Rick Mueller, Commercial/Architectural Sales Rep, Pella Window & Door
Rick Mueller had resigned himself to changing careers. As Manager of Structural Framing for BlueLinx Corporation, a national wholesale building materials distributor, he was responsible for business development and field technical support for the company’s engineered wood products division. After he was laid off, Rick began a six-month search for comparable work in the same industry and assumed it would lead him down a different path. He is pleased to announce, however, that he recently accepted a position that seems custom-made for him.
“Although I fully anticipated a change of industry, I landed back in building materials, utilizing my prior industry experience and professional network, and applying it toward a new product segment.”
Rick is now Pella Window & Door’s Commercial/Architectural Sales Representative for the St. Louis region. In this role, he markets the Pella brand as the primary window specification throughout the architectural community for commercial project applications and secures Pella commercial project contracts through general contractors, developers, building owners and institutions.
On his journey from one phase of his career to the next, Rick was amazed by the number of qualified professionals adversely affected by the slumping economy and resulting job losses. However, he also learned that effective networking can help job-seekers build connections that lead them to hiring managers, and that support networks such as those provided by GO! Network, BBJ, St. Louis Mentor Resource and LinkedIn are invaluable in helping to guide, educate and encourage professionals through a challenging process and aid in uncovering the hidden job market.
“GO! Network became my Tuesday morning lifeline during a challenging and stressful period for me and my family,” Rick said. “The leaders, volunteers and speakers worked hard each week to tailor presentations into effective career-management content delivered in an atmosphere conducive to constructive interaction among like-minded professionals. I’m grateful to all who dedicated their time, effort and knowledge.”
Rick advises job-seekers to work on their transition as though it’s a full-time job and be persistent. He also recommends reading “People Hire People, Not Résumés” by Frank Danzo, attending all of David Hults’ seminars and taking notes, and tapping into the resources offered by BBJ and GO! Network. “Get involved, make friends, support one another along the way, pray for strength and express your gratitude for His provisions.”