If You Prefer to Read: The Written Version of The Logistics Lounge Podcast – Episode 3

Welcome back to The Logistics Lounge! If you’re here, chances are you appreciate a good conversation about business, leadership, and the ever-evolving world of supply chain and talent acquisition.

For Episode 3, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lindsay Hansel, MBA , founder and CEO of First Class Recruiting . We talked about everything from her military background to the nuances of recruiting in manufacturing, aerospace, and defense—and how talent strategy plays a critical role in today’s market.

From Military Service to Entrepreneurship

Lindsay’s career journey is nothing short of inspiring. She served six years in the U.S. Air Force in bioengineering, an experience that shaped her work ethic, leadership skills, and adaptability—key traits that later fueled her transition into the corporate world.

After completing her MBA, she entered finance before pivoting into recruiting. Fast forward nine and a half years, and her boutique firm, First Class Recruiting, is now a trusted partner for companies seeking top-tier talent in technical engineering, plant management, and executive leadership.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was how military discipline, mission focus, and adaptability are crucial skills—not just in service but in business leadership as well.

Recruiting vs. Staffing: Understanding the Difference

At Adah International, LLC , our approach leans towards staff augmentation, placing experts into projects for both short- and long-term assignments. In contrast, First Class Recruiting specializes in direct hire, working closely with companies to secure long-term leadership and technical talent.

Same industry, different models—but in the end, both approaches focus on finding the right people to drive success.

Market Trends: The Recruiting Challenges Ahead

Lindsay shared some powerful insights into today’s hiring landscape:

• Sixty percent of the workforce is now under 40, meaning Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping workplace expectations.
• The baby boomer retirement wave is creating a knowledge gap, requiring companies to focus on mentorship and leadership development.
• Industries like manufacturing, defense, and aerospace are facing a critical shortage of skilled engineers—companies need to adapt and rethink their talent strategies.

This is exactly why mentorship, upskilling, and company culture will be essential in 2025 and beyond.

Culture Fit: The Hidden Success Factor in Hiring

Hiring isn’t just about qualifications—it’s about finding the right cultural fit. Lindsay and I both agree:

• A strong resume doesn’t guarantee success.
• Companies need to adapt to generational shifts while maintaining their core values.
• Understanding cultural differences is crucial, especially when hiring internationally.

At Adah International, we see this challenge firsthand when European companies expand into the U.S. The work culture, leadership styles, and expectations can be drastically different. The key is having the right partners to guide the process.

The Power of Networking

This episode wasn’t just about hiring—it was also about the value of networking. We’ve both seen firsthand how relationships drive business success. Whether through LinkedIn, conferences, or industry events, meeting the right people at the right time can change everything.

If you want to meet Adah International, LLC in person:

• South Carolina Manufacturing Conference (Greenville) – February 25-27
• AAMA Supply Chain Logistics Conference (Huntsville) – March 20
• GAMA Technology & AI Summit (Georgia) – February 8

If you’ll be there, let’s connect. Networking is a two-way street, and you never know what opportunities might arise.

Want to Listen to the Full Conversation?

Check out the full episode of The Logistics Lounge on YouTube (https://youtu.be/Fj7x67EZH_k). If you found this conversation insightful, like the post, drop a comment, or share your thoughts.

Lindsay and I both enjoy hearing from our network—so whether you’re hiring, job-seeking, or just passionate about industry trends, reach out.

What’s the biggest hiring challenge you see in 2025? Let’s discuss in the comments.

Stay tuned for more insights in the next episode.

#AdahWithJens #AdahInternational #LogisticsLounge #Recruiting #Leadership #Networking #WorkforceTrends