As the director of placement and contract solutions at TGRP Solutions, Doug leads the strategy and day-to-day operations for the company’s business development and recruiting teams for this business segment. Whether clients need to staff up with full-time employees or contractors, or candidates are seeking new opportunities, Doug’s team can help. But there’s much more to know about our office problem-solver. Get to know Doug…
When did you join TGRP Solutions?
I joined TGRP in 2019 to do business development for our permanent placement side of the business. When we created the Placement and Contract Solutions area in 2021 (which has staff augmentation and direct-hire placement in it), I became the director.
What do you love about your job?
I enjoy the challenge of solving problems for candidates and our clients. I’m also a very curious person, and I love learning about all these different companies and what they do, how they started, and the key to their success. On the candidate side, we are able to present opportunities that can change their entire career path and make a difference in their lives!
What was your pre-TGRP background?
For about 12 years, I was a division director for the accounting and finance temporary and permanent recruitment division of a large, global staffing firm. I had experience earlier in my career in recruiting for a General Staffing company that served a wide range of industries here in the Denver market.
Any interesting career tangents?
My first job after I graduated from Texas State University was in the Management training program for JCPenney in Houston. I was trained as a buyer of women’s lingerie among many things! After a while, I requested a transfer for a change of scenery from Houston and was sent to Denver, Colorado, in 1995. In 2000, I was ready for a change and fell into recruiting, which was a good transition because I’d hired and managed hundreds of employees.
You also have an entrepreneurial side. Tell us about your venture.
In 2003, I was looking to do something new. I love cooking and food and started a personal chef service with a chef (and I ran the business side). We prepared and delivered meals all around the Denver metro area. We adapted into a corporate catering business after one of our customers asked us to cater his weekly 40-person luncheon and we realized the opportunity. I learned a lot and worked hard, but when our lease was up in 2008—and the recession was looming—we decided to not renew our lease and wound the business down. By then, I’d taken a full-time job back in recruiting.
What’s your silly-but-real job title?
Vice President of Noodling on Random Ideas. I like to think about different ways to bring structure and process to what we do every day.
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Hollywood, California, grew up in Southern California until I was 12 years old, when we moved to Dallas, Texas. As an adult, I moved to Colorado (1995) and can’t imagine ever leaving!
When you first interviewed with TGRP Solutions, what “clicked” for you?
I had been working at an enormous organization and I was looking for a smaller company where I could have a direct impact and help build and grow something with great people. I found that here with TGRP. We have a lot of fun—this is easily the most fun job I’ve ever had!
What’s your signature personality trait?
I learned from my parents to always look for the best in people. While of course that has burned me before, I trust people and refuse to give in to negativity and cynicism.
Where would we find you when not at work?
Maybe on a hike with my family and the dog, on a river flyfishing, at a restaurant with a good craft beer and bourbon selection, seeing live music at a small club or as often as I can at a Rockies game or other sports event—I love all sports!
As someone who loves to cook, what’s your dish?
The Texan in me loves to smoke brisket. I love grilling—whether that’s steak, salmon, carne asada tacos, or even pizza.
What are you passionate about?
I love my family—my wife, son, and two daughters. I’m a huge baseball guy. There are people who eat to live, but I definitely live to eat! And I’m passionate about the work I do here at TGRP–building something through relationships with candidates, clients, and those I work with.
Favorite quote?
I love the quote from the movie This Is Spinal Tap, “Have a good time, all the time.”
Predictions for TGRP’s future?
I predict we will hold a prominent place in the industry here in the Denver market, and move into additional markets outside of the Front Range.
Words of wisdom?
Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, then it’s not the end. (Tracy McMillan quote)
If you could go back in time and give career advice to young Doug, what might it be?
I’d remind myself to be open-minded and intentional about my career moves. Slow down and set thoughtful goals.
But it all works out in the end, right?
Absolutely! I really am very happy where I am. I don’t spend much time regretting things, but I’m sure if I had a time machine, I’d go back and invest in Amazon and Chipotle back in the 90’s!
