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2006 Fast 50
Colin Day, iCIMS
President and CEO
Hazlet - NJ US
The big idea: In 25 words or less, please highlight why readers should care about this Fast 50 nominee
Change agent Colin Day’s “Back to the Basics” philosophy redefines how corporations run their Talent Management programs by improving HR efficiency and the candidate experience.
Please describe the creative and business achievements of the Fast 50
nominee (whether it's yourself, someone you admire, or someone you
work with).
(suggested length: 250 words)
Colin has dedicated his career to helping organizations streamline their recruiting and HR operations through the use of technology. He recognized that technology, alone, is not the solution. Rather, technology acts as an enabler that makes the real solution, people, more effective at their jobs. Therefore, Colin set his company’s vision towards a philosophy he referred to as “Back to the Basics.” This approach emphasizes the value of turning less necessary functionality into configurable options and creating the easiest-to-use technology available in the marketplace. Under Colin’s leadership, iCIMS has used the “Back to the Basics” philosophy to become one of the largest and most profitable technology providers in the Industry. At the center of this success story is Colin’s belief that technology, if delivered properly, will make people more effective at their jobs and happier with their roles. As a testament to this philosophy, iCIMS has been the fastest growing provider of Applicant Tracking Solutions since 2003, doing so with a near-perfect 97 percent satisfaction rating and a staff one-fourth of the size of many of its main competitors. Colin’s creativity in solving business challenges is the hallmark of his success. His ability to drive change has helped both iCIMS’ employees and customers find success in their areas of expertise. Colin’s vision and his passion to see people realize their own potential drives iCIMS’ continued development and perfection of its products and services, now leveraged by more than 300 corporations worldwide.
What skills has the nominee used to obtain these results? Please focus your entry around particularly novel or unique approaches, spectacular innovations, and creative insights.
(suggested length: 250 words)
Colin’s unique skills are best described through his “Back to the Basics” vision. This concept highlights the untapped, and often unrecognized, value available to corporations to do more with less by optimizing their workforce through technology. This vision lives and breathes not only through iCIMS’ offerings, but it is also at the very core of the organization itself. From a product perspective, “Back to the Basics” has resulted in offerings that are fundamentally easy to implement and use, leading to greater user adoption that is ultimately the greatest value to iCIMS’ clients. From a company perspective, this unique management model has allowed iCIMS to run very efficiently, supporting over 300 corporations with just 40 employees. The secret to this success has been Colin’s ability to creatively use technology and reengineer internal processes that enable team members to excel in their areas of expertise. By putting employees in the best position possible to succeed, Colin has been able to continue to develop and nurture a highly efficient and productive team at iCIMS. The success of his programs is seen in both the growth of the organization, as well as in the satisfaction of iCIMS’ customers and employees. Since 2003, iCIMS has maintained a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating, and an employee turnover rate of less than 5 percent.
What does the nominee have in store for the next 10 years? How will it shape the nominee's industry, the world of business or our culture at large? Please focus this answer around the nominee's vision for the future and his or her specific plans for achieving these goals.
(suggested length: 250 words)
Within the Human Resources Industry, Colin plans on continuing to build upon the foundation he has laid through iCIMS’ Talent Management offerings. This includes adding to the breadth of iCIMS’ solutions while remaining consistent with the “Back to the Basics” approach. Colin’s drive to help people become more effective at their jobs continues to fuel his efforts. This can be seen through his ongoing development of new and creative ways to deploy solutions that optimize the skill sets available within any given workforce. Furthermore, Colin plans to incorporate his “Back to the Basics” concepts into solutions targeted to other Industries outside of Human Resources, including Customer Support and Sales Management. Here, he wishes to apply the same techniques that brought such high levels of success within the world of Human Resources to other industries that face similar business challenges. Colin also plans on writing a book with the hope of helping future leaders of start-up corporations succeed in the face of uncertain economic conditions. Under his leadership, iCIMS survived the burst of the Dot.Com bubble and persevered through the growing pains of a start-up organization to become one of today’s market leaders. The experiences, challenges, and lessons learned by iCIMS during its early years offer a wealth of insight to other entrepreneurs, who will undoubtedly face similar struggles and constraints during their own formative years.
