We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Christian Hopper, an Account Manager in the Construction Division at our Needham office. Christian shared his journey of joining the ROI team, his passion for making a difference in the lives of candidates, and the invaluable career advice that has shaped his professional path. His insights offer a glimpse into the dedication and impact he brings to his role, making him a key player in our team’s success.

1. What inspired you to become a recruiter? Why for ROI?

I worked in hospitality and restaurants for a number of years, where I developed a passion for working with diverse groups of people and navigating the dynamics of different businesses. This experience led me to pursue a career in recruiting, where I could leverage my skills in building relationships and understanding various professional environments.

When I met with the team members at ROI, I immediately felt a connection. We shared many of the same values, and I saw a unique opportunity not only to contribute my talents but also to grow both professionally and personally. The supportive and growth-oriented culture at ROI made it clear that this was a place where I could thrive and develop my career further.

2. What makes ROI different from other staffing firms?

At ROI, we are deeply committed to the well-being and satisfaction of both our candidates and clients. Our team is willing to jump through any hoops to ensure that everyone is happy and well taken care of. We go the extra mile by visiting on-site, delivering whatever is needed, even during off hours. Our dedication knows no bounds; we go above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support, ensuring that both parties are completely satisfied. At ROI Cares, we believe in doing right by our clients and candidates, fostering a relationship built on trust, reliability, and outstanding service.

3. What are the key qualities you look for in a candidate? How do you ensure they are a good fit for your client?

One of the most important qualities is reliability—being dependable and consistent is crucial. Clients need to trust that you will follow through on your commitments and you do what you say.

Building a good relationship with both the candidate and the client hinges on understanding their personalities, skill sets, and daily behaviors. This means going beyond the surface level. It’s not just about reviewing resumes and job descriptions; it’s about digging deep and having meaningful conversations. Sit down face-to-face with candidates, discuss their work experiences, and understand their life goals. This helps in assessing how they handle themselves in various situations and determining if they are a good fit for the client’s culture and needs.

Performing thorough reference checks and speaking with past employers is another critical step. It provides insights into what the candidate is like on the job site and how they interact with colleagues and superiors. These conversations can reveal valuable information about the candidate’s work ethic, reliability, and overall fit for the role.

4. Can you talk about a time when you helped change a candidate’s career path for the better?

About a year ago, a candidate reached out to me, struggling to find a work opportunity that truly suited him. He had bounced around a few jobs, unable to find the right fit. Through our conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of his career aspirations and the values he held. We built a strong relationship, and I was determined to find him a position that aligned with his goals and personality.

After carefully considering his needs and strengths, I placed him with a client who we knew would appreciate his unique qualities. Within two months, they hired him full-time, and his journey didn’t stop there. Today, he is a supervisor at that same company, thriving in his role and bringing immense value to the team. Seeing his happiness and the client’s satisfaction has been incredibly rewarding. It was a great experience all around, demonstrating the power of understanding and aligning values in the job placement process.

5. How do you tailor your approach for different candidates?

Understanding the candidate is essential for establishing a successful relationship. By getting to know who the candidate is and what they need, we can set mutual expectations for our interactions. Some candidates prefer a hands-on approach, appreciating regular check-ins and detailed guidance. Others thrive with a hands-off approach, valuing independence and minimal intervention. Recognizing and adapting to these preferences ensures that we tailor our relationship to their unique needs and expectations. This personalized approach fosters trust and satisfaction, ultimately leading to more successful placements and long-term professional relationships.

6. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I ever received came from my grandfather. He told me, “Nobody’s ever going to tell you what your potential is, only you can figure that out for yourself.” This simple yet profound statement has always stuck with me. It reminded me that the true measure of my potential is something only I can discover and define. His words encouraged me to constantly push my boundaries, seek new challenges, and never settle for less than what I believed I could achieve. They taught me that self-belief and personal drive are key to unlocking my full potential. Every step of my career, I’ve carried this advice with me, knowing that my journey and growth are in my own hands.

7. 5 Things About Christian

• Passion for the outdoors: Grew up in Kentucky playing sports, running, fishing, and hiking.
• Former power lifter: Competed and won awards in multiple states.
• Avid reader: Reads for at least 30 minutes before bed, has read 12 books so far this year. This year’s favorite is “Cold Millions,” a historical fiction about labor uprisings, and all-time favorite is “Brave New World.”
• Loves traveling: First trip abroad was to Ecuador in early 2020, and has since visited Spain, Germany, and Ireland. Planning a trip to Japan with girlfriend in 2025.
• Cat lover: Has two cats—a nine-year-old, Wolfgang, and a two-month-old kitten, Persephone.

Are you looking for a career in construction or talent for an upcoming project? Contact Christian today!

About Resource Options Inc.

(ROI) is a full-service construction, design, environmental services staffing, and emergency
response firm. We provide customized staffing solutions to clients servicing the built and natural environment. Recognized on five different occasions by Inc. Magazine as one of “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies”, ROI was founded in 1998 by a group of experienced industry professionals. Our proven ability to deliver highly qualified candidates in a timely fashion has earned us the reputation as a true and lasting business partner with both clients and candidates. www.resourceoptions.com.