Sphere is a technical recruitment company that works in infrastructure (construction, power/energy, and real estate).
Tell us about yourself?
I came out of professional soccer and went to a recruitment company to help find me a sales position, and I was offered a role with them. I worked in Executive Search, then went to contingent recruitment. I worked in the UK for eight years before coming to Canada, where I was a VP at Randstad. Nearly seven years ago, I decided to go out on my own and started Sphere.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Maintain perspective and balance. Success can be viewed in a lot of ways. Navigating through tough times is as much a success as growth in good times.
What problem does your business solve?
Sphere creates solutions for companies that are having challenges finding the right people.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
I wanted to change the narrative about recruitment agencies. Sphere focuses on the people and not the transaction.
What is your magic sauce?
Transparency and honesty. We are driven to have a positive impact on those that we work with, whether they are clients or candidates. Trust is the foundation of our business.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
We are currently in Calgary and Houston, and we will be looking to really establish the US business and extend the reach of the Canadian business.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
There have been a lot of hurdles. The one that was most impactful was being profitable on paper but not controlling the cash flow of the business effectively enough. Our AR process has since changed to ensure we never face that scenario again.
How can people get involved?
Visit our website, www.sphererecruit.ca; the sectors and contacts are listed there.