This past July marked an exciting milestone for ROI as we celebrated the promotion of John Kirklin to Division Manager of our Connecticut Construction Division. John has been an integral part of our team, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership, commitment to clients, and a passion for building strong, high-performing teams. In celebration of his promotion, we wanted to highlight and interview John about his journey at ROI, what has stood out to him along the way, and what he has learned. We also dive into the dynamic of the Connecticut Construction team and the great work they are doing to deliver for our clients and consultants.
What inspired you to specialize in construction, and what drew you to a leadership role in this division at ROI?
Before college, most of the jobs I had were hands-on, blue-collar work, so construction felt like a natural fit. Some of my friends were recruiting in other sectors, like finance and healthcare. When I discovered ROI and its focus on the trades, I realized it was a space I wanted to stay in, a more hands-on, practical world that felt right for me.
As I grew within the company, ROI provided a clear blueprint for growth. Recruiting became my stepping stone into sales and leadership, which had always been my goal. What really inspired me was ROI’s commitment to promoting from within and developing people. That culture is what made me want to keep growing here and ultimately step into a management role.
What do you think sets ROI’s CT CON division apart from other firms, and how do you ensure your team consistently delivers value and measurable results for your clients/candidates?
Two big things set us apart. First, it’s the team we’ve built. Each of us are at a stage in our careers where we’re hungry, motivated, and willing to get uncomfortable in order to grow. We challenge each other, learn from one another, and push ourselves to keep raising the bar. 
Second, we are deeply committed to being an active, living part of the construction industry. We show up, attending events, building relationships, and staying immersed in what’s happening on the ground so we can better align with the industry we serve. Every day is an opportunity to improve, to learn from mistakes, and to absorb lessons from those who have been doing this for far longer than we have.
At ROI, the culture fuels this drive. It gives each division the ability to shine in its own way, while equipping every individual with the tools and support they need to succeed.
Can you share a candidate placement you’re particularly proud of, one that had a meaningful impact on the client and the professional?
My first two years were spent on the environmental side, but during my time supporting engineering roles, I partnered with a larger company that was brand new to Connecticut and eager to grow. They needed a unique type of engineer with niche, hard-to-find skills. Just before transitioning into my current role, I was able to find the perfect candidate to fill that position. It was a major career step for the candidate and a critical hire for the client.
Seeing both sides so thrilled with the outcome was incredibly rewarding. Wrapping up that placement before stepping into my new position as Division Manager of CT CON made me proud, it felt like the perfect way to close one chapter and start the next.
What excites you most about the future of the construction staffing division at ROI?
What excites me most is the incredible team we have here. I’ve experienced many phases of growth at ROI, and even though we’re a newer team, the level of commitment is inspiring. We collaborate seamlessly, we’re hitting our goals, and it makes me proud of the work we do, the people we get to help, and the ROI name we represent.
What advice would you give to someone stepping into a management role?
My biggest piece of advice is to embrace the process early and commit to it, even if you don’t see results right away. Be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations because that’s where real growth happens. The more you step onto job sites, speak up, and engage with your clients and candidates, the more natural it becomes. Consistency builds confidence.
Fun Facts About John: 
- Former College Football Defensive Lineman at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania.
- Vice-Captain of the Hartford Wanderers Men’s Rugby Team.
- Lifelong big dog enthusiast and proud owner of a Saint Bernard named Lucy.
- Dedicated to an annual Rhode Island vacation.
- Committed New York Mets fan.
We’re excited to see how John continues to drive innovation, strengthen client relationships, and support the Connecticut Construction team as they take on new challenges and opportunities. If you’re looking to grow your construction team in Connecticut, connect with John and his team, they are ready to help you find the right talent!
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.www.resourceoptions.com.
