The idea of being your own boss and creating your own success is a tale as old as time. A simple Google search will yield countless articles and books, all designed to help the reader say goodbye to the W2 and hello to a world of “freedom.” However, for all the books and deep-dives and webinars, very few people are their own boss. This notion got us thinking, is this idea realistic, and is it achievable?  

Recently, we sat down to get insights from two of our successful business partners, Josie Crudo and Steven Dubrinsky. As Goodwin Recruiting partners, Josie and Steven are officially their own bosses, and the following is their take on what they see as the high points and pitfalls of being solely responsible for their own success. 

What led you to become a recruiter for Goodwin Recruiting?  

Josie: I was approached by a Goodwin Internal Recruiter. After speaking with multiple people, I could tell Goodwin Recruiting was different. I had been in leadership positions for a good majority of my career, and the thought of leading and managing my own business was intriguing. So, I gave it a shot! My journey began in early 2020, and I haven’t looked back since.

Steve: I was a franchisee of Little Caesars and other concepts. I loved the work but didn’t love how it had taken over my life. By 2014, I was burned out. I sold my business, moved to Atlanta, and began to look for a new career. That’s when I saw an advertisement for an Independent Contractor opportunity with Goodwin Recruiting. With my extensive restaurant experience, I figured I could be good at this, and I was right.  

February 2022 marks my seventh anniversary with Goodwin, and I wish I had made the switch ten years before that. People always talk about work-life balance. I didn’t know what that meant until I started my own recruiting business. I work hard, no doubt. Sometimes, I don’t take lunch breaks, and I’m often on my computer again after dinner, but that’s ok because I can pick my kids up from school and disconnect when we’re on vacation. It is a balance now, and when I’m working it’s great to know it’s on my terms.    

There’s some risk involved in recruiting; sometimes candidates and clients don’t work out; why do you do what you do? 

Josie: That’s so true; in fact, that happens a lot. You need to remember that you have to go with the flow in the recruiting world. There are so many things that are outside of our control and we can’t dwell on it. Decisions are being made that are impacting people’s lives so we have to keep that top of mind. You have to stay focused and get back to the tasks at hand. Finding someone else that you can help is a good distraction from the bad things that can happen.

Steve: I agree with Josie on that. When I think of why we do it, the payout is nice, of course. But really for me, it’s about changing someone’s life. When I’m able to help a candidate who was making 35K a year land a position making 60K a year, well, that’s life changing! That’s a feeling I can bottle up and carry around with me every day. You have to love helping people to be successful in recruiting.  

Josie: Indeed! When I first started in early 2020, I was putting in many hours, but it didn’t even feel like work most of the time because it was honestly so rewarding.

So, what are the keys to being your own boss as a Goodwin Recruiting partner and creating your own success? 

Steve: To be successful, you have to have a good work ethic, drive, motivation, be goal-oriented, and tenacious. You also really need to have an ownership mentality. The way I see it, the only way you will not be successful in this role is if you choose not to put in the work.   

Josie: Absolutely. Goodwin provides so much support and so many resources. There‘s a roadmap they provide that is the recipe for success. If you follow this roadmap, you will be successful; you just need to trust the process. When I think of the platform offered for Goodwin Recruiting partners, there really is not a better opportunity out there.   

What next steps should someone interested in a position with Goodwin Recruiting take? 

Josie: I’d say reach out to a Goodwin Internal Recruiter and have a conversation. But I will tell you, you need to be in it for the right reasons. I coach new recruiters in their first few weeks as Goodwin Recruiting partners, and I can quickly tell how invested they are. If they’re just looking to make a quick buck, I can pretty much guarantee they won’t like it and won’t make it. You honestly have to be hard-working and altruistic. This work is a labor of love.   

Any final thoughts or words of wisdom? 

Steve: If you’re willing to put in the necessary time and effort, and you are intrigued by the idea of owning your own business and success, reach out for a conversation. The more successful recruiters we have under the Goodwin umbrella, the better. Someone else’s success doesn’t diminish mine or Josie’s. It lifts us all, and we’d love to help you get there.  

To learn more about becoming a recruiting partner: 

https://www.goodwinrecruiting.com/join-our-team/