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What’s the point of a food industry podcast if I can’t help you with your careers?
That’s why I’ve actually taken a liking on interviewing recruiters because recruiters know the best way to get a job.
Bob Pudlock is one of those people. He is an independent recruiter who knows his stuff. Taking an unconventional route, Bob went into recruiting because companies would pay him top dollar to recruit. Yep, one sentence solidified his career.
Bob has a lot of practical advice in the show such as how to make 100% use of job interviews when you have to pay for your own flight, the power of long-term networking, and one of my favorite topics, which is better? Factory experience or a master’s degree?
About Bob Pudlock
Bob Pudlock is the owner and President of Gulf Stream Search, an executive search firm that works with companies in the food and nutritional supplement industries to identify, assess and capture top talent for their organizations.
Bob has been in the search industry for 17 years – he has placed individuals all throughout the US and Caribbean at all levels – most of the positions he fills are in R&D, Quality, Sales/Marketing, and Plant Operations throughout the US – he works with venture capital firms that focus on the food industry, start-ups, as well as established brands in the food and supplement industries.
Bob grew up in Cleveland, OH and attended John Carroll University where he played on the golf team. He moved to South Florida in 2011 and is active outdoors with running, swimming, stand-up paddle board racing, fishing and bicycling.
5 top reasons My Food Job Rocks
1. I can work from anywhere – I conduct nearly all of my work via phone, email, and video.
2. I choose what companies, searches, and candidates I work with.
3. I make my own hours – I work as much or as little as I like – although my business demands a lot of my time, I still have the flexibility and control over my schedule to do the things I enjoy outside with the people close to me.
4. I control my income.
5. I get to work with up and coming talent in the food industry and I also get to work with companies that are changing the way we look at nutrition and health in general. I get to work with people that are truly making a difference in the world.
Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by FoodGrads, an interactive platform for the Food & Beverage Industry, which focuses on closing the gap between students and employers with a broader mission to attract and retain people to a meaningful career in food. From Food Scientists to Farmers, Chefs to Plant Managers, QA Technicians to Dieticians, or Marketing and Sales, no matter what your passion–there’s something for everyone in Food—and they will help you find it.
Join FoodGrads for support, mentorship and guidance to start your career. Just go to foodgrads.com
If you like what you heard, like us on facebook or set a review on itunes. It helps wonders. If you have any questions or suggestions on how to improve the podcast, don’t be afraid to email me at podcast@myfoodjobrocks.com
Knowledge Bombs
- How to make the most of paying to fly to a job interview
- Why you should go to hiring managers and not HR
- How even the smallest talks can be impactful
- The value of factory experience
- The many factors about the lack of free labor
Question Summary
Sentence or less: I identify or recruit top talent in the food industry
What do you do specifically?: 2 things: companies go to him to find people and he finds great people
I focus on relationships and connecting
What was the time you talked to someone who didn’t accept the job at the time?: I try to open up to people to imagine the possibilities. I try to set more expectations.
What’s the best advice for growing your network?: Throw your net wide, not deep
The best thing about your job: The journey of hiring
Steps it took to get to where you are today: Ohio, Private schools, good at sports, underachiever, didn’t think what would happen when he grew up, golf coach, training salesmen, “Bob, we will pay you top dollar to find salespeople”, pet food recruiting, then expanded to more – Sometimes it’s ok not to know what you’re going to do
What’s the most common theme between excellent candidates?: For young people: curiosity for learning and getting to really understand all the different steps on the product development cycle
What is more valuable? Masters experience or Factory experience?: Factory experience. It can’t be replaced or supplemented at a later date.
For many people, most people want to do different things
Why Does Your Food Job Rock?: It’s all about the journey. Also, I work for myself and I get to have control over who I work with
What is Bob’s Win Rate (Hired versus not hired): Average is 10-15 interviews for one hire. Bob has had impressive numbers. The secret is understand what the company is looking for
Food Trends and Technologies: The blurred lines between mainstream food and nutrition
What is the biggest challenge the food industry needs to face?: Skilled labor. Some reasons: we put our manufacturing plants in the middle of nowhere, lobbying to reduce regulations for hiring skilled labor.
Favorite Quote: The Man in the Arena.
Favorite Book: Oh the Places You’ll Go
Favorite Kitchen Utensil: Utensils that are not utensils
Advice on the food industry: If you’re going technical, get a degree. Think of other degrees like Masters or MBAs
What is a common myth that you’d like to dispel about job hunting?: The best resume doesn’t always win
Where can we find you?: Gulf Stream Search. Email: bob.pudlock@gulfstreamsearch.com
Phone number: 561-450-9490
Other Links
Hiring Manager – Someone who requests a new employee
H1B Visa
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