Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in staffing and recruiting but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gina Matteson, Founder and CEO of GemTek Recruiting, located in Brockville, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

GemTek is client focused and fundamentally believes in responsible recruitment. Our core values include transparency, respect, true partnership, and inclusion. Our values for success are more relevant now than ever before. Leadership demands have grown exponentially. Recruitment is more about partnership and understanding people and business needs now than ever before. Becoming agile in an ever-changing environment means the ability to attract talented people that are the right fit.

The demands on leadership have never been greater. This is why companies today want more than a traditional ‘recruiting company’; they want personalized solutions in true partnership. This is GemTek. GemTek has access to an extensive network of candidates using its new AI-based recruiting platform and a large candidate base with proven, pre-qualified professionals that are ready for a change.

Our fully customizable solution is the cornerstone of our relationship-based approach that leads to high retention and satisfaction for both clients and candidates.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the Recruiting Industry for over 20 years. I decided to open my own firm just ten days before the Covid hit, and while my previous employer offered my job back to me, I decided to keep going with my own firm in the face of all the unknown covid issues and impact on small businesses. But what I did know is that my network of clients and candidates needed me, needed help, and I wasn't about to abandon ship!

Now, over two years later, GemTek is proudly servicing clients across the USA and Canada. We specialize in C-level, VP, D, and IT-level roles. However, with over 20 years of experience, my clients ask for my assistance in many new industries, and I am always able to deliver what they need. I love what I do, and it shows to both my clients and candidates. My LinkedIn recommendations will say everything anyone needs to know about working with me/GemTek.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I launched ten days before Covid, but I stuck with it because the world needed help, and I could help. I literally helped place candidates in many new jobs, and I helped re-write resumes if they needed, update LinkedIn profiles, whatever was needed; I was willing to help because I come from a place of trust and transparency and genuine care to help all parties. I believe that's the pillar of success for GemTek.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

There is no 'off' switch. When you work in an office or for another company, there's more support, but as a sole entrepreneur, I have to handle everything, so it is easy to work very long hours, but I work hard to achieve a work-life balance.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. The most important thing is to have a clear vision of what you want your business to achieve and then align all of your actions and decisions with that vision.
  2. It's also critical to surround yourself with the right team of people who can help you execute your vision.
  3. And finally, always be learning and growing as an individual and as a business. Constantly strive to improve and get better, and you'll be successful.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would also love to share that during the slow times in the beginning because of Covid, I published my first novel, A Thousand Masks. It's a fictional novel but inspired by true events. I wrote this book to raise awareness about child sexual abuse, the signs to look for and women in the workplace, and the pitfalls that happen every day. For more information, please visit www.ginamatteson.com.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://gemtek.company/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemtek.company
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemtek.company/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GemTek
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginamatteson/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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