Game-Changing Talent: Shift Group’s Role in Cipher’s Hiring and Growth

About Cipher

At Cipher, a Prosegur company, we are a leading Managed Security Services (MSS) provider, renowned for our world-class Managed Detection and Response (xMDR) service. We meet you where you are with flexible and open support for your technology needs, providing localized expertise and global reach. Our end-to-end MSS solutions cater to all your cybersecurity needs and our comprehensive approach ensures that we meet the diverse security requirements of our clients, maintaining excellence in all aspects of cybersecurity.

Challenge – Sourcing the Right Candidates

• Large Pool of Candidates 
• Identifying Intangible Characteristics

Cipher prioritizes coachability and the right mindset as core elements of their mantra. They seek individuals who demonstrate agility and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in their team. However, sourcing such talent can be challenging, especially within the large applicant pool for SOR and BDR roles.

“Shift Group candidates demonstrate a mindset that aligns with our culture, driving collaboration and innovation. We seek individuals with the skills to thrive in dynamic environments, making them ideal fits for our organization.”

Solution – Shift Group’s Pre-Vetted Candidates

• Elite Mindsets
• Track Record of Coachability
• Thrive in Team Environments

Shift Group simplifies the hiring process for our partners by streamlining candidate sourcing to match your specific needs. Our targeted approach ensures you receive a strong pool of qualified candidates, allowing for quicker decision-making and reducing the time spent on onboarding. This efficient process not only enhances your recruitment efforts but also helps align new hires with your company culture from the start.

“Shift Group is the whole package, helping us close the gap and ensuring we have a strong applicant pool tailored to our needs. The mission of Shift Group also aligns with our values by bringing in athletes and veterans, embodying our ‘play to win’ mentality.”

RESULTS – ACCELERATED ONBOARDING & GROWTH

We prioritize preparing our candidates for success from day one. By emphasizing practical training and real-world scenarios, we empower candidates to hit the ground running, contributing to their teams effectively and confidently right from the start. This preparation lays the foundation for their long-term success and growth within their new organization.

“From our experience with Shift Group candidates, it’s clear they come prepared to excel from day one. They exemplify a strong desire to not only perform their jobs exceptionally well but also to grow and develop within our organization.”

Building a High-Impact Team: How Redwood Software Accelerated Hiring & Performance with Shift Group

About Redwood Software

Redwood Software is the leader in full stack automation fabric solutions for mission-critical business processes. With the first SaaS-based composable automation platform specifically built for ERP, we believe in the transformative power of automations. Our unparalleled solutions empower you to orchestrate, manage and monitor your workflows across any application, service or server – in the cloud or on premises – with confidence and control.

Redwood’s global team of automation experts and customer success engineers provide solutions and world-class support designed to give you the freedom and time to imagine and define your future. Get out of the weeds and see the forest, with Redwood.

Challenge – Broken Hiring Process

• Long Ramp Times 
• Inefficient Hiring Process

Redwood needed to scale quickly, but between coaching reps and closing deals – hiring managers didn’t have time to sort through countless resumes. The amount of unqualified candidates impacted overall sales productivity and profitability.

“Before partnering with Shift Group, we had to interview many more candidates to make a hire. Since then, we’ve seen increased candidate quality who are better prepared and have a high enthusiasm for their career path”

Solution – Shift Connect

• Elite Characteristics
• Transparent Candidate Insight
• Expert Mentorship
• Job Skill Training

Shift Group mentors & coaches former elite athletes and military veterans on industry specific job skills. Qualifies every candidate via their background in uniform along with a detailed training program ensures faster ramp time and close to no attrition. The platform instantly matches companies with their ideal candidate profile fit.

“With Shift Group we were able to cut out the screening process because Shift had already vetted them for success. Their profiles contain a 30/60/90 day plan that I view immediately, allowing us to be sharper with who we interview and find candidates faster”

Results – Culture Changing ROI

Shift Group candidates bring a level of leadership, coachability and commitment that bleeds to the rest of the team. They ramp faster, drive better productivity AND get promoted faster.

