Faced with staffing challenges that many growing trade businesses had in 2021/2022, Mammoth decided to try something different to attract talent that would represent the company well by introducing an apprentice program. Knowing that each technician, project manager, or team member that responds to our customers is effectively the face of your business – It was critical that we find the right people first and foremost. While technical knowledge can be taught, experience can be gained, and certifications can be obtained; qualities like GRIT, Empathy, Dependability, and others that make up Mammoth’s CORE Values of G.R.A.T.I.T.U.D.E. are simply harder to find.
Would hiring someone and giving them the path to their first “Career” allow you to retain great employees??
Fast forward to June of 2022 and Jake Hall was brought on to become Mammoth’s first-ever apprentice. Straight out of Waynesburg University after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management – Jake received a crash course into the four quadrants of our business. (Human Resources, Production, Sales and Marketing, and Accounting). A few months later Jake was asked to pack a bag (or two) and load up a Mammoth vehicle where he would be in Florida for several months to aid in restoration efforts following Hurricane Ian. To say that Jake thrived in some of the worst conditions would be an understatement. Jake’s work ethic and ability to learn in real time have been amazing to watch and we couldn’t be more proud of him.
Will Jake become the next General Manager of a Mammoth Branch? Time will certainly tell, but one thing is for sure – his future is bright!
Take some time to learn a little more about Jake Hall in this Team Member Spotlight, the things he saw, and his experience with Mammoth thus far!
Working At Mammoth: (Apprenticeship)
Tell us a little bit about how you heard about Mammoth Restoration and came to join the team.
What was it that intrigued you to become an apprentice at Mammoth?
Mammoth has actually been a part of my life for a little more than 6 years. I was initially set up with a summer help position by Tim and Turk, when I was in High School. I worked off and on with Mammoth throughout college, including a short internship. Recently I took a full-time position as an apprentice about 6 months ago.
What was it that intrigued you to become an apprentice at Mammoth?
There are two main things that intrigued me about this position at Mammoth. The first one is definitely the culture. I’ve had great experiences with a lot of great people at Mammoth in the past. This culture is something that I want to be a part of. Additionally, Mammoth, as well as the apprenticeship, presented an incredible opportunity to learn and improve myself — both things that I value.
Did you have a long-term goal or plan when you agreed to take the apprenticeship?
I didn’t really have a long-term goal or plan when I took this position with Mammoth, because I wasn’t really sure what to expect — and I think that was probably a good thing. Over the course of the past 6 months, my direction and “plan” has changed many times. My goal was to keep an open mind throughout the process.
What was your educational background prior to joining Mammoth?
I graduated from State College Area High School in 2018, and I received my Bachelor’s degree in business management from Waynesburg University in May 2022.
What was one thing from your education that you’ve been able to apply and that has really helped you at Mammoth?
Time management is probably the most important skill I learned in school as a student- athlete. This has absolutely transferred over to Mammoth and this industry. You have to be able to manage your time effectively but also have the ability to be flexible with your schedule because plans can change fast here!
Being an apprentice, you were exposed to and shadowed many different roles in the company. What was your biggest takeaway from seeing the business from so many different vantage points?
My biggest takeaway from the apprentice rotational program was observing and experiencing everyone’s day-to-day tasks. This has allowed me to better understand the various roles and make the jobs of those I am working with a lot easier.
Do you have a mentor or someone who has helped you most since you’ve been here?
Absolutely! Tim Haas has been a great mentor for me and has invested a lot of time, resources, and coaching into me over the last 6 months. This has helped me grow tremendously in a short amount of time. Additionally, Vinny McCroy made a big impact on my growth and is someone I can trust for advice/coaching in both my professional and personal life.
Florida:
You were “thrown into the fire” so to speak… pretty early and sent down to Florida with the CAT Team, how would you describe that experience?
My time working on Hurricane Ian has definitely been the most transformative for me so far. Not only were the sights and scenes shocking, but I also learned an incredible amount on the technical aspects of restoration/large loss. Rich Olsen, Tyler Becker, and Matt Patchcoski were extremely helpful resources for me during this time.
How long were you in Florida?
In total, I was in Florida for about 2.5 months. But, when you live with Rich Olsen and Tyler Becker that long, it feels more like 2.5 years! Just kidding, I had a really great time with the whole CAT Team.
What was the craziest thing you saw during your time down there?
My first time on Fort Myers Beach was, by far, the craziest thing I witnessed during my time in Florida. It’s really difficult to describe the destruction, and pictures just don’t do it justice.
With access to things being so limited in the early stages of a catastrophe like Hurricane Ian, What’s one thing you learned that you take for granted since you had to go without?
Fortunately, I was never in any danger or deprived of any necessary resources for survival while working Hurricane Ian. However, there were times when power and cell service were not available. I didn’t realize how much of my life depends on electricity and, especially, my cell phone. It was a very humbling experience.
What was your favorite experience from your time down there? Any funny stories?
I had a ton of “favorite” experiences with the team during this time, including our Florida mini-golf tour and some of the times we had with Anthony from Marzucco’s Construction. (one of the main contractors we worked with) However, I think Rich and I can both agree my birthday weekend takes the cake! Unfortunately, that’s about as far as I can elaborate on that experience to keep it PG.
What did you learn or benefit from most while working in Florida?
The biggest takeaway from the whole Florida experience was seeing the massive amount of time, effort, and coordination it takes to execute large loss jobs. It was awesome to see firsthand how the CAT team operates during these situations.
What’s Next For You:
Congratulations on making the move to a full-blown technician and making the move out to the Columbus, OH branch. What are you looking forward to most about the move and new role?
Thank you! I’m really looking forward to this entire experience, especially working with the team in Columbus. We really have a great group of people here and I’m excited to see where we can take the Columbus branch!
What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
This spans a little longer than one month, but due to southern Florida’s large Hispanic population, I have actually picked up a lot of Spanish recently!
Do you have any tips or advice for new team members or someone entering the restoration industry?
This might sound cliche, but the recipe for success at Mammoth is simple – if you work hard and have a positive attitude, you will find success in any role.
What does your 5 year plan look like within the Mammoth Team?
Over the past 6 months with the Mammoth Team, my plan has changed multiple times. It’s difficult to say where I’ll be in 5 years or even next year and I don’t want to close my mind to one path. As we continue to grow and expand, my goal is to continue to learn and grow with Mammoth. Sometime down the road, I would love to operate a branch!
The Fun Stuff:
When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time? Do you have any hobbies or passions that you enjoy?
My biggest passion outside of work is definitely skiing. Sadly, my move to Ohio has made this slightly more difficult since the terrain here is pretty flat. But, I hope to still find time to hit the slopes in the area.
Who/what inspires you?
My Dad, Matt, is by far my biggest inspiration as well as my role model. He has taught me (and modeled for me) that self-discipline and a solid work ethic net great results in your career and personal life.
How do you define success?
Simply put, I think of success as achieving the goals set by yourself or others.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation for sure! It could save me so much time to instantaneously travel.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I’m a huge soccer fan! I actually played competitively from the time I was 3 years old through my senior year of college. Columbus has a really strong soccer community and I’m looking forward to getting involved in any way I can.
Interested in starting a career with Mammoth Restoration?
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