Comments that readers have made about this submission:
It seems like Colin really works hard to help people to do their jobs well; I applaud that!
Sarah Kohut - Bethlehem, PA, USAI've had the opportunity to work with Colin for a number of years now and am still amazed at his ability to challenge and motivate our team to reach previously unthinkable goals. Colin sees and treats everyone at iCIMS as people; not just employees and his sincere desire to help each individual realize their potential is something special, especially in today's numbers-driven world.
Adam Feigenbaum - Red Bank, NJ, USAVery innovative and perceptive.There is nothing more important in the modern day business development than managing the human resources
George Liou - Hazlet NJ USAThe depth of the relationship between Colin and the entire iCIMS Team goes far beyond the daily examples of motivation, leadership, and team-building available. Colin's drive to continuously innovate solutions related to company management and business/product strategies will propel the organization forward for future growth, success, and industry envy.
Andrew Curtis - Manhattan, NY USAColin has given me the opportunity to be a leader on the iCIMS R&D team, and I have always been impressed by how he is able to understand the needs of our clients and translate this into practical software solutions. It is truly refreshing to work with somebody who is able to run a software team at its full potential without losing sight of the business problems our software can solve.
Chris Bartholomew - Sayreville, NJ, USAColin is the most down-to-earth executive I've ever met. He rolls up his sleeves and is very involved with all aspects of the business and development of iRecruiter. He is a true visionary, and knows what makes iRecruiter successful; he listens to the customer's needs and is constantly improving his product. He also has created a great working environment for his employees, by recognizing and rewarding all their efforts. Aside from iRecruiter being a great product, iCIMS is a great place to work because of Colin.
Patty Magovern - Hazlet, NJ, USAAs an ICIMS customer, I have to say that Colin is doing a great job as a leader. iRecruiter is an excellent product and the customer service is one of the best I have ever seen. Colin created an environment in which employees are loyal and feel passionate about their jobs. This reflects in the customers. Great job!
Claudia Waxman - Morganville, NJ USAHis “Back to the Basics” approach is fundamental but not obvious to many people in the business world. Colin’s emphasis of this idea should be commended and closely looked at by anyone who is serious about creating a solid business model. I’ve only had the opportunity to work with Colin for a short time but I can see the positive result the “Back to the Basics” philosophy has had on the employees who work here and the resulting commitment each employee has to meet our company goals.
Greg T. Chen - Flemington, NJ. USAI have had the pleasure of knowing Colin for many years now. He is a true example of what a leader should be. He is respectful of his employees and has created a great working environment for them.
Susan Knudson - Hazlet, NJI have worked with Colin to help hire qualified people to work for him & the company. People like him in the company, & he is very helpful for people who need guidance. Colin is patient, fair & understanding. He is a leader, very hard worker, well respected, and never wastes time. He is a team player, gets along with everyone & helps out anyway he can.
Amy Levine - Monmouth Junction, NJColin epitomizes the idea of leading by example. He has earned his success through hard work, dedication, creativity, and a true passion to help those around him. Colin encourages the iCIMS team to constantly discover and develop new innovation, to creatively solve problems, and to always learn throughout the process. Colin’s unique ability to challenge the minds of his team members enables them to grow, not only professionally, but personally as well.
Susan Vitale - Hazlet, NJ, USANot only is Colin a visionary leader, but he is also is a humble and graceful man who I believe truly practices servant leadership. I am honored to know him.
Tony Blake - Littleton, Colorado, USAI have had the please of working with Colin for a few years now. Colin's extremely innovative and down-right smart! He has the unique ability to combine his technical expertise with his customer service knowledge. Absolutely brilliant!!
Mary Matatall - Houston, TX USAI've had the pleasure of working with Colin after a horrible experience with the impementation of a previous ATS system. Needless to say, I was extremely skeptical of any ATS vendor. However, I have been extremely pleased with the flexibility, adaptability and partnership that we have with Colin and his team. He is true innovator, consultant and "business partner".
Thanh Anderson - Collierville, TNI have known Colin for several years and have watched him throughout the process of developing iCIMS into such a success. He is very dedicated to his work and because of that icims became the fastest growing provider of Applicant Tracking Solutions. iCIMS took off under his leadership and is still growing every day.
