year in review Archives - Blue Signal Search

2023 State of The Signal: Blue Signal’s Year in Review

February 16, 2024 by Taylor Leonard

Gathering virtually to celebrate Blue Signal's triumphs, our January, "State of The Signal" meeting was a testament to the strides we've made. The past year has been nothing short of remarkable for our company, marked by significant achievements, growth, and industry recognition. In this 2023 year in review, we're excited to share the milestones that have defined us and the paths we've paved toward a promising future.

Key Highlights from Our 2023 Year in Review:

Company Growth & Achievements

Reflecting on our 2023 year in review, it's clear that it was a banner year for Blue Signal. We reached an unprecedented milestone of 2,500 total placements. We're proud not only of the quantity but the quality of connections we've fostered, shaping careers, and empowering businesses. This achievement underscores our impactful presence in the recruiting industry and our unwavering dedication to connecting talent with opportunity. Another accolade reached was receiving Forbes recognition as America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms and America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms, further solidifying our standing, a proud moment we've celebrated for the first time since 2020. Adding to our list of recognitions, we were honored to be named on Inc. Magazine’s annual Best Workplaces list, a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment.

A collage of Blue Signal's awards and recognitions in 2023, affirming their industry excellence and leadership.

In our 2023 year in review, Blue Signal's team witnessed remarkable growth, extending our global reach and further enriching our corporate culture. The expansion of our team has been both strategic and international, welcoming 11 new members and bringing our total to 86 employees worldwide. This includes the pivotal hires of Kendra Morales as Chief Client Officer (CCO), and Joe Horvath as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who have been instrumental in our growth trajectory. Our recruiters now span across 23 states and the Dominican Republic, highlighting our ever-growing geographic diversity and reach.

Map of the United States showing the spread of Blue Signal's recruiters across 23 states, indicating the company's nationwide reach.

Innovations & Strategic Moves in 2023

As part of our 2023 year in review, let’s explore the strategic advancements and innovations that have propelled Blue Signal forward.

"Blue Signal's strategic moves and innovations in 2023, including successful EOS implementation and tech stack expansion.

Embracing EOS for Unified Vision & Execution:

The successful implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) has been a game-changer, streamlining our operations and setting a foundation for scalable growth. Our company-wide exploration of the book "What The Heck Is EOS?" unified our vision and execution, ensuring collective focus and accountability from the ground up. This wasn’t just about learning a new system — it was an alignment of vision and action, ensuring that everyone from executives to new hires was synchronized in our mission and methods.

Revamping Talent Acquisition:

Our talent acquisition process saw a significant overhaul, integrating new technologies that broadened our capabilities. This retooling was aimed not just at enhancing efficiency but at fundamentally improving the recruitment experience. By prioritizing a human-centric approach, supported by the latest in technology, we've redefined the standards for connecting talent with opportunities.

Expanding Our Technological Capabilities:

In a year marked by significant technological advancements, Blue Signal not only capitalized on our existing arsenal of tech platforms like PCRecruiter, LinkedIn Recruiter, Microsoft SharePoint, CareerBuilder, Indeed, Dice, and RingCentral but also expanded our capabilities with a host of innovative tools. We embraced new solutions such as SmallPDF for streamlined document management, Scribe for effortless process documentation, and Calendly to simplify meeting scheduling. Our recruitment capabilities were further enhanced by integrating ZoomInfo for deeper market insights, SourceWhale for efficient outreach, and MooreEssentials alongside Abstrakt AI, leveraging artificial intelligence to refine our search and engagement strategies.

As we look ahead to 2024, we are excited to announce the upcoming adoption of Monday.com, promising to bring an even higher level of organization and efficiency to our operations. Our proactive approach to technology adoption ensures we continue to offer unparalleled service to our clients and candidates alike, reaffirming our position at the forefront of recruitment innovation.

Launching a New Era of Blue Signal Staffing Solutions:

2023 marked a pivotal transition with the in-house integration of Blue Signal Search Staffing, alongside the launch of our new staffing website. We've set new benchmarks for excellence in the recruiting industry, as a gateway to specialized staffing solutions. Our new site reflects our adaptability to the changing needs of businesses and our foresight in anticipating industry trends. With this platform, we've reinforced our promise to deliver exceptional service in the evolving world of work.