“Before Shift the status quo was 18 months to promotion. All of a sudden that went to 9 months for promotion to a closing role. Shift Group’s candidates caught the eye of our sales leaders early and made a name for themselves within the company”

Shift Group Debut’s “The Transfer Portal” to Connect Experienced Professionals with Premier Employers

Shift Group is excited to announce the launch of its new program, “The Transfer Portal.” This initiative marks a strategic shift for Shift Group as it expands its focus beyond entry-level positions to include the placement of experienced professionals, offering them a unique opportunity for growth in their careers.

Empowering Experienced Candidates for Career Advancement

Historically, Shift Group has prioritized helping former athletes and military veterans transition into entry-level roles. However, “The Transfer Portal,” is designed to support professionals who bring valuable experience but may be seeking new opportunities or career changes. By expanding its services, Shift Group aims to fill a critical gap in the market, connecting seasoned talent with top-tier employers across various industries.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Transfer Portal to connect experienced professionals with exciting new career opportunities,” said JR Butler, CEO of Shift Group. “Our goal is to empower individuals at all stages of their careers by leveraging their unique skills and experiences. This program is an extension of our commitment to fostering professional growth and success for all candidates.”

Showcasing Unique Value Beyond a Resume

An essential part of The Transfer Portal is teaching experienced candidates how to effectively leverage their personal stories as a powerful tool in their job search. Shift Group’s approach involves helping candidates articulate their unique backgrounds, skills, and experiences in a way that resonates with potential employers. By turning their personal narratives into compelling stories, candidates can distinguish themselves in a competitive job market.

Shift Group emphasizes the use of video as a differentiator. Through The Transfer Portal, candidates receive training on creating impactful video presentations that highlight their expertise, personality, and passion. This innovative approach allows employers to see beyond the resume and gain a deeper understanding of what makes each candidate a unique and valuable hire.

Comprehensive Support for Experienced Candidates

“The Transfer Portal” is designed to help experienced professionals translate their past achievements into new career opportunities. The program offers a range of resources, all tailored to maximize the value of each candidate’s experience. Shift Group’s approach focuses on enhancing existing strengths and filling any skill gaps, ensuring that every candidate is fully equipped to excel in their new role.

By helping these candidates effectively leverage their experience, Shift Group ensures they are ready to stand out and succeed in their next career chapter.

Be sure to check out all of our recent announcements here!

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Shift Group Launches Innovative Ignite Offering for Outreach and Market Intelligence 

Shift Group is excited to announce the launch of its newest service: Ignite. This innovative solution is designed to help companies that are not yet ready to hire a full-time salesperson or those seeking to gain valuable market intelligence through live conversations with prospects and future customers. 

What is Ignite?

Ignite offers businesses the ability to tap into Shift Group’s pool of highly trained athletes and veterans to conduct outreach on their behalf. Whether it’s cold calling, emailing, or market research, this service is ideal for companies in the early stages of growth, those testing new markets, or businesses seeking to gather valuable market intelligence before committing to a full-time sales hire.  Additionally, its a path to evaluate and identify Shift Group talent that could be a great fit to your organization.  

Key Benefits of Ignite:

Cost-Effective Outbound: Perfect for companies in the early stages of sales development, Ignite provides a cost-effective way to test the waters before investing in a full-time salesperson.

Market Intelligence Gathering: Beyond just pipeline, Ignite provides the opportunity to gather crucial insights about your market, competitors, and potential customers. This data-driven approach helps you make informed decisions and refine your business strategy. 

Highly Trained Talent and Leadership: Leverage Shift Group candidates who have completed our program and possess the drive, discipline, and determination that comes from their unique background in sports and military service. The team is led by an industry expert focused on accountability and continuous improvement throughout your engagement.

Leverage Our Tech Stack: which enhances your sales efforts with automation, data analytics, and best-in-class targeting and data enrichment. Ignite utilizes a state-of-the-art tech stack to streamline and enhance outbound sales activities. From guaranteed email deliverability above 90% to accuracy of contact numbers, our technology ensures that your outreach efforts are both efficient, and effective and return the most important outcome – knowledge of your market.

Why Choose Ignite?

• Scalable: Adjust the level of service based on your business’s needs, ensuring you have the right resources at the right time.
• Targeted Market Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of your industry landscape with actionable intelligence that can drive strategic decisions around marketing spend, sales hiring, messaging, and general GTM planning.
• Streamlined Process: Ignite simplifies the process of sales outreach, allowing your team to focus on other critical areas of your business while still reaching your sales targets.

