A longtime veteran of the recruiting industry, Reina Bluth has a great deal of experience in all aspects of human resources and is a dynamic individual whose business savvy has served her well in enhancing the communities in which she has worked. Her thorough knowledge of the Portland, Oregon, market and her insightful philosophy with regard to staffing practices has assisted Mrs. Bluth in identifying the most ideal candidates for available positions, and she is consistently viewed as a vital asset in every setting in which she has contributed.
Having held key positions in a number of companies in the Portland area, she is a highly respected professional whose reputation precedes her in any business interaction. As a human resources professional and recruiter with VanderHouwen and Associates, Mrs. Bluth is a vital component of a company known for its ability to place highly qualified professionals in the fields of technology, accounting and engineering. The company is highly regarded for its business practices and has earned frequent praise for its individualized staffing services.
Through her attention to detail and her status as a consistent source of energy and enthusiasm, Mrs. Bluth has developed a reputation within the industry as a versatile professional who takes pride in the results she is able to deliver. Over the course of her 12 years in the industry, she has served in a variety of roles, including senior recruiter, business operations manager, human resources consultant, account manager and technical recruiter. It is clear that she frequently draws upon her varied professional experiences in her current role with VanderHouwen and Associates, and her success with the company is certainly the result of a combination of her vast experience and expertise.
How did you get started? What sparked this business idea?
There is a great deal of demand in the Portland area for highly skilled professionals, but it is not all that easy to find those professionals quickly. We found that we could serve as a valuable resource for companies in the area who are in need of professionals in specialized fields by identifying the best candidate and placing them in a position in which all parties are able to benefit.
How do you make money?
Without going into great detail regarding our business practices and what makes us profitable, we provide a service that is valuable to companies and professionals. The services we offer are priced quite reasonably, and the results that we achieve are consistently praised.
How long did it take to get your business into the black?
The company was profitable on an almost immediate basis, as there was a great need for the services offered when the company was initially founded, and that need certainly still exists today.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
No, I never had any doubts with regard to the continued success of the company. The quality of the services we provide is so outstanding that I have the utmost confidence that we will only continue to grow with each passing day.
How did you get your first customer?
The company arose out of the growing demand for staffing services that were highly specialized, so the first customer may actually predate the founding of the business. In any case, the company experienced a high level of demand upon its first year in business.
How are you marketing your business? What strategy works best?
We work with a lot of the same companies on a recurring basis, and they know that they can expect only the most skilled professionals from our staffing services.
We benefit from referrals from the professionals that we place, but we also make sure that companies in the area are aware of our services. This is especially true as we continue to expand.
Is there a trend in your industry that particularly excites you right now?
It is very exciting to see all of the motivated individuals who are entering the workforce and are in need of our assistance. This is strictly anecdotal, but it seems as if the overwhelming majority of the professionals that we have been placing lately are extremely hard-working and dedicated individuals. I believe that the competition found in the job market has resulted in a workforce that is both highly intelligent and extremely diligent.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
I make so many difficult decisions on any given day that it is impossible to identify just one. The nature of my work simply dictates that I will be faced with countless tough decisions on a daily basis, so I do everything that I possibly can to make sure I am making the most ideal decision each and every time.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I am an extremely dedicated individual and I highly value my integrity when it comes to making business decisions. When making any decision, I do so while considering as many relevant factors as possible so that I am able to arrive at the best possible outcome.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
It is so incredibly satisfying each and every time I am able to create a business relationship between a professional and a company. Since I do this on a daily basis, I feel extremely grateful that I have been put in such a rewarding position.
Tell us about one of your hobbies when you’re not working.
I love to spend time with my family, baking, cooking are my passions, and spending time outdoors hiking in the area is always a great weekend in Portland. Of course, Portland always has so many interesting and unique things going on that is nearly impossible to have a weekend in which there is not something fun to do.
What unique traits do you bring to your profession?
We always strive to ensure that our placements are highly individualized according to the needs of all of the parties involved. We are looking for long-term solutions, and the best way to ensure that a professional match will last is to find the perfect initial fit.