Blue Signal Staffing's homepage showcasing their services for employers and job seekers with a clear and engaging interface.

Recognition & Culture: A Key Part of Our 2023 Year in Review

Celebrating Employee Excellence:

Our culture of recognition truly shined in 2023, with our top team members earning accolades for their exceptional contributions. Seven standout recruiters were named Pacesetters, a title reserved for those who surpass our high standards and drive remarkable results. Furthermore, 22 individuals were commended for their steadfast adherence to our core values and impressive metrics. Each of these recognitions is more than an award – it's a testament to our team's unwavering commitment and the spirit of excellence that defines Blue Signal.

Giving Back with Purpose:

The heart of Blue Signal's culture lies in our philanthropic spirit, exemplified by our annual Blue Signal Gives Back initiative. This year, Ryan Walsh championed the cause for the Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome Foundation, leading to a heartfelt donation of $1,875. This initiative not only supports vital research and community-building efforts for those affected by SKS but also reflects our deep-rooted belief in the power of giving.

Ryan Walsh and Matt Walsh from Blue Signal proudly present a donation check to the Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome Foundation

Learn more about Blue Signal Gives Back

Blue Signal Search Women of the Workplace:

The 2023 year in review wouldn’t be complete without highlighting the impactful initiatives from Blue Signal Search Women of the Workplace (BSS WOW). This year's activities were full of enriching experiences that not only fostered personal growth but also strengthened our sense of community. We held our first-ever book club meeting, where we dived into the principles of "Atomic Habits" to inspire personal and professional growth. Additionally, our connection journaling workshop provided a creative outlet for introspection and bonding. To end the year, we embodied the spirit of the season, by volunteering for Live and Learn AZ’s Holiday Toy Drive, raising over $1500 worth of toys for families in the community. These events, along with other updates throughout the year, have strengthened our women of the workforce, making us more united and resilient as a team.

Blue Signal team members proudly display a collection of toys donated to Live and Learn AZ's annual Holiday Toy Drive.

Learn more about Blue Signal Women of the Workplace

Looking Ahead: Goals for 2024

After reflecting on our 2023 year in review, it was time to reveal our visionary theme for 2024: "Evolving Excellence." This theme is not just a tagline, it's a declaration of our relentless pursuit to redefine excellence within the recruiting industry. It's about pushing boundaries, continuous improvement, and setting the highest standards in everything we do. We're all in, “all gas, no breaks” — this means going full throttle in our efforts to deliver unparalleled service and results. It's our promise to be the trailblazers of tomorrow and to make a lasting impact on the recruiting industry.

The 2024 theme 'Evolving Excellence' presented against a backdrop of an astronaut floating in space.

2023 Year in Review Conclusion

As we conclude our 2023 year in review, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the milestones we've reached and the vibrant future that awaits. This reflection not only celebrates our past achievements but also steers us towards an even more successful 2024. Our journey of "Evolving Excellence" is just getting started, and we're eager to continue making a difference, one placement at a time. Here's to a year of unparalleled success, innovation, and growth at Blue Signal.

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2021: A Year for Growth

January 5, 2022 by Lacey Walters

Kicking off the new year, Blue Signal would like to use this time to celebrate what we accomplished in 2021. We had set pretty hefty goals for ourselves following the Coronavirus Crash of 2020, and weren’t sure how achievable they may be with all of the uncertainty surrounding the professional landscape. Despite these fears and variables, we charged on — setting goals for placements, revenue, hiring, expanding, and growing as an organization. Every accomplishment we were able to achieve was a series of small steps toward growth. Let’s take the time to reflect and examine them.

Growth in Placements

In August of 2020, Blue Signal achieved 1,000 all-time placements. This was a huge accomplishment, especially given the circumstances of that year! However, closing out 2021 with over 1,500 placements marks the fastest growth period in Blue Signal history.

