Ben Shirley has been a Branch Manager with Johnson Service Group for over 10 years. We took the opportunity to talk with Ben about his time in the staffing industry, and how the Aerospace and Aviation industries have changed during his time partnering with them.
You’ve been in Aircraft Staffing for over 30 years. Tell us about that.
I started in the industry as a recruiter in 1987 and stayed with the company I was with for over twenty years. During my first year, I began supervising and coordinating the recruiting. I quickly became a primary contact for some of our larger clients. Soon after, I transitioned into an Account Executive role. Wichita was an aircraft center at the time, and I developed not only good business contacts in this industry but also great friends.
I have worked staffing with multiple industries but Aircraft and Aerospace quickly became what I enjoyed the most. The office had a division doing in-house engineering and I was fortunate to both learn from them and bring in work for them. Fast forward and JSG was looking to grow. They brought me in for a dinner with the owners and upper management and I felt right at home. I knew I had found a new home.
You work primarily in Aerospace and Aviation – what are some of the recent trends in these industries?
Technology is enabling exciting developments in the Aerospace and Aviation industries. The private sector started moving into spacecraft development a few years ago and now there is research and development starting on commercial drones, small air taxies, and electric powered aircraft. There are a lot of new developments coming in the next several years. The job market is really strong. These growth opportunities have been shining the light back on our recruiting strengths.
What are some of the hobbies you enjoy outside of work?
I have always enjoyed cars and dirt bikes. But if you ask me today, I am a St. Louis Blues fan!!! We finally got the Cup!!!
