Explore our Network & Utility Staffing success stories.

Background: In the dynamic landscape of 2022, HNM Systems client, a distinguished National Construction & Engineering firm, found themselves confronted with a formidable backlog of tasks demanding immediate attention. Faced with the imperative of advancing strategic undergrounding initiatives, they embarked on a journey to assemble a proficient and dedicated team of Right-of-Way (ROW) Agents. Their mission? To navigate the intricate terrain of securing vital easements, ensuring the seamless progression of pivotal projects poised to redefine the infrastructural landscape.

Objective: These projects were designed to not only mitigate power line damage and minimize outage durations but also to shield homes and businesses from the severe economic repercussions wrought by storms. At the core of this endeavor lay the imperative to tackle a significant backlog of work head-on, catalyzing the assembly of a highly proficient team tasked with securing the indispensable easements vital for advancing strategic undergrounding initiatives.

Driven by an unwavering commitment to enhancing power line resilience, the overarching objective was to meticulously identify, recruit, and elevate a distinguished cohort of Right of Way Agents. This select group of HNM Consultants underwent rigorous training, meticulously tailored to equip them with the requisite skills and knowledge essential for navigating the intricate intricacies of securing easements and spearheading the seamless execution of strategic undergrounding projects.

Challenges: The formidable challenge at hand resided in the swift yet meticulous recruitment and training of a highly capable team poised to excel in the execution of these multifaceted tasks. It demanded a delicate balance of agility and precision, as the urgency to assemble a proficient workforce capable of seamlessly tackling the assigned responsibilities loomed large.

Solution: Recognizing the potential for talent transition, HNM’s recruitment strategy was finely tuned to target individuals within the medical/healthcare industry who were embarking on career shifts. We specifically sought out candidates holding job titles such as Patient Access Representative, Patient Account Specialist, and similar roles, valuing the diverse skill set they could bring to our team. In our quest for ideal candidates, we prioritized individuals with a balanced mix of customer service finesse, adept research capabilities, technical proficiency, and critical thinking skills, while also placing significant emphasis on soft skills such as problem-solving, empathy, and relationship-building.

Employing a proprietary screening process, we meticulously identified candidates possessing the requisite skill set and sought-after soft skills essential for success in our dynamic environment. From this rigorous vetting process, the top 10% of candidates emerged, earning the opportunity for further evaluation and consideration. To ensure a tailored approach to our recruitment efforts, we initially focused on identifying 10 ROW Agents in Tampa, FL, and 5 in Mobile, AL, aligning with the specific needs of these regions. Our recruitment campaign strategically targeted individuals holding healthcare job titles, recognizing the inherent transferability of their skill set to the role of ROW Agent.

To support the seamless integration of our new recruits, we developed a comprehensive 3-week training program, drawing upon the expertise of seasoned ROW Leads and mentors. This program was meticulously designed to equip our agents with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their roles. Furthermore, we implemented a robust check-in and coaching model to provide continuous support and guidance, ensuring that our agents felt empowered and confident as they embarked on their journey with us.

Results:  HNM Systems swiftly and effectively addressed the staffing needs of the client by successfully recruiting 36 Right of Way Agents within a span of just 6 months. This feat not only demonstrated our dedication to meeting our client’s requirements but also underscored our ability to execute with precision and efficiency. 

Moreover, HNM Systems went above and beyond mere recruitment; we meticulously equipped the hired agents with the requisite knowledge, skills, and support structures essential for navigating the intricate landscape of securing easements for strategic undergrounding projects. 

By providing comprehensive training and ongoing support, we ensured that our agents were well-prepared to tackle the challenges inherent in their roles, contributing to the overall success of the endeavor. 

As a result of our concerted efforts, HNM Systems played a pivotal role in enhancing power line resilience, minimizing outage durations, and mitigating the economic impact of storms on the communities served by our esteemed client, the National Construction & Engineering firm.

Background: HNM Systems was selected by their client, a national provider of utility engineering, construction, and network installation services to staff construction and engineering resources for their involvement in a strategic initiative led by an American energy company. The overarching objective of this multi-year project was to mitigate power outages in Virginia by converting 4,000 miles of specific overhead power lines into underground installations. This approach aimed to minimize disruptions in areas prone to outages, allowing utility construction workers to concentrate on less predictable occurrences. The project also sought to diminish harm to power lines caused by vegetation movement and reduce both time and costs associated with maintenance efforts.

Challenges: A significant challenge of this project stemmed from the continually evolving project requirements. For example, just before a Right of Way Agent meets with a property owner to finalize an easement agreement, they might discover that new government regulations necessitate the completion of an additional task beforehand. Moreover, reaching property owners posed difficulties as many individuals tend to ignore calls from unknown numbers. Additionally, complications arise when property owners rent their spaces to others and are not physically present on the premises.

Solutions: To tackle the issues posed by evolving requirements and communication with property owners, HNM’s Right of Way Agents adopted a collaborative approach, emphasizing a team mentality. They regularly shared insights with teammates to stay updated and capitalized on each other’s diverse strengths. For instance, one agent with prior experience in Collections was utilized to locate particularly elusive property owners, while another agent specializing in zoning laws made herself readily available for regulatory queries from fellow agents.

