How We Recruit Top Talent to our 5th Generation Fabrication Business

They say good help is hard to find, but at Nix Companies, Inc. , I would honestly like to say we’ve cracked the code. Over the last 10 years, we've been able to expect a consistent flow of top-tier talent. And it’s all because we’re clear on one thing: Our employees are our most valuable asset.

During my years with the company, I've seen the magic that happens when you put people first. We've developed a culture for not just bringing in talented employees, but true believers in what we do. We know that the brilliant folks who show up at our workplace every day are our true competitive advantage. As we grow in acquisitions across the region, it’s important that we can replicate our recruitment strategies - and more importantly our culture - in different communities just as well as we do in our facilities at our Poseyville, Indiana headquarters.

Here are a few strategies we've used to attract the best in the business:

Offering Competitive Internships

When we talk about internships at Nix Companies, we're really talking about the first step in a journey with us. We offer more than just a temporary spot on the team; our internships are crafted to give people a true taste of the industry, with real responsibilities and support. These opportunities give young people a chance to get their hands dirty, in the best way possible.?

We offer competitive pay because we value the work and passion our interns bring. And for those ready to dive in, these roles are a springboard into a career that could very well last a lifetime.

Our internship program isn't just for college students; we welcome high schoolers, thanks to a solid partnership with the Southern Indiana Career & Technical Center . While I hold a bachelor’s degree, our company CEO (my husband) has a 1-year certification in Welding Technology. We feel strongly that a 4 or even 2-year degree is not the solution for every student to have a successful career path.?

It's through these internship programs that we've welcomed many eager learners into full-time roles with our team.

Aligning with New Generational Values

Gone are the days when a job was just a paycheck – today's talents want their work to add chapters to their life story, not just dollars to their bank account. We find that many are searching for a more meaningful work-life balance than in previous generations.?

It’s not just about how much money we’re offering. They want to know:

“How much time will I get off with my family?” “Will I have to work on Saturdays?”

“Will I need to work overtime?”

Part of our job is showing potential candidates that we are going to support them in their work life, so they can have the best home life with their family. Angela Kirlin , our Director of Human Resources, is a crucial part of this equation, helping to cultivate the welcoming, family-like culture that keeps top talent with us for the long haul.

Fostering Community Connections

At Nix Companies, we're passionate about getting involved with our local community. It's about giving back and at the same time, paving the way for tomorrow's workforce. Whether it’s through a school field trip or a local event, we're showing what makes our company tick and, more importantly, we're investing in the community's future.

Working with local schools is hands-down one of the best parts. It's here we get real face time with students, opening their eyes to potential career paths. If you know me, you know that volunteering with Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana is one of my passions. Over the years, we’ve built connections with teachers who know our company well enough to recommend students who fit our culture and work ethic.

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Investing in education is part of how we ensure our team continues to evolve and excel. In some cases, we offer tuition reimbursement for those who want to further their education. It’s our way of saying, ‘'We value your future as much as you do.” It’s also a strategic move that helps us retain top talent, like our standout interns, even as they go off to college.

Take one of our recent high school interns, for example. With talent like his, we'd love to keep him onboard with us, even after he heads off to Murray State. By extending our tuition reimbursement program to him, we’re investing in his future and ours. He gets the education, comes back to work with us during his school breaks, and we all grow together – it's a win-win.

Knowing Where Our Candidates Are Scrolling

What social platforms are your ideal candidates using? It's important to align your recruiting with the platforms where your audience actually spends their time. If they're thumbing through Facebook or snapping photos on Instagram, you'll want to be there too, not just on LinkedIn by default.

It's about understanding where the conversations are happening and joining in. It also enables us to showcase our story in a more authentic way. We’re not just telling people that we’re hiring through a job posting. We’re showing people how great it is to work at Nix every day through social media.?

Which, leads to our next recruiting strategy:

Investing in Video

We believe so much in showing instead of just telling, that we've actually partnered in a video production company. Casey Voelker’s Captivated Content is, a business under the Nix Company umbrella. This helps us to capture the authentic stories and experiences of our team members.

By highlighting the real experiences of our employees, both in the workplace and beyond, people get genuine glimpses into our culture. This resonates well with people who are seeking a workplace that honors who they are.

We often have people coming to us, wanting to work for Nix, simply because they’ve heard about how great the work-life balance is via word of mouth.

Nix Companies has dedicated over a century not just to building a business, but to cultivating a culture. Through competitive internships, a resonant work-life philosophy, compelling real-life stories, and strong community roots, we've painted a picture of a workplace that doesn't just aim for excellence—it lives it.

If our insights have sparked your interest or given you new ideas for your own team-building efforts, we'd love to hear about it. Share your thoughts, or better yet, come join us on this incredible journey.?

At Nix Companies, we're always looking ahead, eager to welcome those who are ready to grow, innovate, and balance life's many adventures alongside us. Come be a part of our story and let's build something together as we strive to be a #forceforgood.