How FootBridge Helped BRS Overcome Hiring Challenges and Build a Stronger Construction Management Team

Hiring in the construction industry—especially for specialized roles—is no easy feat. The demand for skilled professionals is high, competition is fierce, and finding candidates with the right level of experience can feel next to impossible. That was the challenge facing Building Restoration Services (BRS) when they partnered with Caroline Kirkfield and her team at FootBridge to fill key positions and tackle their hiring challenges.

With a hands-on, industry-focused approach, FootBridge helped BRS streamline its hiring strategy, quickly fill critical roles with qualified talent, and improve project efficiency. By zeroing in on BRS’s specific workforce challenges, the team delivered tailored staffing solutions that kept projects moving and aligned with operational goals.

The Hiring Challenges at BRS

BRS, a construction firm specializing in building envelope restoration, faced significant hiring challenges while needing to fill roles in their building sciences and construction teams. However, hiring senior-level talent proved difficult in Boston’s competitive job market.

“It was difficult (and still is) to get a 15- to 20-year person because there’s a lot of competition in the Boston market for people at that level,” explains Neil Rouleau, a leader at BRS.

To address this challenge, BRS shifted its hiring strategy, focusing on bringing in more junior candidates with strong potential and providing them with the training and mentorship needed to grow into specialized roles.

Beyond experience gaps, BRS also needed to improve coordination between their design and construction teams. Without a clear transition process, projects lacked ownership at critical phases, leading to inefficiencies.

Neil says, “We needed somebody internally who could take the end of design and translate it into construction, and Caroline and her team helped us with that.”

How FootBridge Stepped In

Caroline Kirkfield and her team at FootBridge took a proactive and customized approach to BRS’s hiring needs. Rather than simply sending over a list of candidates, they worked closely with Neil and his team to understand exactly what BRS needed in each role.

With this strategic approach, FootBridge successfully filled several key positions for BRS, including:

• An assistant estimator to support project bidding and reduce workload on senior staff.
• A technical writer to streamline proposal and report creation, freeing up leadership’s time.
• A construction administrator to bridge the gap between the design and construction phases.
• A  building envelope consultant to assess and inspect building exteriors to identify potential issues and ensure safety.
• A director of professional development to train and educate the team internally.

According to Neil, these hires had the biggest impact on improving efficiency and preventing tasks from slipping through the cracks.

The Results: Improved Efficiency and a Stronger Team

Since partnering with FootBridge to overcome its hiring challenges, BRS has seen significant improvements in time management, project coordination, and overall workflow.

One of the most valuable hires was the technical writer, who has allowed senior leadership to focus on more strategic work. Neil shared that the biggest benefit of working with FootBridge is that things don’t fall through the cracks, and it contributes to the overall success of the organization, which translates to efficiency.

Another major win was the construction administrator role, which has helped bridge the gap between design and construction.

“This team member has a steep learning curve, but he’s already demonstrated that he understands, and he figures things out. Construction teams are starting to go to the construction sites better prepared.” – Neil Rouleau

By filling these crucial positions, FootBridge not only immediately relieved BRS’s workload but also helped build a foundation for long-term success.

Why BRS Chose FootBridge

Neil had worked with staffing firms before, but what set FootBridge apart was their dedication to truly understanding BRS’s needs.

In a competitive hiring market, having a tenacious recruiter who listens, adapts, and delivers the right candidates makes all the difference.

“All recruiters are tenacious, and it’s a two-edged sword—you need that, but you don’t want it overdone. Caroline gets it. She keeps the pressure on, but in a way that works for us,” Neil explains.

Looking Ahead: A Continued Partnership

BRS plans to continue working with FootBridge for future hiring needs, knowing they have a reliable and knowledgeable staffing partner in Caroline Kirkfield and her team.

“The strategy hasn’t changed, but it’s been fulfilled better than anybody else has fulfilled it.” – Neil Rouleau

For companies struggling to hire specialized talent, BRS’s experience proves that the right staffing partner can make all the difference.

Want to find the right candidates for your team? Reach out to FootBridge today.