Title: Founder and Managing Partner
Company: Ferreri Search
Length of FEI sponsorship: 11 years
Work email: [email protected]
Work phone number: (813) 397-4462
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a CPA that started my career with Ernst & Young. While I was a decent accountant, my real passion was working with people. I transitioned into the executive recruitment business and spent a number of years in senior management positions with a national staffing company. There, I was able to help a vast number of people and also learn the nuances of the search businesses.
After my first successful decade in recruiting, I decided to try my hand at a new venture – and Frankie’s Patio Bar and Grill was born. Frankie’s Patio was an iconic restaurant, bar, and live music venue, and it was my first foray into entrepreneurship and business ownership. Frankie’s Patio was hugely successful for over 6 years. However, I sold the restaurant after my daughter was born, and went back into the recruiting industry with my previous employer, Kforce. There, I held a variety of different roles before leaving to start Ferreri Search in 2007.
Since then, Ferreri Search has been a trusted leader in Accounting and Financial Recruiting and Executive search in the Greater Tampa Bay Area and beyond. After 20 years in the recruiting business, I set out to do it a better way: more hard work, more dedication to clients. This business philosophy has served me and my team well for over 13 years.
What is your best networking tip?
Between 2008 and 2010, the economy was in a state of flux and a lot of people were looking for work. Many of the individuals I was working with didn’t have any experience with networking. They either weren’t comfortable reaching out to people they didn’t know, or they just didn’t know how to go about taking that first step. I spent a lot of time coaching people on the art of meeting people and asking for ideas and referrals. It was effective for most of the people who tried it, but a lot of people just stopped networking once they landed their next job. The end result was that the next time they wanted to pursue new opportunities, they were back at square one.
So, here’s the tip: Network, and do it consistently. Don’t stop after you get the job. It needs to be part of your own personal job description to network every day or every week. At the end of the day, your business relationships are critical, no matter what your job function is. Send an email to say “Hello.” Pick up the phone and stay in touch. Meet for a socially distanced lunch or coffee.
Why does your company sponsor FEI Tampa Bay Chapter?
We have really enjoyed our affiliation with FEI since 2009. Our business is all about relationships, and my team members and I have met some really outstanding people through our involvement in this organization. We have gained more knowledge about specific companies and leaders, which helps us continue to grow and learn as a firm. It has helped us to stay on the cutting edge of industry trends through the continuing education that the meetings provide.
I would also like to think we have brought value to the chapter by being a resource to the financial executives that make up this group. Hopefully, through our long-term presence at these meetings, we have developed a mutual trust with FEI members, which is critical whenever you discuss a job search or a job hire. We are always happy to be of help in any way we can to FEI members, whether it is in making hiring decisions, salary evaluations, career coaching, job market analysis, or anything else.
What does the COVID-19 pandemic mean for job seekers?
I get this question a lot lately, so I thought I would share some thoughts with you.
It’s safe to say that all industries have been impacted by COVID-19. Many have been negatively affected, even devastated. Some are doing fine, but may be vulnerable if our economy proceeds into a recession. But some are thriving, and there are some pretty tremendous opportunities to catapult or at least enrich your career in these environments.
So, it is not time to halt all job search efforts. Now is a great time to consider what you really want for your career and from your current or future employer. Now is a great time to update your resume and to be ready for whatever happens next. It is also a great time to boost your skills, especially as they relate to technology. But most importantly, now is the ideal time to be networking and nurturing your business relationships. Don’t be invisible just because large gatherings aren’t in vogue. Don’t let COVID-19 have you shy away from advancing your career, but do be selective and thoughtful about industry and company culture.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?
Besides spending time with my family, I love sports, music and food. There is nothing I love more than Gator football, so fingers crossed that we have a season! Live music is one of my passions, and I am looking forward to its return hopefully soon. And I love to cook. I know it is decadent, but I have two Big Green Eggs. My wife tried to sell one of them once, believing that having two was over-indulgent. Luckily, I won that argument and I have one Green Egg for steaks, and one for ribs, brisket, and turkeys!