Joe's entry into the pet care industry came when he started working as a dog walker in 2008. Simultaneously, he dabbled in recruiting, ultimately taking over recruiting responsibilities for Windy City Dog Walkers. His knack for finding the right people for the job led him to expand his role, assisting dog walking companies out west, then In 2019, he took the leap and launched WalkerScout, a game-changing recruitment solution for pet care businesses.

Invaluable Hiring Insights

Now, let's dive into some of the golden nuggets of wisdom Joe shared during his conversation...

Beyond Animal Experience: When hiring, prioritize attributes like motivation, reliability, and communication skills over mere animal experience. Your team needs to be composed of individuals who resonate with your company's values and goals.

Offer More Than a Paycheck: To attract motivated team members, focus on creating an enticing work environment. Factors like growth opportunities, flexibility, and a strong company culture can make all the difference.

Prioritise Systemisation: Before bringing in new team members, establish efficient workflows and systems. This foundation provides clarity and structure, setting your employees up for success.

The Efficient Interview: Joe introduced the "Mr. Rogers Method", a streamlined interview approach involving a set of consistent questions for every candidate. This method ensures a fair comparison and efficient evaluation process.

Science Over Gut Feelings: Make hiring decisions based on comprehensive assessments rather than gut feelings. Combine application details, interviews, references, and background checks to make informed choices.

Strategic Client Base: Focus your efforts on clients with both financial capacity and proximity to your staff. This strategy enhances operational efficiency and maximises revenue potential.

Optimise Job Postings: Craft concise job posts with a compelling photo and a simple application process. Quick and easy applications increase the likelihood of attracting potential candidates.

Dig Deeper: As the hiring process progresses, aim to learn more about candidates through multiple interactions. This deeper understanding ensures the right fit for your team.

Probationary Job Offers: Consider offering positions with a probationary period. This approach allows time for background checks, reference verifications, and a more informed final commitment.

Diversity and Inclusion: Foster a diverse workforce for a more welcoming environment. Diversity enriches your team's perspectives, improves retention rates, and appeals to a broader clientele.