Get to know the driving force behind ROI’s Consulting and Design (CaD) division in Connecticut, Jeff Cashman. With nearly a decade of experience at ROI and a passion for mentorship, Jeff brings a unique perspective shaped by his leadership across environmental, construction, and now CaD staffing. In this interview, Jeff shares what drew him to the CaD space, his vision for the team’s growth in Connecticut, and why staying adaptable in a fast-evolving industry is key to long-term success.

1. What inspired you to specialize in consulting and design staffing, and what drew you to a leadership role in this division at ROI?

I’ve been with ROI for nearly a decade, starting as a recruiter in the environmental division. Over time, I had the opportunity to step into Division Manager roles across all three sectors: environmental, construction, and now consulting and design. Each role gave me a deeper understanding of our business and a well-rounded perspective on the industries we serve. When the chance came to lead the Consulting and Design division, it felt like the perfect time to grow and take on a new challenge. I was excited to expand my experience, especially working with more technical roles, and to apply the insights I’ve gained from each vertical. I’ve always been passionate about leadership and mentoring, and I truly enjoy the exchange that happens when guiding a team, learning from newer recruiters while sharing what I’ve picked up over the years. It’s been a rewarding journey and an exciting next chapter in my career.

2. What emerging trends in consulting and design have influenced how you help your clients today?

Having led each of ROI’s core verticals, I’ve gained a well-rounded perspective on what clients and candidates need across different industries. That experience has really shaped my approaches, especially in engineering, where demand is high for mid- to senior-level talent. These roles are highly specialized, and the best way to fill them is by truly understanding both sides.

That’s why I prioritize in-person client visits, to really get to know their culture. Face-to-face interactions give us a direct line to what makes a company tick, which helps us identify the right talent faster and more accurately. It also allows us to understand exactly where the gaps are so we can help fill them effectively.

At the same time, we’re deeply focused on making sure our candidates are getting what they need, too. It’s all about creating mutually beneficial placements where both the client and candidate feel understood, supported, and aligned.

3. What do you believe sets ROI apart when it comes to supporting clients in the design and consulting sectors?

The personal touch, the in-person interaction, is so important. I always tell my team that in a perfect world, everyone would know who I am and what I do, whether it’s for a boots-on-the-ground role or a highly specialized position requiring 10+ years of experience. That’s why it’s critical to consistently check in with clients, get in front of people, and focus on delivering real quality, so they know they can trust us. That mindset has always been part of ROI’s culture.

From day one, my first manager would bring me along to meet with candidates and clients, and he really instilled in me the value of building genuine personal connections. It’s something I’ve carried forward and now pass on to my own team. That’s who ROI is at its core, relationship-driven, trust-focused, and always showing up.

4. How does your team ensure alignment between client needs and candidate goals, especially in such nuanced technical environments?

When we take on a job order, I always involve both the account manager and the recruiter, either in person or on a call, so we’re all aligned from the start. It’s a big advantage because everyone clearly understands the expectations and nuances of the search. Many of these roles are highly technical, so having as much detail as possible is critical to finding the right fit. We also make it a priority to deeply understand the client’s culture and needs to ensure that the candidate will be successful and satisfied in the role.

Networking is a big part of our process, whether it’s through fun social events or educational industry gatherings. We care about the space we’re in and are always looking to learn from our clients, who are the real experts. It’s important to us to grow alongside the industry and continuously evolve our approach to meet its changing demands.

5. What excites you most about the future of the consulting and design staffing division at ROI?

I really enjoy the Consulting and Design (CaD) space, there’s always something new to learn. With the team expanding in Massachusetts into two distinct divisions, we’re excited to continue growing our presence here in Connecticut. The talent pool in this industry is broad and constantly evolving, and we’re committed to growing and adapting right alongside it.

Interesting Facts About Jeff

• I’m a proud parent of two, my daughter is starting at UConn this fall, and my son is about to begin his freshman year of high school.
• I’ve coached a variety of youth sports over the years and always enjoy being part of the action.
• If short ribs are on the menu, you can bet I’m ordering them, every time.
• I’m a big fan of ’90s hip hop and even DJ’d during my college days.
• Cape Cod holds a special place in my heart, especially Dennis Port, where we used to vacation almost every summer.

Whether you’re a technical professional looking for your next opportunity or a company seeking top-tier talent in consulting and design, Jeff Cashman is someone you’ll want in your network. His knowledge, passion, and hands-on leadership make him a valuable resource in the Connecticut staffing landscape. Want to continue the conversation? Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn and stay up to date on what’s next for ROI’s CaD division.

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 PrivateCompanies”, 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.www.resourceoptions.com.