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Ken Hicks

Employee Spotlight – Ken Hicks

Ken Hicks

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Ken Hicks, a contract employee who is currently working as a Maintenance Procedure Writer, supporting one of our clients on-site in South Carolina.

At PSM, we value people. As staffing consultants, we interact with people all day, every day.  And whether it’s with a client, candidate, or contract employee, we value each interaction.  So much of our website is dedicated to promoting our services, that we thought it only fitting to showcase our most important resource, our people!

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Ken Hicks, a contract employee who is currently working as a Maintenance Procedure Writer, supporting one of our major clients on-site in South Carolina.  Our contract employees are especially important to us and we are honored to have the opportunity to work with such talented individuals.  Ken has been working for PSM since 2010, so it was great to have the opportunity to connect with him regarding his experience…

First up – can you tell us a little bit about your professional background? 

Currently I’m a maintenance procedure writer supporting a nuclear power station.  When I finished Tech school in 1999, I moved to Maryland from Pennsylvania for a job as an industrial electrician.  I performed duties in manufacturing, water treatment, construction, and power generation.  I did a lot of side work and I quickly realized that was not for me.  I started contract work in 2007 supporting numerous Instrumentation and Control shops across the USA and it’s been great.  From reading books, listening to podcasts, or attending a Dale Carnegie course I never stop trying to learn.

 What drew you to PSM originally?

 PSM felt like the old mom and pop companies that have more flexibility than a larger company.

Before working at PSM, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

 You experience so much in an industrial environment nothing surprises me.  I got a call for a month long assignment in Sweden.  When I arrived I was told it was 3+ months.

What are 3 words to describe PSM?

 Family, Fun, Effective

What is the favorite part about working for PSM?

 Being a smaller company I can get answers quickly.  I can ask about time off, 401k or medical insurance and I get answers.

What can you tell us about your life outside of the work?

 I’m a Christian and an outdoors guy.  I’m all about hunting, fishing, backpacking, mountain biking, Harley, working-out and landscape photography.  I stay very busy.

What do you enjoy about working on a contract-basis? 

 Money is definitely better and I have more flexibility with my life.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started in a new career?

 Find a way to like everything and everyone and have fun.  Take time to know what’s going on.  Read condition reports or something related to your industry or position every day.  Also, find a mentor, someone that will push you but you have to be willing to learn.  This might take a while but once someone sees that you are courteous, willing to learn, and want to be productive, they are more likely to help you.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you find yourself?     

 Fishing in Potter County PA.  

In the past five years, what’s the most important thing you have learned?  

 Don’t put emotions into a hypothetical situation

Last, but not least here are some FAST FUN FACTS about Ken:

  • Favorite Vacation Spot:   Anywhere in the great outdoors
  • Favorite Movie(s):   I’m not much of a movie or TV guy.  Anything dealing with history I’ll watch.
  • Favorite Food:   Steak
  • Favorite Sport(s):   Motocross

For more information on the benefits of contract employment, subscribe to our blog using the link to the right of this post. Or, visit Employment Opportunities page for a list of our current job openings.

Grady Rowe

Employee Spotlight – Grady Rowe

Grady Rowe

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Grady Rowe, a contract employee who is currently working as a Nuclear Procedure Writer, supporting one of our major clients on-site in Tennessee.

At PSM, we value people. As staffing consultants, we interact with people all day, every day.  And whether it’s with a client, candidate, or contract employee, we value each interaction.  So much of our website is dedicated to promoting our services, that we thought it only fitting to showcase our most important resource, our people!

In this installment of our “Employee Spotlight”, we spoke with Grady Rowe, a contract employee who is currently working as a Nuclear Procedure Writer, supporting one of our major clients on-site in Tennessee.  Our contract employees are especially important to us and we are honored to have the opportunity to work with such talented individuals.  Although Grady is extremely busy, we were able to touch base with him to ask a few questions…

Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?  

U.S. Marines 1969-1973, 1978-1999 – Infantry, Recon Marine, Nuclear Biological Chemical Defense Officer – Retired.    Upon retiring from the Marines, I worked various contractor assignments with DOE: Tactics Accessor / Advisor / Evaluator @ KAFB, Albuquerque, NM; Special Response Team (SRT) @ Y-12, Oak Ridge, TN; Superintendent w/demolition & contaminated waste removal @ Y-12; Security Operation Manager @ Fermi Labs, Batavia, ILL.  Operations Engineer/Work Planner/Procedure Writer @ Waste Isolation Processing Plant (WIPP), Carlsbad, NM; currently Nuclear Procedure Writer for PSM.

What drew you to PSM originally?

A position back east and getting closer to family. But I must add that after initial contact was made with PSM, the recruiting approach was superior to other companies. Genuinely felt they were reaching out to me.  Kind, no non-sense, professionals that know their business and are “people oriented.” – Thanks Missy, Thanks Catherine.

Before working at PSM, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Marine Recon – U.S. Marines. Multiple skill sets; tough guy business.

What are 3 words to describe PSM?

PROFESSIONAL, THOROUGH, and QUALITY.