Be sure to check out all of our recent announcements here!

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling. Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Shift Group Accepted as Department of Defense SkillBridge Partner

Shift Group is proud to announce our approval by the Department of Defense as an official SkillBridge partner. This SkillBridge program aims to provide military veterans with the resources, training, and support necessary to transition smoothly into successful civilian careers.

Empowering Veterans with Career Opportunities

The DOD SkillBridge program connects service members with industry partners, offering them real-world job experience during their last 180 days of service. By partnering with SkillBridge, Shift Group will leverage its expertise in career development and a robust network of hiring partners to create tailored programs that enhance veterans’ employability and readiness for the professional world.

“Part of our core mission at Shift Group is to bridge the gap between military veterans and the business world.  DOD’s Skillbridge program is an incredible opportunity for Active Duty Military to begin their exploration of civilian life – and for Shift Group to be the tip of the spear for these American Heroes to begin their transition process. I’m excited to open our coaching, education, and mentorship to active duty service members – but even more excited for the incredible real-world experience and exposure they will have working with a fast-growth and exciting company like ours.” JR Butler, CEO | CEO Shift Group

Welcoming Two New Veteran Hires to Our Team

In addition to our partnership with SkillBridge, Shift Group is proud to announce the addition of two military veterans to our team, Hocque Figueroa (Marine Corps) and Grant Kiekhaefer (Air Force).

Their unique perspectives and firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by service members entering the civilian workforce will be invaluable as we continue to refine our programs. We believe that their contributions will not only enhance our internal capabilities but also provide our veteran candidates with relatable mentors who have successfully navigated the same journey.

“Transitioning from the military to the business world can be intimidating. All of your peers have been in business for years, and you are the new guy. In the military, we come from a culture where we know the service members to our left and right have our back. Not only did Shift Group provide me with exceptional training and coaching, but I know the Shift Group team has my back and is looking out for my best interest when placing me into my first role outside of the military.” Hocque Figueroa, Shift BDR | Captain, USMC

A Comprehensive Approach to Career Transition

Shift Group’s proven coaching and career development programs will be integrated with SkillBridge’s established framework, offering veterans a comprehensive approach to career transition. In addition to welcoming SkillBridge candidates to our team, our resources and services will be available to any transitioning veteran to leverage in their transition to a new career.

Our candidates benefit from access and mentorship from every part of our organization—an advantage that sets us apart from many of our peers. This support helps veterans develop a well-rounded skill set, making them highly competitive candidates in today’s job market. The candidates who excel in their time with Shift Group will have the opportunity to join our team full time, following in the footsteps of Grant & Hocque.

“Transitioning out of the military was stressful, but Shift Group eased that by showing me how my military experience would benefit me in the business world. Their support helped me redefine my purpose and gave me access to every level of the company, preparing me for the new world I was entering. Being with Shift Group feels like being at home, surrounded by some of the most supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate leaders I’ve encountered since joining the Air Force. That’s why I chose Shift Group for my SkillBridge and stayed on as a full-time veteran coach and Business Development Rep.” Grant Kiekhaefer, Shift BDR | Air Force

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling.  Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Shift Group Welcomes Linda Martindale to Elevate Coaching and Mental Training for Candidates

Enhancing Candidate Success Through Expert Coaching

Shift Group is thrilled to announce the addition of Linda Martindale to our team as a Strategic Advisor. As a seasoned expert in coaching and mental training, Linda brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organization. Her role will focus on empowering our candidates—athletes and veterans transitioning to new careers—with the mental tools and resilience needed to excel in high-pressure environments.

“Former college athletes and veterans bring exceptional qualities to the workplace, such as discipline, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. I look forward to working with these candidates, helping them translate these attributes into professional skills, and coaching them towards long and fulfilling careers.” Linda Martindale | Founder of Martindale Coaching

Linda Martindale, the founder of Martindale Coaching, has over two decades of experience in personal development and professional growth. Her holistic approach to coaching emphasizes mental toughness, resilience, and peak performance, making her an invaluable asset to our candidates and alumni community. Linda’s innovative techniques and personalized training programs are designed to help individuals overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve their career goals.