To us, those 1,500 placements translate to 1,500 changed lives; 1,500 stronger teams; 1,500 career moves; and so much more. These relationships that we cultivate are what make us successful, and result in a lasting impact. When we make placements, it’s not just to get a number on the board — it’s to ensure the best matches possible for clients and candidates. These incredible placements are what set us apart, and that’s clear in the feedback we receive.

Getting people opportunities for growth is why we do what we do. Our core values of excellence, transparency, integrity, commitment, and respect all align with our placement guarantees and each of our recruiting practices. Helping others is in our DNA, and it’s so rewarding to see it come to fruition — especially at an accelerated pace like it was in 2021!

Initiatives and New Offerings

In the spirit of growth and giving back, Blue Signal also took 2021 as an opportunity to update and expand our hiring practices and offerings. We took a look at the market and saw a need in more niche, specialized fields like lighting, emerging technology, and the internet of everything. With needs in these rapidly-growing fields, we’re staying ahead of the tech to best support clients in those industries.

Additionally, we’ve dialed into our existing candidate pool and are actively working to promote the very things that set candidates apart – their unique backgrounds. It's our commitment to finding candidates the job of their dreams. For those with military backgrounds, that means translating their military experience to the civilian world and supporting them through the hiring process. Our veteran recruiting practice will work to assess applicants’ military backgrounds and goals to better align them with a fulfilling role in the civilian world.

Furthermore, candidates asked and we listened when it comes to applicant resources. We began planning the new Resume and Career Services, powered by Blue Signal, which is set to launch in early 2022. This subscription-based service will offer members self-directed coursework to gain the tools needed to empower job seekers on their career projection, job moves, and more.

Although not an entirely new concept, we did update and solidify our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and practices throughout the company. As recruiters, it has always been our duty to advance and promote workplace DEI. Blue Signal has championed this effort internally by educating and certifying 100% of our recruiters on the subject. Externally, we are educating hiring managers and ensuring the hiring experience is free of discrimination and bias. As we advance into 2022 with these missions in mind, we’re hoping to better the hiring landscape for organizations across the board.

Awards and Recognition

Perhaps one of our fondest accomplishments in 2021 were the awards we were recognized with. In 2021, we were named as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation. Industry Wired dubbed us one of the 10 Best Companies to Work for in 2021. We ranked as number 1750 on the Inc 5000 list and were listed as a Best Workplaces Honoree for Inc Magazine. In our headquarter state of Arizona, we were named among the Top Companies to Work for in Arizona, as well as Ranking Arizona’s #2 Executive Search and #4 Technical Placement Firm. We were also named as a Top Recruiter for Best of Tempe, and won the Copper Award for Healthy Arizona Worksites.

As a result of the hardships of 2020, Blue Signal realized its full potential. Despite being a company of under 50 employees, we’ve accomplished so much following what had been the hardest year yet. The recognition we’ve received from these awards humbles us in our mission, but also gives us reassurance that we’re on the right path when it comes to transforming the recruiting industry for the better.

Company Growth

Overall, this small but mighty team prospered. Blue Signal grew its internal workforce by 25% in 2021. With that, we now have professionals positioned in 13 states across the US – providing better coverage nationally. 2021 marked 3-year revenue growth of 261% – and counting! With more support internally, we were able to get back to doing what we do best – helping others. We are looking forward to the growth that 2022 is sure to bring, and what that will mean in terms of results for candidates and clients alike.

Looking Ahead

When defining goals and examining what growth will mean for the company in 2022, we’ve set the bar high. Internally, we are looking to hire 25 more recruiters by year-end, meaning a 50% increase in our workforce. We are positioning ourselves for the anticipated growth in professional services, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation and warehousing industries. Leveraging our tried-and-true resources, we are expecting even more success this year.

It’s a very exciting time for us here at Blue Signal. The last year taught us that no matter the conditions, staying true to our core values and mission will lead to success. We look forward to continuing our partnership with each one of our clients and candidates, and hope to help them all on their own growth paths in 2022. Thank you to all who helped contribute to an incredible 2021 – here's to what lies ahead!

