Matthew Hensley, MBA’s Post

Update on Joe's trip to provide aid in Western NC. Last week, I shared Joe's plan to head to Western, NC, with a trailer full of supplies. The group he was part of backed out. They were told not to send aid. Joe went anyway. He packed up his trailer and headed south from Kentucky to NC. Now, he's boots on the ground, helping in ways that only a true mechanic can. For example, Joe moved a house trailer crushed by a fallen tree. A man was still living in it. The tree needed to be cut without further damaging the trailer. Using skid steers and logs, he managed to shift the trailer in a direction the axles wouldn’t even allow. In recruiting, I’ve learned it’s about matching personalities. Appalachian people are proud—Joe knows this. Coming from the hills of Eastern Kentucky, he speaks their language. One of the locals near Grandfather Mountain—a woman with two young grandchildren—was almost out of insulin. She had refused everyone’s help. Joe took her a trailer full of supplies. He wouldn’t leave until she accepted them. Joe plans to work in NC for several more weeks. He already has a crew of helpers who have joined him. If you would like to assist Joe, DM me, and I will connect you with him.

Do you know anyone or any group who needs help with hurricane relief in Asheville or Western NC? I have a friend from Kentucky, Joe Nelson, a millwright and all-around mechanic, heading to Asheville with a trailer full of donations from his local church. Joe worked for me at AK Steel. He is one of the most capable people that I know. His group backed out at the last minute, but he’s still committed. He’s bringing equipment and camping gear and plans to spend 2-3 weeks helping in any way he can. If you know anyone in need, DM me or give me a call @8648949045. Let’s get him connected with people who could use his help!

Western North Carolina and East Tennessee Still Need Help! Politics aside, the recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene are being used as political talking points. Some facts from first-hand sources: >Local communities, churches, and civilians are leading the way in the recovery. >FEMA is stretched thin and doing what they can with limited manpower. >Local churches in Greenville, SC, and North Carolina are stepping up to deliver supplies quickly. >Volunteers are using side-by-sides and mules to reach areas with limited road access to deliver supplies. Want to help? Visit: https://lnkd.in/e45dUbwA You can also contact a local church in Greenville, Spartanburg, or Charlotte, NC, to get involved in efforts to support Western NC.

We’re in the final quarter of the year. Where does your scorecard stack against your forecasted numbers? How many great salespeople have you passed on? Was it because of the ask? Or maybe the fear that they wouldn’t meet the high expectations? Let’s talk results. Caitlin Clark’s first-year WNBA numbers are in: On an $84K salary, she: >Increased WNBA ratings by 170% over last season. >Grew Indiana Fever attendance by 319%. Set records across the board: >769 points this season (WNBA rookie record). >122 three-pointers (second-most in WNBA history). >337 assists (WNBA record). Clark will cash in on endorsements. But as a leader, are you the visionary who can scale a business? Or A placeholder who’s worked the system to get here? Be a visionary like Phil Knight. That’s how you win over the Michael Jordans and Caitlin Clarks. Attract the true hunters. It’s not just about the money—it’s about commissions, opportunity, growth, and belief in you as a leader. Put the right people on your team, and the wins will come.

The Southeast needs help! Last week, Hurricane Hellene slammed into parts of GA, SC, NC, and TN. Areas that weren’t prepared for a storm of this scale. In some places, it was a 1,000-year weather event— A storm of this size hasn’t hit since before our country’s founding. Some folks I’ve connected with here on LinkedIn are facing tough times. Take a moment. Reach out and check on anyone you know in: >East Tennessee >Western NC >Upstate SC >Augusta, GA / Greenwood, SC >Anywhere in Georgia Hundreds are still missing. Many lack water or electricity, and some areas can only be reached by air— Major roads and interstates are just…gone. How you can help: Salvation Army: Visit the Salvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief webpage- https://lnkd.in/em-8z8KX American Red Cross: Go to redcross.org or call 800-RED-CROSS. Call your House Representative: Ask them to send help. Let’s come together and support those who need it.

The valve of being prepared. Last night we had remnants of hurricane Helene come through Greenville, South Carolina. Power is down. Wi-Fi is the gasoline that powers my whole business. I thought about buying a generator prior to the storm. Nah It shouldn’t be that bad … This morning, power is down in the upstate of SC and it’s expected to be down through the weekend. I reacted . I purchased a generator in Charlotte I ran and jumped in my wife’s vehicle. Only to discover when after I got down the road That I’m low on gas 70% of gas stations are closed, and now I’m waiting at a gas station with the line that resembles gas lines from the late 70s. A lot of valuable lessons learned. The value of being prepared in life , business, and hiring should never be reactive. Are you being proactive before the storm?

Antennas up! Are your interviews with salespeople, service managers, or technicians hitting a dead end? Open both ears and really listen to what the person on the other end is saying. Sometimes, the best talent is: >Nervous >Extremely busy >Or pulled over at a rest stop on I-75 just to take your call. The best people aren’t professional interviewers. They’re loyal workers, focused on results—not interview performances. Meanwhile, professional interviewers? They can be job hoppers. Remember: an interview is a first date, not a game of stump the chump. Listen and ask the right questions. You might have the perfect match sitting right across from you… But you’ve got to put them at ease. Dig deeper by asking thoughtful questions. And listen closely to answers that align with your company and culture. If you’re struggling to find that great salesperson, service manager, or technician—Maybe you’re just not asking the right questions.

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call your boss! I'm taking a break from my usual recruiting posts to talk about something serious. Back in my manufacturing days, my #1 job as a manager was to keep my people safe. One topic keeps coming up. It’s affecting coworkers, candidates, and clients. Fake international scammers using technology to: >Send fake invoices >Intercept ACH payments >Place fake orders for compressed air systems >Convince new employees to buy gifts. These scammers have cost people I know—money, and in some cases, even their jobs. Here’s the key: don’t blindly accept requests. >Verify who you’re talking to. >Make sure it’s truly your CEO, client, or banking institution. >Pick up the phone. Double-check. Protect yourself. Stay alert, and don’t let scammers get the best of you.