25 THINGS - ROGER MATTIUSSI

You can laugh all you want when Paragon's Roger Mattiussi whips out his flip phone. He's used to it, and he tells himself you're laughing with him. That's an inherent quality you want in a recruiter and we're lucky to have him. Here's more about "Raj," who took a timeout from recruiting to reveal some Roger trivia and answer a few questions...
 

1. I am getting married in June.

2. I won my fantasy football league this year.

3. My favorite board game to play is Monopoly, with Clue being a very close second.

4. My favorite TV show is Sons of Anarchy.

5. I own a flip phone.

Q. Why the flip phone?

A. Why not? The purpose of a phone is to call people, right? My phone does that just fine and I probably spend half the money a month that most people do. I think a lot of people get wrapped up in having the latest and greatest things. So they buy it, and the next one, and the next one, and that mindset has gotten us into some of economic troubles we face today. I live a relatively simple life that I enjoy. Why complicate it?

6. My favorite pizza is Bordenaro's on SW 9th.

7. My dream vacation is a three-month trip to Europe.

8. I love anything chocolate.

9. I am a member of St. Anthony's Church.

10. I just spent seven months renovating a house.

Q. What are some key tips for someone who wants to renovate a house?

A. Plan, be realistic about expectations, stay positive, and work with a group of people who you trust and can communicate with. It is imperative you know what you want to do and how much you want to spend going in but that you are also flexible throughout the process. You have to be realistic about what can be done within your budget, timeframe, and patience level. You have to stay positive because you will need to overcome unexpected obstacles along the way and will have to know how to deal with those obstacles while keeping cool, calm, and collected. Last, it is important to work with people who you trust and can communicate with because likely the process will be long, exhausting, and sometimes frustrating. You have to know that the people you're working with have a similar vision and work ethic. Kitchens and bathrooms sell a house so it's important to devote a large portion of your efforts in those places if you plan on selling the house down the road. 

11. I am terrified of heights and snakes.

12. My favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom.

13. I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2007. Go Hawks!

14. I recently took a RV road trip to South Bend, Indiana and saw Notre Dame beat Navy.

15. My favorite team is the New York Yankees. 

Q. You're relatively new here, but can you tell me about the successes you've had with candidates? What did you do for them, or they for you?

A. I feel each connection and relationship I have developed with my candidates is a win and therefore a success. Not all wins have to be placements because not all placements are in the best interest of the candidate. Candidates have taught me how to be a more effective recruiter and have definitely given me insight into the IT field.  

16. My favorite color is blue.

17. I do not have any tattoos.

18. My favorite cartoon growing up was Batman.

19. I enjoy working out, exercising and just staying active.

Q. What's your best piece of advice to a candidate?

A. Be honest and have realistic expectations.

[Roger ran out of gas at 19. He should have the other six before the end of the year.]