From time to time we interview a client or former client about his or her career transition and their experience with Kelleher Associates. 

KAI: How did you come to choose Kelleher Associates to assist you in your career transition?

Brad: I actually discovered Kelleher Associates through their web site. I found the internet to be a very valuable resource. I received some advice from a couple of friends about working with outplacement firms, and was searching the Internet for advice. I found the Kelleher website and was impressed, especially with the biographies of the principals and in particular, with their backgrounds and qualifications. The web site provided me the chance to read the interviews with clients, understand the resources and networking opportunities available such as ExecuNet. All of the information on the web site convinced me to visit Kelleher Associates. I also visited a number of other firms in the region, including a much larger firm in Philadelphia. One firm did not take self-pay clients; another didn't have as many qualified coaches as Kelleher and encouraged more classroom learning instead of one-to-one counseling. I felt only Kelleher Associates would give me the personalized one-to-one coaching that I needed and in turn, received from them. It was clear that Kelleher Associates was the right choice for me.

KAI: What events triggered your decision to seek an outplacement firm?

Brad: I had been working for a little over five years as a money manager at Gardner Lewis Asset Management in Chadds Ford, PA. I was a senior analyst and portfolio manager, with a concentration in the technology sector. I had been following technology since 1993, and saw the tech bubble rise and then burst. Because of my focus on the tech sector, and the current state of that sector, tech had become a smaller part of the funds at Gardner Lewis and my role there became less strategic. 

KAI: Did you explore any other industries or jobs during your transition from Gardner Lewis to Glenmede Trust?

Brad: I explored other types of industries, but we determined my skills and background fit best with financial firms. Ed Kelleher, Mitch Wienick and Al Kramer worked with me at Kelleher Associates, and we discussed a number of potential firms. With specific companies in mind, I wanted to find a role that utilized my analytical skills, my interpersonal skills, and my ability to make strategic decisions that make an impact on a financial portfolio. I also have very strong ties in the Philadelphia area, so it was important for me to be in this region. I briefly looked at a non-profit organization, but felt that I did not have the experience or passion for the organization.

KAI: What were some of the tactics Kelleher Associates used in working with you?

Brad: One of the biggest things I'll never forget is that I thought I had a pretty good resume when I went to see them. Al Kramer and Mitch Wienick thought that we could improve it. In fact, Ed Kelleher significantly improved my resume. He helped me realize what else I have accomplished in my career and found that I had some top-notch qualifications which I incorporated in the resume. In addition to Ed's help and wisdom in rebuilding my resume, Mitch Wienick was very helpful in polishing my interview skills. Al Kramer was extremely helpful in a number of ways, through our weekly appointments. We discussed who I was meeting and networking with. We did a number of mock interviews together. It had been over five years since I had been in an interview. When I started to interview with Glenmede Trust I really needed to prepare properly, so Al reviewed with me what questions he thought would be asked and what questions I should ask. During the blackout period, when I was waiting to her from them, he helped me with proper ways to respond. He was there for me throughout the entire interview process. I was well prepared for the job search.

KAI: How did you find your new position with Glenmede Trust?

Brad: I started networking with a number of fund managers in the area. I networked through a group of about 30 fund managers that get together regularly. Glenmede Trust had contacted one of the people I was networking with about a position that had become available. I sent that friend my resume, and he then forwarded it to his contact at Glenmede Trust. I started looking for outplacement firms in September, and had committed to Kelleher Associates in early October. The first phone call from Glenmede Trust came in early January, and my first interview was January 9. Al Kramer helped me understand what to expect. Six weeks after the first interview, I was brought in for another round of interviews. At that point I was offered the position and was quite pleased with the offer. I have found the firm to have a top-notch staff and set of products. I am very happy with my new position.