Fixing Your Builder Hiring Process

Owen sits down with Suman Cherry, founder of Cherry Talent Group, a recruiting firm specializing in the construction industry, particularly custom home builders. With 25 years of experience, Suman shares why finding the right people is the critical first step before implementing any process.

They dive deep into the practicalities of hiring for roles like Superintendents, Project Managers, and Estimators. Suman explains her consultative approach, emphasizing the importance of a structured interview process, identifying core values, asking behavioral questions (“Tell me about a time you failed”) , and looking beyond the resume to find candidates who are solutions to specific business pains. She also tackles why money isn’t the main reason top talent leaves and how a strong company culture becomes your biggest recruiting advantage.

🕒 Timestamped Key Points

• [01:43] Specializing in construction and custom home builders
• [03:19] Why your people are your business
• [04:40] Hire candidates who are solutions to your pain
• [06:59] Hire slow, fire fast: The intentional process
• [08:50] Asking behavioral questions to reveal core values
• [15:37] Where to source applicants: Passive headhunting
• [16:46] Why top talent really leaves (it’s not just money)
• [20:11] The hardest role to fill: Estimators
• [23:59] First steps: Identify what you hate doing & hire for it
• [25:51] Why you need clear SOPs for effective onboarding

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