We Asked Building Materials Recruiter Colby Redhead to Share Her Recruitment Origin Story
At DMC Recruitment, our recruiters bring their own professional experience and perspective to every search. Colby Redhead joined recruitment after building a successful career in wholesale distribution, where she progressed from sales into senior management.
Her industry experience gives her a strong understanding of the challenges hiring managers face and the importance of finding people who can strengthen a team. We asked Colby a few questions about her career, her experience at DMC, and what motivates her as a recruiter.
Q: Where did your career start, and what led you to recruitment?
Colby: I spent most of my career working in wholesale distribution. I started in sales and eventually moved into a senior management role.
During that time, I also gained some internal recruitment experience. That was my first real introduction to recruitment. The combination of my sales background and recruitment experience made this career feel like a natural fit.
Q: What do you enjoy most about recruitment?
Colby: I love building relationships with people, whether they are candidates or clients. It is incredibly rewarding to help a strong candidate find a role and an organization that are right for them. Recruiters get to be part of some exciting and important moments in people’s lives. That is a major part of my “why.”
Having worked as a Sales Manager, I also understand how difficult it can be to find great talent. Taking some of that weight off a hiring manager’s shoulders and introducing someone who will strengthen their team is another reason I enjoy what I do.
Q: What is your favourite memory in recruitment?
Colby: Making my first placement will always be special. The offer letter was officially signed while I was sitting on a beach in Bali, which made the moment even more memorable.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering a career in recruitment?
Colby: Accept that there will be highs and lows, but do not ride either wave too hard. Stay focused, remain consistent, and keep moving forward.
Q: How has your experience been with the DMC team?
Colby: Being part of a team where everyone is genuinely invested in each other’s success is an amazing experience. This team is full of character and brilliant people.
I get to learn from some of the best recruiters in the industry, and I am grateful to work in such a collaborative environment.
Q: How has your experience been working in the building materials industry?
Colby: Over the past year, I have loved learning more about the building materials industry. With my background in industrial distribution, it has been a very natural fit.
There is so much opportunity in building materials, and the industry is filled with great people. That has been one of the best parts of specializing in this space.
Q: What are some of your interests outside work?
Colby: I love travelling and seeing the world. The remote and flexible work options at DMC were important to me because they provide more opportunities to travel.
I am also an avid gym goer and compete in bodybuilding in the Wellness category. I am taking this season off, but I plan to return to the stage next year.
I played softball when I was younger and earned a college softball scholarship, which allowed me to complete my business degree while playing in the United States. I have always been an athlete, and I think that competitive mindset helped draw me toward sales.
When I want to relax, I enjoy baking sourdough and reading.
Q: If a recruiter were an animal, what would it be?
Colby: It depends on the recruiter, but I would choose a lion.
Colby’s experience in sales, leadership, and wholesale distribution gives her a valuable perspective on recruitment. Her competitive drive and genuine interest in helping people make her a trusted partner to candidates and building materials employers alike.
