Why We Do the Work:

This past Monday was Memorial Day—and it felt early this year. As I scrolled through the powerful tributes being shared, I couldn’t help but pause on a few that really hit home.

One was Weston C. Lee, just 25 years old when he was killed in Iraq. Another was Lt. Serena N. “Dug” Wileman—young, vibrant, full of life. Gone too soon, with so much life left to live. Weston had just graduated from the University of North Georgia. Serena was a wife, a daughter, a friend. Both gave everything in service to something bigger than themselves.

It’s a sobering reminder of what our freedom actually costs. Something we enjoy every day, often without even thinking about it.

This year, it hit even closer to home. One of our own Adrian Bridges served in the Navy. He’s a key part of our team now, but before that, he dedicated years of his life to serving our country. It’s a reminder that these sacrifices aren’t just history—they're part of the lives we intersect with every day.

Memorial Day isn’t just a long weekend or the unofficial start of summer. It’s a moment to reflect, to remember, and to teach our kids that the life we live was paid for by others.

And for me, working in staffing and recruiting—especially in American manufacturing—this hits close. Many of the people we support have served. Many still serve. And I don’t take that lightly.

Honoring them means more than words. It means doing work that matters and remembering why we’re able to do it in the first place.

Everything Has a Cost—So Let’s Talk About It

Coming off Memorial Day, I’ve been thinking a lot about cost—not just in terms of sacrifice, but in everyday life and business.

The truth is, everything has a cost.

Some are obvious—dollars on a price tag. Others are harder to see—time, energy, opportunity, reputation. But whether you’re raising a family, running a business, serving your country, or building a career, the work you put in costs something.

And yet, so often, when it comes to business, we shy away from talking about price. Especially in staffing or service-based work. People want results, but there’s this hesitation when it comes time to talk numbers.

Here’s the reality:

✅ Quality recruiting costs something.

✅ Expertise costs something.

✅ Speed, accuracy, and peace of mind? That all costs something too.

But the right investment pays you back in multiples—through better hires, less turnover, and more time to focus on what you’re best at.

This isn’t about gouging anyone or overpricing. It’s about recognizing that if you're bringing value, you shouldn't be afraid to put a price on it. Because the people who get it? They’re not just buying your time. They’re buying outcomes. And they know—you get what you pay for.

So whether you're on the hiring side, the candidate side, or just running your own race—don't sell yourself short. Know your value. And don't be afraid to talk about it.

The Effective Syndicate is a family of brands dedicated to supporting U.S. manufacturing by addressing the industry's unique challenges:

• The Effective Syndicate: Delivering expert consulting services in Lean Six Sigma, leadership development, and operational improvement to help manufacturing companies achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

• TES Recruiting: Connecting manufacturing companies with top-tier talent, from the shop floor to the C-suite.

• Swiftemp: Providing fast, reliable staffing solutions, specializing in temporary-to-hire roles for manufacturing and metal fabrication.

• GSD Manager Training: Empowering managers with practical, no-nonsense training to lead confidently, enhance productivity, and build stronger teams.

Together, we help U.S. manufacturing businesses thrive. Want to learn more? Check out our website! www.tes.run