Strengthening Our Commitment to Candidate Development

At Shift Group, our mission is to bridge the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through comprehensive coaching and career upskilling. The addition of Linda to our team represents our commitment to providing the best resources for our candidates and alumni. Her expertise will significantly enhance our coaching offerings, ensuring that our candidates are well-prepared for successful transitions into the corporate world.

“Adding Linda as a resource is a game-changer for our candidates. Her coaching will allow our athletes and veterans to thrive in their new environments and build the foundations necessary for long-term success in their new uniforms” Dana Sharry, COO | Shift Group

Looking Ahead: Innovative Strategies and Expanded Impact

The addition of Linda Martindale marks a significant milestone for Shift Group as we continue to expand our impact. With her expertise, we plan to introduce new coaching modules and mental training workshops tailored to the unique needs of our candidates. This initiative aligns with our broader strategy to enhance the resources available on our Shift Connect platform, ensuring that our candidates and alumni have access to the most comprehensive support system possible. We are confident that these enhancements will not only benefit our candidates but also position Shift Group as a leader in career transition services for athletes and veterans.

For more information about Linda Martindale and her coaching services, please visit Martindale Coaching.

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling.  Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals.

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

Discover how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent. Visit us at shiftgroup.io to learn more.

Shift Group Acquires TorchPro for a new era of athlete and veteran career advancement

Shift Group, a leader in career development and enablement for athletes and veterans transitioning into the professional world, today announced the acquisition of TorchPro, a digital sports media network dedicated to professional athlete storytelling and brand building.

This acquisition marks a significant step in creating a robust platform that helps athletes and veterans leverage their unique skills and experiences for success in their new careers. TorchPro’s expertise in digital content creation and athlete engagement will enhance Shift Group’s already robust career development programs. By leveraging TorchPro’s skills, Shift Group will improve its coaching programs, ensuring candidates are even better prepared for success from day one in their new careers.

“We’re seizing a remarkable opportunity to broaden our impact,” said JR Butler, CEO and founder of Shift Group. “By combining Shift Group’s proven strategies with TorchPro’s expertise in digital brand development, we’re set to inspire and equip athletes and veterans with the essential tools for career preparation and success. This partnership will create a new kind of uniform — one that delivers tangible success for both the candidates and the organizations that hire them.”

Shift Group is set to enhance its services by incorporating TorchPro’s specialization in digital brand development and storytelling. This collaboration will extend TorchPro’s proven methods to both current and future partnerships with athletic and military organizations. By focusing on the importance of understanding and articulating one’s identity, both during and after a career in sports or the military, this integration will help every candidate in the program to authentically realize and express their personal story.

“We understand the challenge of transitioning from the arena to corporate life,” said Matt Fornataro, CEO of TorchPro. “Your resume is just the start; your personal brand is what truly sets you apart. We’re excited to shake up the career scene by helping athletes and veterans thrive in their new professional journeys.”

For more information on how Shift Group can transform your hiring process and unlock the potential of exceptional talent, visit shiftgroup.io.

About ShiftGroup

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling.  Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals. 

The Shift Connect platform accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career transitions.

About TorchPro

Founded in 2020, TorchPro has become a premier platform for connection and inspiration, empowering athletes to share their personal journeys and build lasting legacies within the digital landscape. TorchPro excels in highlighting the achievements and stories of sports figures, providing a space where fans and aspiring professionals can celebrate and learn from their idols. By creating engaging and impactful content, TorchPro bridges the gap between athletes and their audiences, fostering a community that appreciates the dedication, talent, and hard work of sports professionals. Through innovative digital storytelling, TorchPro not only promotes the greatness of athletes but also helps them connect with a broader audience.

John Kaplan Joins Shift Group as Strategic Advisor

Shift Group is proud to welcome John Kaplan to our team as a Strategic Advisor and Consultant. His background includes over 20 years of executive experience in sales leadership and execution, specializing in performance management and sales training & development. Prior to co-founding Force Management, John served as Senior VP of International Operations at PTC and spent 9 years at Xerox in sales management and development.

