Senior Technical Recruiter - Rick McDowell
Rick began his recruiting career with Staff Resources Inc. in 1999. As the Senior Recruiter at SRI, Rick was given the responsibility for implementing an ISO certified quality system. In December of 2001 SRI was one of the first staffing organizations to achieve ISO 9001:2000 certification. The SRI quality system has brought consistency throughout the organization, which has led to greater customer satisfaction and it has been a model for other staffing organizations to follow.
Unlike most recruiters, Rick brings a unique skill set to SRI. Prior to recruiting, Rick worked in the Engineering, Management and Skilled Trades field for nearly 20 years.
Rick started his career out working in skilled trades as a Wood and Clay Model Maker/Prototype Tool Maker. This gave him the opportunity to work on a multitude of custom composite projects that included: automotive racing, recreational vehicles, heavy truck, aftermarket car and truck body components.
After a decade of experience, Rick and his co-worker partnered together to open their own business Progressive Model & Mold. After three years of successful business, both Rick and his partner were pursued by Aero Detroit/APX International to come and work on the Dodge Viper Program which was in the early prototype phase. Rick was on a team that developed the process and launched this flagship vehicle in record time.
Cambridge Industries purchased AeroDetorit/APX International and Rick was given engineering responsibilities for all Viper Tooling and various segments of the heavy truck prototype build process.
In late 1997, Rick was recruited by The Ticom Corporation, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, to develop specialty aftermarket truck and recreational vehicle components. Although the project was completed and ready for production, Northrop Grumman’s need to reduce corporate costs saw the funding for the business pulled.
After nearly 20 years in the composite industry, Rick saw a newspaper ad posted by SRI seeking a recruiter which sparked the idea for a career change. Rick was given the opportunity and has been with SRI ever since. Rick has often stated, “This career change has been one of the best decisions of my life. Recruiting gives you the opportunity to directly help many people. It’s very rewarding when you get to give someone the news that they just have been chosen for their next career opportunity.”
This real world, hands on experience has given Rick an advantage over many others in the recruiting industry. Rick has walked in the same or similar shoes as many the people that he is recruiting and has also held direct supervision over those individuals. This experience enhances his ability to understand the needs of the customer and the candidate.
Rick has a unique eye for talent and has been able to fill numerous, difficult to find individuals, where others in the industry have failed to do so. Industries that Rick and the recruiting team at SRI have been able to serve at SRI include: Aerospace, Steel, US Defense suppliers, Civil & Architectural Engineering firms, Accounting and Financial institutions, Automotive OEM’s and Suppliers, Food and Beverage Packaging, Cement and Building Material manufacturers, Diesel Powertrain manufacturers, Chemical Industries, Human Resources Management and Automation Design & Engineering firms.
Rick can be contacted at 248-488-8882.
