnel.

How did Core Matters perform from a project management standpoint?

Core Matters performs great in terms of project management. I look forward to every single weekly meeting; I feel like my leadership team and I always get something out of them. We do Zoom meetings, so we can see and hear each other.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I was really impressed when Ryan flew out to our national convention in April and met with us face-to-face. He went to all of our meetings and tried to understand our scope of work a lot better; I think that was fantastic.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. We’re doing great with Core Matters.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My most important word of advice is to not be afraid to spend the money to get the quality work back. As a small business, it was a little scary to put that investment monetarily in; we couldn’t be more thankful that we made that commitment. Don’t just look at the price tag and say no; give them a chance, and you won’t regret it.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a small electrical contractor. We have a small construction division and a service division. I'm the CEO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Core Matters, LLC?

We wanted help with recruiting and finding the right people for our business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They helped us create a hiring system, and they continue to help us make it better. They've also assisted with lead generation and process automation. They have a good mind for marketing, and they take our industry-specific ideas and make them impactful in terms of lead generation.

They're an integral part of our systems and processes, and they bring on new systems and app that matter. They give us the pros and cons of every system we consider, and their knowledge is way ahead of the curve. We look to them as our technical expert, and working with them is great for us.

What is the team composition?

I only have one point of contact, but the whole team is bigger. Everyone on their team is top-notch, and they ask all the right questions. Everything they do runs smoothly.

How did you come to work with Core Matters, LLC?

We're part of the same entrepreneurs’ organization, but I heard about them from a friend in another group. I followed up on that recommendation, and we've worked together ever since.

How much have you invested with them?

We pay them around $2,000-$3,000 per month, depending on the work we bring them. We've probably spent near $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership started in August 2017, and our work together is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The tangible deliverable is the hiring system we use. We have other applications we use every day. Lead generation and total ticket count have gone up, partly thanks to their contributions. Sales are up, and all our systems are better.

How did Core Matters, LLC perform from a project management standpoint?

Their project management is stellar. They have a tracking system for the process, and they finish everything on time. We communicate through phone, email, text, and in-person meetings. We've developed a strong personal friendship through this partnership.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The way they isolate our core problems is fantastic. We talk about those issues and find ways to resolve them. They make intuitive suggestions, and they are always to the point.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Whenever I have an idea, I can throw it at them to discuss the pros and cons. It's a good, functional deal, and I don't have any recommendations for improvements.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be honest and open with them. They're there to help, and they do a great job. We've gotten as far as we have because of our candidness with them.