Results: The team-oriented approach embodied by HNM consultants played a pivotal role in enabling HNM’s client to circumvent delays arising from compliance issues. HNM’s construction and engineering staff facilitated swift problem resolution and the skillful communication and collaboration exhibited by HNM teammates significantly accelerated the achievements for HNM’s client. This success led to HNM’s client being awarded with additional work from their customer related to the strategic initiative in Virginia and North Carolina.

KT supports HNM’s international smart grid customer as a Field Engineer in Ohio. He ensures that smart meters are properly reporting through troubleshooting any that have fallen off the network. He loves his job as it allows him to work outside, drive past scenic views, and work independently. He also enjoys when he can participate in special projects, such as his previous trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana during which he downloaded software to various devices.

KT says the hiring process with HNM went smoothly as they provided a to-do list that kept him focused during what would otherwise be a hectic first week. He also appreciates HNM’s monthly check ins, which show him how willing they really are to help. KT has not only found that the people at HNM are easy to work with but also that HNM’s HR system, Paylocity, is straightforward to use. For instance, with the touch of a few buttons, he’s able to access Paylocity’s mobile app to track his time.

KT also knows he can easily get in touch with someone at HNM, as they typically respond within a couple hours. The fears of transitioning from the military have transformed into peace of mind for KT, as he knows he can always get the counsel and support he needs.

In 2018, the California division of a national engineering and construction company won business with a Fortune 500 telecommunications company. The company built trust and demonstrated value quickly with the help of their chosen staffing firm, HNM Systems.

HNM became a natural extension to their team, helping them quickly screen, recruit, and onboard qualified workers that the regional director calls “top notch.” HNM Outside Plant Engineers assisted with site surveys and permit applications while HNM CAD Drafters assisted with creating permit drawings. The company earned consistent praise from their telecom customer for the quality of their engineering and design work.

The HNM contractors proved to be valuable members of the team as 18 OSP Engineers and CAD Drafters completed their full contract term out of 19, a 95% retention rate. Moreover, the California engineering department experienced tripled revenue in the first 6 months of engaging with HNM.

The company’s successful staffing partnership with HNM is built on the same trust that comes when two companies are driven by integrity, teamwork, and dependability. HNM’s industry expertise and streamlined recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding processes allowed the company to focus on the telecom customer while HNM focused on recruiting. “When it comes to staffing, HNM is a tough team to beat and we look forward to our continued partnership,” says the regional director.

DJ served in the marine corp for over 20 years. He held multiple roles in aviation, including electrician, technician, and Staff NCO. After retiring, he continued working in the aviation industry as an electrical installer, assembler, and systems engineer. 

When HNM recruited DJ to an international smart grid company, DJ noticed HNM was women-owned and felt a different approach to people management. HNM set an example of professional and respectful communication. HNM exemplified being sensitive, yet assertive and getting the job done without interpersonal conflict. While he wasn’t initially sure how to interact in a civilian workplace, DJ took note and was grateful to learn effective skills for his transition.

When his recruiter went on maternity leave, HNM’s CEO, Heather Moyer, stepped in to help and make sure he had everything he needed to succeed. In that instance, DJ saw Heather embody a true leader due to her humility and willingness to serve, even in a seemingly small situation.

Today, DJ still works with smart water meters but has grown in his role from field auditing to field engineering. He also enjoys a higher wage, thanks in part to HNM’s requesting his well-deserved raise from the smart grid company. He’s excited to go to work each day and rests assured, knowing HNM will go to bat for him — whether in finding him a job or requesting his next raise.

KF is an Outside Plant Engineer. Earlier in his career, he supported pole loading and deteriorated pole work with utility companies like Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas and Electric. HNM recruited KF to support their customer, who is the nation’s largest provider of communications infrastructure. The intent was for KF to design fiber make-ready, which refers to preparing utility poles to receive new fiber.

While working with HNM’s customer, KF and his team managed subcontractors in the execution of Verizon’s 5G rollout. KF and his team would determine whether they could use existing poles to execute Verizon’s initial direction and, if that weren’t possible, whether to alternatively pursue new underground or lease duct.

Subcontractors compiled field notes and drafted initial designs, and KF would review and make corrections to the drawings. He would also assist in project management, addressing blockers to progress and ensuring that subcontractors met project deadlines.

KF says his experience with HNM was “perfect.” His recruiter thoroughly prepared him for his interviews so that, unlike previous interviews when he felt ill-prepared, he walked in feeling confident and ready. His recruiter also remained in constant contact with him during the background check process, ensuring all his questions were answered. 

HNM followed up on a monthly basis with KF. Adding a personal touch, his recruiter and HNM’s CEO even met him and his team in person. During the pandemic, the communications provider unfortunately performed a widespread layoff. However, HNM was the first to step in and help KF find another job.

KF says HNM helped push his career forward. In his current role brought by HNM, KF enjoys working from home, as it allows him to spend more time with family. KF also loves the camaraderie he’s found through HNM. He senses that the people are close and happy to work together, and he’s grateful to be a part of it.