Today we’d like to introduce you to Everet Bluth.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Everet. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My dream was always to own my own business, and I wasn’t all that particular as to what it was. So I pursued a degree in business management, majoring in what is now commonly known as management science or a data scientist. In 1996, I left a very secure job at the Federal Reserve after 11 years as an Internal Operations Consultant to join IRI, a small entrepreneurial firm specializing in Human Resources consulting founded in 1974. The company was well established by this time, with a very impressive list of domestic and international clients. I was hired for a position “no one else in the company wanted” — which turned out to be “Director” of operations, statistics/analytics, customer service, and pretty much everything else except business development and accounting. In addition, I was tasked with growing a new service line — customer satisfaction measurement.
Within six months my title changed from Director to VP, and over the next two I years developed the new service line into a $500K/year product. In 2009, I had the opportunity to acquire the business so I finally owned my own business.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not entirely, but I’d say we weathered the economic instabilities during the early 2000s OK. Since joining the firm 20 years ago, we have weathered our way through ups and downs of business economic cycles, finding innovative and cost-effective ways to meet the changing needs of our clients. Fortunately, since most of our business is international, we have been relatively insulated from the domestic swings. Another challenge is the of technology and flow of information. We are continually reassessing our tools and processes in order to keep up with customer demands.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with IRI Consulting – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
IRI is a human resources consulting company. Our specialty is our employee engagement survey expertise. Our survey measures key elements of the workplace environment that motivate employees to perform above and beyond “what is expected of them.” Clients hire us to give every employee the opportunity to “safely voice” how they feel about their job experience. The information can help company leadership manage their most important asset — their people — in ways that ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
IRI also provides other related HR services such as talent development and training seminars. We also have experience helping clients uncover their employee value proposition which can help them be more effective in finding employees with the best “fit” for not only the job, but also with the company. Occasionally we’ll get adhoc, unusual requests such as taking a deeper dive into employee turnover, or something out of the ordinary. Bottom line is, if it can be measured, we can do the research and data mine the answers.
IRI is well-known for our survey experience and expertise, but what sets IRI apart is our up-close-and-personal touch we give each client and our flexibility in meeting their needs. We have a 97.8% customer satisfaction rating, which would be about 4.9 on a 5-star rating. Big consulting shops have a tendency to fit clients into their box (and charge a lot to go outside the box), whereas IRI tries our best to fit our box of services to the client.
What am I most proud of?
1st: Being a positive contributor to the success of our clients — it is very rewarding to see the results of a project continue to have positive impact on the client decade later, and will continue to do indefinitely into the future.
2nd: Our average client engagement relationship is 15+ years.
3rd: Our team…we are a cohesive group of seasoned professionals dedicated to the needs of our clients. We do what it takes to deliver. If this means late nights, long weekends, etc., my team always steps up. And I am very proud of that. One of my team refers to IRI as the “irresistible” workplace.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Dallas has pretty much everything one might need for personal, recreational, entertainment or professional purposes. We have everything from art to rodeo to world class museums, etc. I’ve lived here for over thirty years, raised three kids here, and never lacked for anything I was looking for if I made the effort to find it. Also, this area is relatively stable economically compared to other metropolitan areas, has great education options, and generally sociable and friendly. I can’t think of anything I don’t like, other than the summer heat. However, my one concern is this area has a great business climate coupled with a generally family-friendly environment so recently several large companies have moved into the area (I fully expect more to come). I hope people moving here from other parts of the country remember why they moved here and help us keep the pulse and spirit that make Dallas a great place.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2340 E Trinity Mills Rd., Suite 330
- Website: www.iriconsulting.com
- Phone: (214) 802-2407
- Email: irisurveys@iriconsulting.com
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
