Reina Bluth is a human resources and recruiting professional who is able to draw on over a decade of experience in the industry. One of the most highly respected recruiters in all of the Pacific Northwest, Mrs. Reina Bluth is best known for her efforts in the Portland area, where she frequently connects technology professionals with companies in need of their skilled expertise. With Vanderhouwen & Associates, Reina Bluth has been able to significantly enhance the business community in which she works, and her efforts have allowed her to thrive in a uniquely challenging industry.
As a recruiter and a human resources professional, Ms. Bluth is often tasked with identifying the most ideal fit between an employer and a professional. Mrs. Bluth has shown time and again that she is a capable professional who understands the skill set needed by a company and is able to identify the most ideally skilled candidate for a given position. With experience in sales, account management and recruiting, Mrs. Bluth is an expert in her field who can cite countless successes throughout her lengthy career in business.
Never one to miss an opportunity to take a challenge head-on, Mrs. Bluth is frequently called upon to weigh in on any number of issues relating to the day-to-day operations of the company. She has taken on an increasingly expansive role with Vanderhouwen & Associates as of late, and Mrs. Bluth has only continued to excel as she accepts a greater level of responsibility.
Where did the idea for Vanderhouwen & Associates come from?
We serve a vital role in the industry that had not previously been filled, so the idea came from the absence of a service that was genuinely needed, our niche in being the premier staffing provider in the Pacific Northwest that is committed to serve our clients. Our President’s commitment to individual attention and providing outstanding service to a unique industry was the foundation for creating Vanderhouwen & Associates, we have assisted both companies and professionals in a way that is mutually beneficial.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I enjoy the fact that each workday presents new and different challenges, and I relish the opportunity to take on those challenges in a productive manner. So while there is no “typical” workday, I can always expect to feel a great sense of reward as a result of my workplace productivity. The impact that my role has is twofold: first, you can literally change the life of an individual by placing them in their dream job, you can effectively change the direction and the success of a corporation with a single great hire in a key role.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I have never been the type of person who can just sit on an idea for very long, which is fortunate because our workplace values creativity so greatly. As soon as I am able, I like to run any idea that I may have had by one of our team members to get their insights so that the idea can be improved so it can eventually be implemented in the workplace. It takes a team and an environment that allows for creativity and trust to impact businesses, our company values all of us and encourages ideas, simply sharing weekly or daily in meetings we all lean and share trends that work and don’t work.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I have been interviewing a lot of candidates who have been consistently pursuing opportunities for continuing education. What is really great about this is these candidates simply value education in and of itself and not just because it increases their earning potential in some meaningful way.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as a recruiter?
I am constantly looking for ways to better myself, and this enables me to stay in a state of self-evaluation at all times. It is because of this that I understand what I can do better and how I can help the company become more successful through my efforts.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I do not like to disparage any previous employer, even if it was many years ago. I can say, however, that I have since learned that work life balance is an important consideration in accepting a position, but the most important aspect is that the work itself is enjoyable and rewarding. I have been very fortunate to work for two family owned firms in the Portland market, that have valued their employees and truly allowed for my career to grow and add value to the market.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I am very content with how we got to this point, so I would not do a thing differently. We are poised for long-term success and have built a company that is highly regarded throughout our industry. I absolutely love where I am and what I do, I am very grateful to have found my purpose in what I do daily.
As an recruiter and account manager, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
I am always looking for ways to collaborate with others. There is so much that can be gained from sharing ideas with others and discussing different possibilities from perspectives you may not have ever considered.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
I think this goes without saying, but the most beneficial strategy that we use in growing our business is ensuring that our services benefit our clients as much as possible. Our reputation is important for our continued success, and we certainly want to give our clients the best possible services at all times.
What is one failure you had as a recruiter, and how did you overcome it?
This might sound cliché, but Bill Gates said once, “its fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” I can say that there is a lot to be learned about a person by observing how they react to failure. My biggest lesson is that you never take a client for granted, I can honestly say settling in your role and in your communication, and efforts is the one area that I work on daily. Our business strives on service, maintaining your level of quality is key to being successful in our industry. Never settle.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I always thought it would be great if there was a business that purchased distressed real estate that was clearly undervalued and then renovated it to restore its value. Rather than selling the home right then and there, I would put renters and a property manager in place and then sell the home as an investment that produces income from day one. Buying your home and finding your dream job are vital areas in an individual’s life, I find it rewarding to be able to help others.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I took out some of the team members to brunch on a Sunday at this great place in downtown Portland. There was a long wait at the place we initially planned on going, so we ended up at this great little diner where everything on the menu was so incredibly cheap. The food was great, and I was able to buy everyone’s breakfast and still had enough left over to leave a really sizable tip with the $100 I planned on spending at the other place.
What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?
We rely on our software so much that I cannot even imagine how we would survive without it. I am very grateful that it allows me to use my time so much more efficiently.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I just read something by David Kidder called “The Startup Playbook.” There are a lot of great lessons in there that you would normally only be able to get through experience.
What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?
The way Penny Marshall was able to leverage her acting career into a successful directorial career has always inspired me, and I have always appreciated how Ed Begley, Jr. has used his notoriety to promote important environmental issues.
Connect:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.