“I met John when I was a VP of Sales at Turbonomic and we invested in Force Management.  I had always been a MEDDICC focused seller, but sitting through those sessions, ran by John, injected new life into my sales and leadership career.  He’s been a mentor and a friend ever since, and I couldn’t think of a better person to name as  our first official strategic advisor.  Accountability, Coachability, and Authenticity – our core values – directly align with John as a leader and a person” – JR Butler, CEO & Founder | Shift Group

“I have known JR since his days in technology sales and have always respected his leadership and performance. When he started Shift Group, I knew it would be an instant success. I believe in the mission of focusing on athletes and military veterans and have seen Shift Group create incredible results for both candidates and companies.” John Kaplan, President & Co-Founder | Force Management

Enhancing Candidate Experience and Customer Value 

John’s proven track record of driving results through the development of elite sellers and teams will play a pivotal role in taking our program to new heights. With his strategic approach and expertise in coaching, Shift Group’s already rich curriculum and partnership with Ascender and Force Management will be further optimized to produce elite candidates who make immediate impacts on the teams and organizations they join.

John’s commitment to excellence and proven ability to build winning teams align perfectly with our mission to deliver unparalleled value to our clients. We look forward to leveraging his experience to further develop the talented candidates our hiring partners have grown to expect from Shift Group.

“I am incredibly excited to work with the team at Shift Group and bring my years of experience in sales development and training to the table.” said Kaplan “I look forward to collaborating with individuals who are passionate about achieving excellence. Together, we will elevate our coaching and development strategies to drive growth and success for both the candidate and hiring partner.” – Said Kaplan

Be sure to check out last week’s announcement of RJ Irving as SVP of Product & Technology and stay tuned for more updates as Shift Group continues to push the boundaries on becoming the de facto platform for transitioning athletes & military veterans!

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling.  Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals. 

The Shift Connect platform, accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career development.

RJ Irving Joins as SVP of Product & Technology

In an exciting move to strengthen our leadership team, we are thrilled to announce the addition of RJ Irving as SVP of Product & Technology at Shift Group. With over 14 years of experience in product development & management at Mass Mutual and Melius, RJ brings a wealth of experience that will allow us to drive Shift Group’s mission to become the de facto platform for all transitioning athletes and military veterans.

“I’ve sold Software my whole career but have never been in the room during the build process. It’s too important for the mission and purpose of our company to not have an expert at the helm leading the platform strategy. RJ exemplifies our core values of accountability, coachability, and authenticity and brings the expertise needed to build a disruptive SaaS company.” – JR Butler, CEO & Founder | Shift Group

“JR and his team have begun addressing one of the biggest, yet seldom discussed issues in sports and service: the transition through identity loss. What initially drew me to JR was his remarkable ability to illuminate and articulate this problem and assist individuals at every stage of the journey. From self-discovery to skill set and industry exploration, and finally, to effectively communicating how past successes can lead to future wins.” – RJ Irving, SVP of Product & Technology | Shift Group

Taking Our Product to the Next Level

With the addition of RJ to the Shift Group team and the recent addition of Dana Sharry as Chief Operating Officer we are poised to further enhance our platform capabilities and deliver more value to our athletes, veterans, and hiring partners.

“When JR brought on a highly skilled operator like Dana, joining Shift Group became an obvious choice. The desire to win is palpable when speaking with any Shift Group team member.” Said Irving “I am beyond excited to join this team.” 

RJ will spearhead the growth and improvement of our platform Shift Connect, with a deep understanding of the strategic approach necessary to enhance our platform features, capabilities, and performance. Combined with Dana’s operational efficiency, we will be equipped to bring a superior product to market that meets the demands of our candidates and companies.

Leadership & Strategic Growth

At Shift Group, we believe that strong leadership is the cornerstone of our success. The addition of RJ to our executive team represents our commitment to our candidates and hiring partners to become the service every athlete or servicemember relies on to successfully transition into their next career.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of career transition. For more information about our latest developments and product launches, visit our website or follow us on social @shiftgroup_hq on all platforms! 

About Shift Group:

Shift Group bridges the gap between military veterans, former athletes, and the business world through coaching and career upskilling.  Our mission is to help these individuals unlock their unique skills and experiences and match them with top-tier companies in need of resilient, coachable, and team-oriented professionals. 

 The Shift Connect platform, accelerates learning and streamlines the hiring process by connecting employers with pre-vetted candidates who are ready to excel. Customers reduce hiring time, lower costs, increase growth rates and improve retention. Shift Group is committed to helping businesses build high-performing teams and supporting veterans and athletes in their career transitions.