HR
consultant stresses value of diversity Firm relies on word-of-mouth marketing
By
Anthony Schoettle IBJ Reporter
Mark Bryant wasn't worried in February 1995 when he launched his human resources consulting company with no money budgeted for advertising. He figured if his service was good, word would spread and business would grow. Conversely, Bryant rationalized, if business grew,especially with no advertising, it would be a sign to him that he was operating his business, The Bryant Group, the right way. Bryant, 31, has watched his company grow during most of the seven years since, and, aside from the occasional trade show and a new Internet site, he still hasn't spent a penny on advertising. "That hopefully means we did a job where people believed in our service," Bryant said. "That means a lot to me." Bryant, a Brebeuf High School graduate, has grown his company from a small, unassuming office in the Madame C.J. Walker Theatre on Indiana Avenue.
After attending the University of Texas on an academic scholarship and earning a degree in finance, Bryant went to work as a recruiter, first working on college campuses, then as a professional recruiter. After four years working for others, Bryant felt an entrepreneurial itch. "I decided it was time to make my own decisions and create my own destiny,"Bryant said. He focused on helping companies throughout the region find information technology, finance and engineering talent, while also helping qualified candidates find a company to work for that best fits them.
Bryant has done work for Wishard Hospital, Ford, Chrysler, Lucent Technologies, Eli Lilly and Co., Delco Remy and others. Bryant's firm is usually looking for experienced talent beyond what recruiters on college campuses can find. Bryant also has become an expert at helping organizations find minority talent. "Companies can't simply say anymore, We don't need minorities," Bryant said." I'm seeing a lot of companies saying, We have to change the way we do business. A lot of companies now are serious about diversification all the way through top management and the boardroom." Diversification goes beyond providing equal employment opportunities," Bryant said. "If you're serious about being the best, you have to bring everyone to the table; blacks, whites, Latinos and Asians," Bryant said. "Those companies that seek out diversity will see a betterment in their corporate culture, policies and economic base. When you start talking about diversity, people think it's Kumbaya, let's hold hands and let's be friendly. But it makes economic sense. It makes a difference."
Despite an extremely competitive field, The Bryant Group continued to grow until the recent economic downturn. Bryant saw a definite drop-off last summer and fall, but his firm still had revenue of $230,000 in 2001. Bryant is projecting his firm's revenue will double this year, and he's looking for a larger office, but he hopes to remain in the historic Walker Theatre. He is expanding his company to handle third-party contract administration and procurement in 2002. I saw that as a direction to increase my business while keeping the core, Bryant said. I wanted to expand on my existing expertise. A lot of businesses that want to survive and thrive will have to retrench. With just 10 employees, down from about 20 in 2001. The Bryant Group is one of the smallest such firms in the market. But Bryant said that makes his company no less responsive. We're a full-service human resources firm, Bryant said. Our judgment is sound, and I feel like we are very competitive.
Those in the human resources business in central Indiana said competition is intense and the recent economic downturn has killed many weaker players. The landscape is filled with small and midsize human resource firms fighting for clients, said Mark McNulty, owner and president of locally based HR Dimensions, and establishing a name is a constant battle. A lot of firms come and go in this market, McNulty said. It can be difficult to balance marketing and delivering services. Either firms are trying to deliver services and not marketing, or marketing and not delivering services. Keeping a diverse client base is critical to survival, added McNulty, who said the industry has seen a 30-percent drop in revenue during the recent economic downturn. We're starting to see a turnaround during 2002, but building and maintaining long-term relationships will continue to be critical, he said. Bryant said his firm has survived by finding highly qualified and specialized people to fill positions cheaper than a company could itself.
The Bryant Group helps clients find permanent or long-term contract employees. This is what we do full time, and my firm has built a lot of contacts, Bryant said. The Bryant Group has been working with the local operation of Praxair Inc. for more than three years, helping find trained IT and engineering professionals, said company spokeswoman Linda Baber. Mark has helped us on several projects, and he's always been extremely professional, Baber said. Officials for Praxair, which produces and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases and surface coatings, were so pleased with Bryant's work, they recently contracted with his firm to help find finance professionals. It's critical, Bryant said, for both employee and employer to be satisfied for his firm to remain successful. We want full disclosure, Bryant said. We're almost like an arbitrator. We feel like we've done our job when both sides are affected positively.
The Bryant
Group
Location: 3333 N. Illinois Street, Suite 10, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Telephone:
317-423-0609
E-mail: tbg@bryantgroupjobs.com
Web site: www.bryantgroupjobs.com
Founded: February 1995
Founder / Owner: Mark Bryant
Service: Human Resources Consulting, Helping Companies Find Permanent Or Long-Term Contract Help In Engineering, Finance And Information Technology.
