Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Battle.
Tamara, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In my previous job I traveled quite a bit, much of the time it was 3-5 days a week. I loved what I was doing! However, having young kids, it became unfair for me to continue. When I walked away, I began to reach out to people within my network. One CEO that I had worked closely with in the past said, “I have always admired the teams that you built and the standards that you held them too. I have a few Director level roles that I am struggling to place. Why don’t you help me fill these while you figure out your next steps?”
I accepted the challenge and was quickly able to fill those positions. That led to more work, which led to more. He knew a few CEO’s and COO’s that needed similar help and referred me to them. It wasn’t long before I knew I had found my niche and Ivey Talent Partners, named after my late Grandfather, Leo Ivey, was born!
Today, 90% of our business still comes through referrals! Which is the certainly flattering. I have built an incredible team and have partnered with some extraordinary brands across the country.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say the biggest struggle of owning your own company is being mindful of the fact that you are not paid on a regular basis. There have been times when we will go months without receiving payment. Then suddenly ten invoices are paid and you are set for the year.
It took a bit of time to learn to manage that. However, we have been extremely blessed to see an average of over 165% increase in sales year over year thus far. With an incredible year one, this is a huge feat that I am personally very proud of.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ivey Talent Partners story. Tell us more about the business.
At Ivey Talent Partners we focus on Executive Recruiting in the Restaurant, Retail, and Hospitality space. Our approach is that of getting to know our client companies inside and out. Not only do we want to hear from the senior leadership teams, but also those who work on the front lines! Culture can vary greatly from the top down. It is important that we have a firm understanding of what we are walking a candidate into. In fact, many times we are asked to come in as consultants to determine the difference between the advertised or intended culture, the actual culture, the perceived culture, etc.
The bulk of our work tends to be on the operations side. However, often our clients reached out for other help as well. We have placed C-level, VP, and Director roles across operations, IT, Recruiting, etc. and maintain strong ties throughout all levels of business in order to best serve our clients.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I would say luck has played zero part of my success. As a matter of fact, I find it almost offensive, if not a bit hurtful, when people say “You are always so lucky!”. No, no I am not. I have worked really hard all of my life to network with the right people, learn everything that I possibly can, and to give myself everything that I strive for.
Did I luck into starting a successful business? I did not. But, Man am I grateful for what I have!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iveytalent.com
- Phone: 1-888-757-IVEY (4839)
- Email: contactus@iveytalent.com
- Instagram: iveytalent
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