Let’s Start At The Very Beginning. My 25 Years In Recruiting in San Francisco: The Booms, The Busts, and Everything Else In Between!

Who Am I?

Hi there! I am Bradford Mattin, the proud owner of Alan J. Blair Personnel Services, Inc., one of San Francisco’s longest-running, privately owned recruiting firms with a 49-year history of placing exceptionally talented people with our diverse and vibrant San Francisco/Bay Area and national clients.

I am excited to start this blog/vlog (and whatever else) journey with you and share what I have learned along the way, the trends I have observed, and the helpful hints I've picked up. I'll also share some of the challenges I've faced and, most importantly, some humorous stories along the way.

When I walked into Alan J. Blair Personnel Services, Inc. as a candidate looking for my next job 25 years ago, I never dreamed it would become my life's calling.

Under the mentorship of the then-owner, Mary Alexander, and making my first placement in my first two weeks (those were the days), it was an instant love.

Since then, I have screened over 26,000 candidates and had the honor of partnering with more than 1,000 clients. I've seen entire industries rise and crash, and I've witnessed the blood, sweat, and tears of other recruiters, candidates, and clients while also, and importantly, having a few good laughs along the way.

Where it all started.

I was raised in a family of entrepreneurs and put to work early. By age 15, I was answering phones and helping out at my family’s hospitality and medical offices, where I learned about integrity, customer service, and the value of authentic client relationships.

I also worked as a photographic assistant to one of Australia’s top photographers. That job taught me to anticipate needs, stay behind the scenes, and keep things running smoothly while others shined in the spotlight—skills that have proven essential in recruiting (sound familiar, my Executive Assistant folks?).

After that, I launched my own photography business, refining how to communicate with clients, exceed expectations, and always hustle to find the next opportunity. Then came a stint in high-end restaurants, where I learned how to deliver impeccable service under pressure, read people instantly, and size up a situation within seconds—all traits that would eventually become essential to my recruiting success.

In 1998, I moved from Australia to the U.S., starting with a Human Resources role at Gap Inc. It didn’t take long to realize that retail wasn’t for me. (Let’s just say the mannequins hanging from the ceiling looked more like crime scene props than window displays.) That realization led me to Alan J. Blair Personnel as a candidate looking for my next job.

Walking In with Innocent Eyes.

In 2000, I officially joined the AJB team, and what a ride it has been! For over 25 years, I've had the privilege of assisting some of the most exciting companies in connecting with exceptional administrative, accounting, and Human Resources talent, both across the Bay Area and nationally.

I interviewed with Mary Alexander, the owner of Alan J. Blair, who had over 35 years of experience in the industry and ultimately became my mentor and friend. Mary has been responsible for finding and training some of the most successful recruiters in the industry and is one of the savviest businesspeople I have ever worked with.

It is hard to describe what a busy, successful temporary desk is like. You work on multiple open positions while having multiple candidates and sometimes clients on the phone at one time, and you are in a race against the much larger recruiting firms out there. Basically, the first recruiter to find the best person for the job wins. You had to act fast and furiously on multiple things at one time, from filling “orders” to managing existing staff and assisting clients.

One of Mary's mottos, which I use to this day, is, "The two words I never want to hear from my recruiters are 'I'm waiting' and 'I assume.'" Waiting for something to happen and assuming it will happen are the two most significant downfalls for anyone in recruiting, and I think in life generally. I'll cover the biggest downfalls for any recruiter in a future blog.

For 20 years, I managed the temporary desk and sometimes made more salaried placements than the other permanent recruiters! It was addictive and fun. I gradually took on more responsibilities, and under Mary’s guidance, I learned how to run a successful company in San Francisco.

In 2019, Mary retired, and I was honored and thrilled to take ownership of a company that I am so proud of.

Today

My commitment to our clients is unwavering because I genuinely believe in the power of great connections. The unique job market here in the Bay Area is not just a landscape I navigate; it's a vibrant ecosystem that I cherish, live in, and thrive in. Working through two recessions and the challenges posed by COVID, I've witnessed the resilience and strength of our community, and Alan J. Blair has come out stronger and with a larger national reach than ever before.

Leading a firm with an exceptional near 50-year reputation is not just a privilege; it's a responsibility I hold close to my heart. Together, we are not just filling positions; we are shaping the futures of companies, changing lives, and building a brighter tomorrow for all. The journey continues, and I am thrilled to be a part of this dynamic adventure!

Thank you for being a part of this incredible, ongoing journey with me. I am excited to share my knowledge and stories with you in the future.

What’s Next?

This blog is just the beginning. I plan to share my insights, tips, lessons, and some funny stories from the field (yes, we have a lot of them!). I’ll also dig into topics like why Executive Assistants remain irreplaceable, what makes a successful recruiter, and tell a few funny stories along the way.

Whether you’re a job seeker, client, or curious industry observer, I hope this space becomes a helpful, engaging resource. Please like, follow, share, or connect. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for being part of this journey.