What is the favorite part about working for PSM?

Working with good quality people. Hands down haven’t dealt with anyone that is not a high quality, first-class professional.

What can you tell us about your life outside of the work?

I like to work-out, run, hike, participate in competitive sports, and listen to quality music, whether it be classical, gospel or bluegrass.  I am also usually in church on Sundays.

What do you enjoy about working as a contract employee?  

There is mobility and it offers new opportunities in different geographic locations. Contract work usually pays more than stationary on-site, in-house work. Additionally, the mobility has similarities to the military lifestyle.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started in a new career?

At all costs to yourself, demonstrate diligence. BE TOTALLY HONEST WITH YOURSELF AND WITH YOUR EMPLOYER. The dividends are priceless.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you find yourself?      

R&R in HAWAII.

In the past five years, what’s the most important thing you have learned?

Your life is as a tale that is being told.  You are writing your own history.  Showing kindness and treating all people with dignity (even those that are belligerent) has continuously proven to be profitable.

Last, but not least, here are some FAST FUN FACTS about Grady:

  • Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii
  • Favorite Movie(s): Black Hawk Down, Top Gun, Courageous, & Fireproof
  • Favorite Food: Japanese or Italian
  • Favorite Sport(s): Football, Baseball, & Triathlons

For more information on the benefits of contract employment, subscribe to our blog using the link to the right of this post. Or, visit Employment Opportunities page for a list of our current job openings.

Three Reasons Why You Should Consider Contract Employment.

Have you dreamed of taking a long vacation in the summer, but never could under traditional employment models? Selecting the right contract employment opportunities can make this a reality.

Have you dreamed about taking a long vacation, but never could under traditional employment models? Selecting the right contract employment opportunities can make this a reality.

Consider the following U.S. employment statistics regarding contract employment:

  • Approximately 40% of the employed workforce consists of contingent workers – an off shoot of “non-traditional” employment, including: freelancers, independent professionals, temporary contract workers, and independent contractors. (Jobenomics Blog “U.S.-Employment Analysis Q2-2016”)
  • Of those contingent workers, the staffing industry alone employs a weekly average of over 3 million temporary and contract professionals in a variety of US companies. (American Staffing Association)
  • Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) forecasts predict that the staffing industry will enjoy continued growth in 2017.

While these statistics are impressive, the thought of transitioning to a contract job from a tradition employment position can be unsettling for many people.

So…What is the appeal?

For those willing embrace a bit of ambiguity, the benefits of taking a contract role can be great for both career and work-life balance.  Here are our top 3:

  1. Work Flexibility.

    One of the big perks of switching to contract employment is the ability to decide when and where you want to work. You have the option of accepting positions that fit your schedule in places where you actually want to work. Have you dreamed of taking a long vacation in the summer, but never could with a traditional situation? Selecting the right contract positions can make this a reality. For example, it is entirely possible for you to work a six month position in Florida and then take a month or two off before accepting a position in Colorado or California.  It is common for our recruiters to speak with professionals that routinely take months off in between assignments to travel and spend time with family. With contract work, you have increased flexibility with your work schedule that many professionals simply do not have.

  2. Potential to Increase Your Earnings.

    Depending on the position and the client, contract workers often earn more money working in a contract assignment. In our experience, individuals with desired skill sets have the potential to earn significantly more on contract assignments as they would doing the same job in traditional permanent employment. At one time, this may have been compensation for a lack of benefits. However, more and more staffing firms are now offering benefits to contract employees that are comparable to benefits offered by employers of similar size. At Procedure Solutions Management, we offer comprehensive health, vision, dental, life insurance and 401k plans to contract and corporate employees alike.  Thanks to benefit offerings and potential to earnings increases, contract assignments are a viable option for many professionals.

  3. Expand Your Professional Network and Company Portfolio.

    Contract employment provides more opportunities to work with other industry professionals and grow your professional network. A survey conducted by LinkedIn.com in February 2016, found that approximately 85% of today’s jobs are landed due to networking. The increased level of exposure achieved through contract positions can lead to increased contacts and referrals that serve to further career aspirations.  Referrals are integral to the success of both staffing firms and candidates.  Our recruiters have seen first hand how having the right referrals and contacts can help land a “dream job” for their candidates.

Bonus (one more for those entering the workforce):

Explore Your Options.

In college, there is something to be said for taking a variety of courses before deciding on your major. This can give you a better understanding of your interests. It could even prevent you from switching majors halfway through your third year. Why not explore your job options, in the same fashion, before choosing where you want to settle down. Contract work can provide you with an opportunity to “try out” a variety of companies and see which ones are a match for your job interests and work preferences. It may also give you a chance to work on a more diverse array of projects with different teams under varying management styles.

 

To conclude…

A certain degree of apprehension is understandable, but pursuing contract employment can be very beneficial. Like any career decision, it’s about understanding your options, assessing the risks, weighing the benefits, and ultimately deciding to do what works best for you!

For more Contract Employment Information, subscribe to our blog using the link to the right of this post. Or, visit Employment Opportunities page for a list of our current job openings.