2020-2021 Blue Signal Virtual Summit Awards

January 14, 2021 by Aylish DeVore

In 2020, Blue Signal expanded its recruiting team to 24 full-time recruiters, brought on an additional 3 operations team members, and awarded several promotions to some of its senior team members. We placed over 300 qualified candidates in exciting new roles, and despite the difficult circumstances brought on by Covid-19, we were able to exceed our annual revenue from 2019. This year our annual Blue Signal Summit looked a little different as it was held virtually, rather than in-person in Scottsdale, Arizona. None the less, we were elated to come together to review our record-breaking 2020 awards and discuss big plans for 2021 and beyond.

If it weren’t for our incredible leadership, we would not be where we are today. At the Summit, Blue Signal Owner and Executive Vice President, Matt Walsh, announced several awards to recognize some of our top performers and exemplary mentors.

Top Cash In & Top Billings 2020 - Ryan Walsh

Within his first two years in the industry, Ryan Walsh has achieved the awards for Top Cash-In and Top Billings two years in a row - a feat unheard of in recruiting. This past year he was promoted to Senior Recruiting Manager for his diligence and eagerness to share knowledge with junior members of the team. While accepting his award, Ryan took the time to thank his team and the fellow recruiters that worked together on split placements that all contributed to securing these milestones. He also gave a special shoutout to our Project Manager Kimberly Sjurson, who was brought on just six months ago and has truly made a huge impact at Blue Signal through her hard work and dedication.

MVP Award 2020 - Lacey Walters

As the “lifeblood of Blue Signal,” Lacey Walters was recognized as the three-time recipient of the MVP, Top Contributor award. During his speech, Matt mentioned that without Lacey’s daily, behind-the-scenes work, none of what we do at Blue Signal would be possible. Over the years, Lacey has been able to grow her team, and by building an incredible support system she leads the execution of all marketing aspects for Blue Signal with ease. She is truly the company’s MVP and has proven it time and time again as she contributes to the company’s overall success and earns this acknowledgment.

Record-Breaking 2020 Awards - Jonathan Lee

Excellence Award 2020 - Jonathan Lee

In his announcement, Matt congratulated Jonathan Lee with the nickname “Jonny Excellence,” as this award was created specifically with him in mind. Matt voiced his appreciation of all Jonathan’s support, as he is always there to help with the most positive attitude and continues to put in the extra mile in all he does. As the first recipient of the Best Support Award at last year’s summit, it comes with no surprise that Jonathan is yet again acknowledged for his hard work. Jonathan is constantly focused on excellence for himself and the team and is truly a beacon of the word. We’re extremely grateful to have Jonathan as part of the team!

Record-Breaking 2020 Awards - Kelsey Campion

Top Contractor Billings 2020 - Kelsey Campion

With over $100K in contractor billings, Kelsey Campion secured the award for the Top Contractor Billings in 2020. Matt said it best when he described Kelsey as an “absolute machine” when it comes to contract roles. He mentioned her extreme dedication and work ethic as she is always making herself available by working nights, weekends, and holidays to secure her roles and keep pushing for more. Kelsey’s efforts this year played a huge part in Blue Signal being recognized as part of Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Temporary Staffing Firms for 2020. We don’t know how she does it, but she continues to improve and outperform her personal records on a regular basis.

Record-Breaking 2020 Awards - Brent Stokes

First Year Top Billings 2020 - Brent Stokes

In order to recognize Brent Stokes’ mind-blowing performance, this award was newly created to recognize his achievements as a new member of the Blue Signal team. With almost 4 years of recruiting experience behind him, Brent joined Blue Signal in February of 2020 and was able to secure over $300K in total billings in the remaining 10 months of the year. In his speech, Matt congratulated Brent on all he has accomplished and shared his appreciation for Brent’s dedication to learning, and for serving as a role model for others to learn from. We hope to replicate this kind of success and drive in future recruiters to come.

These 5 individuals embody Blue Signal’s core values of excellence, transparency, integrity, commitment, and respect. They put clients and candidates first, no matter the circumstance; and drive the culture of the organization through leading by example. These standout team members earned their prestigious recognition, and we are all excited to see what success 2021 will bring them, and the company as a whole.