Derek,
It has been close to ten months now since making the move to Travis Pruitt & Associates, Inc. I never took the time to “Thank you” for your efforts in assisting me to relocate my career direction with these folks. I can still remember discussing my frustration with you of being under-utilized as a senior manager at my last firm and what alternatives I might have with other companies that are looking for pro-active management participation. You did not waste any time arranging for me to meet Travis Pruitt Sr. and from there it got real easy; I joined this fine team and I am now actively engaged at both the right authority and participation level in my position and responsibilities with Travis Pruitt & Associates. It has been a wonderful opportunity and excellent career move. I can’t thank you enough for your help in re-aligning my career.
Additionally, since working with you, I have learned that you are also an invaluable asset as it relates to your insight into the A&E employment market and have learned to appreciate your depth of contacts across Atlanta. Specifically, not only have you placed me into a position that I am thoroughly enjoying, you have also been successful in helping Travis Sr. find additional talent for the firm that elevates this team to a whole new level. Basically, what this means is that you have earned my trust. As someone that does have the ability to make hiring decisions at Travis Pruitt, I am going to pay attention when you send a resume or make a recommendation. I hope to always be able to count on you in the future when such recruitment needs arise and to also call you my friend. You personally got involved in assisting my needs….and in these days that counts for everything. To that end, I would be more than happy to recommend you to other A&E consultants in need of similar services.
Sincerely,
Travis Pruitt & Associates, Inc.
Scott A. Ward, P.E., LEED AP
Vice President
A couple of years ago now I was approached by Derek who has a candidate who was interested in a high level position in a firm like mine in San Francisco. Derek handled the early confidential discussions with great professionalism which ultimately resulted in a very successful partnership between me and his candidate Gary Nichols. I can recommend Derek without any reservations.
Throughout the process Derek listened well to my concerns and objectives and acted as impartially as possible in reinforcing the communication between both parties so that there was little chance for misunderstanding. Through a process of highlighting the pros and cons of the various issues in the negotiations he facilitated the process without taking a position.
I have not worked with any other placement firms, but found this experience to be very rewarding. I continue to call on Derek for guidance and advice and will definitely use him again when the need arises.
Sincerely,
Douglas A Booth, AIA, LEED A.P.
Principal
NicholsBooth
For approximately 3 years – from 2005 through 2008, I had the pleasure of working with Derek Behning while I was managing principal of a growing architectural and interior practice in downtown Atlanta. Mr. Behning, who was with EDT, was an executive recruiter and assisted me and the firm by searching for and recruiting talent for specific and specialized positions.
I found Derek to have a number of qualities which made him successful in his work. First of all, he was knowledgeable and up-to-date about the industry, competitors and other allied professions. He also listened carefully and asked pertinent questions to clarify what was needed. Once understood, Derek would bring quality candidates to the table which met the requirements provided. In addition to meeting the specific needs, Derek would also provide information about other available candidates who might be a good fit for the company.
Always helpful, with a positive can-do attitude, and in-touch regularly with useful ideas – Derek helped successfully place candidates at that firm, and was later helpful to me in a personal search for a new position.
Based on the above experience, I would highly recommend Derek for a position similar to his current one, and feel his hard work and people skills would be an asset to any firm.
Feel free to contact me at your convenience with any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Dan Cash, AIA
Managing Pringicpal
HOK - Atlanta
I am writing to express my gratitude for the assistance you provided me during my recent job search. As I was leaving my former employer, my first contact was with you, and the speed at which your team developed opportunities for me with environmental/geotechnical companies was incredible.
In the course of one month, I was introduced to, and interviewed by, no less than a dozen companies. Additionally impressive was the caliber and rank of the contacts you initiated. At all but one firm I was personally interviewed by the CEO and the executive management team. The remaining firm had me meet with their EVP and Corporate Development Officer charged with building their operations in the southeastern U.S. Your team did an outstanding job of introducing me, laying the groundwork for the interviews, and keeping me informed of all developments with the identified contacts.
My search was fulfilled through your introduction of me to Travis Pruitt, Sr., the founder of Travis Pruitt & Associates of Norcross, Georgia. Through this meeting, Mr. Pruitt has seen fit to underwrite the start-up of a new geo-environmental company, Confluent Solutions, Inc. We are off to a great start thanks to your firm.
Though you and I have done business for the last decade, this was the first time you represented me. It was a professional, cordial and completely satisfactory experience. I will always turn to you as our new company grows.
Best regards,
Confluent Solutions
Mark Shearon
President
I have experienced Derek Behning’s approach to the professional recruiting and placement business and feel I can recommend him without any reservations. My assessment is based on having used his services successfully for the last couple of years; at first as a client and recently as a beneficiary of his efforts.
To me the most important thing that Derek does is that he listens for the goals and culture of the firm, the specific requirements of the vacant position and the desirable qualifications, experience and career goals of potential candidates. He will only identify for interviews, those candidates that are qualified, motivated and will make a good match with the current company philosophy.
In a number of occasions Derek has played a critical role in the salary negotiation process. He always has a good understanding of the financial limitations of the firm, market conditions and the personal aspirations of the candidates. His recommendations are always considerate and fair.
Having experienced both sides of his recruitment efforts, I can say that he treats his clients and candidates as professionals and compassionately. He follows-up regularly and provides encouragement and positive reinforcement to all.
Derek Behning has helped me with the placement of high managerial positions, experienced technical people and recent engineering graduates. I highly recommend his services.
Sincerely,
WILBUR SMITH ASSOCIATES
G. M. Norona, PE
South Florida Division Manager