Dara Kehoe - Hazlet, NJ, USAGreat story and the epitome of what this nomination is all about
Samantha - New Brunswick, CanadaColin is a terrific leader who has created an innovative and fast-growing entrepreneurial company that has emerged as the number one service provider in its industry. He has done that with a small group of talented people that he put together and led throughout the growth process. He is a very talented individual.
Brad Sparks - Seattle, WashingtonI have worked with Colin for almost two years. I am constantly impressed with his knowledge, innovation, concern for his clients and quick attention to issues and concerns. I am equally impressed with how he has instilled his values in his team and provided a flexible responsible "business partnership" experience rather than the normal "vendor/client" interaction I have had over the years.
Rich Bodenstedt - Phoenix, AZColin is a true entrepreneur. He has a taken small unknown company and made it #1 in the industry. The key to his success is his keen sense of knowing what people want and need, he really listens, whether it be the customer or his employees. He is a great leader and motivator.
Valerie Voon - Hazlet, NJColin is a true entrepreneur. He has a taken small unknown company and made it #1 in the industry. The key to his success is his keen sense of knowing what people want and need, he really listens, whether it be the customer or his employees. He is a great leader and motivator.
Valerie Voon - Hazlet, NJColin is a terrific leader and visionary. He understands that business is built on fostering relationships and delivering. I have worked with Colin as a partner and never has he failed to deliver or provide the personal attention my clients need to make a relationship work.
Tracey Parsons - Portland, ORColin has assembled a first rate team. All are dedicated to making their product a first class experience. Amazing touch... amazing product...amazing user interface. All of ICIMs' employees(to a person) share and exhibit Colin's belief in product and customer satisfaction.
Allen McCollum - Oklahoma City, OK USAColin is passionate about technology that solves problems and even more passionate about solving his customers' challenges. What is unique is that Colin truly listens to his customers and applies solutions based upon their feedback. Colin is an innovater, a terrific person and a true partner to his customers.
Joe Zeinieh - Atlanta, GA - USAI represent Talenger, the iCIMS distributor in Africa. Colin Day is one of those rare individuals that understands that business issues come before technology - even though iCIMS is a technology based business. I have huge respect for his uncomplicated approach that is supported by unrivalled customer care, from every angle. He is truly accessible as an executive and at the same time surprisingly close to the iCIMS product suite. His guidance ensured that iRecruiter has evolved into world-class no-nonsense product that delivers exactly what it is intended to do. He will grow in stature in future and will continue to be an inspiration for his employees, partners and clients alike.
Muller Swart - Johannesburg, South AfricaColin's passion for technology is contagious. He is genuine about his commitment to his clients and colleagues and demonstrates a high level of integrity and respect.
Kari Boyce - Portland, OR USAAs a strategic partner of iCIMS, I value Colin's entrepreneurial spirit, his business acumen, his high ethical standards, and his commitment to excellence and customer service. Under Colin's leadership I have great expectations for the future of iCIMS.
Ronald Adler - Potomac, MD, U.S.A.Sounds like a real visionary!
Kristen Baldwin - Washington, D.C.Colin is meticulously thorough; this is coupled with a keen ability to glean pertinent details which allows him to provide analytical and decisive conclusions. He has a knack for devising organizational programs and procedures that ensure efficiency and economy of operations. A true visionary and a wonderful person.
John Leech - Collierville, TN, USAWay to go Colin -- great article in Sunday's Asbury Park Press!
Joanne Turner - Red Bank, NJ, USAIn just a few years, iCIMS has grown significantly due to Colin's incredible strength and leadership. A true entrepreneur and innovator. Bravo, Colin!
Samantha Barrons - Tinton Falls, NJ, USAThe comments entered here are all true and totally accurate in their description of Colin the person, Colin the executive, Colin the people manager, and Colin the visionary. As a consultant to clients in need of an ATS,I have worked with Colin and iCIMS from the company's inception. It has been very gratifying to watch iCIMS grow and flourish into the major industry leader it is today. This is a result of his creative,innovative, forward thinking,combined with his mature, thoughtful and respectful leadership. He truly does listen to both his team and the client with sincere interest for their needs and success. Developing and enhancing their product for the best interest of all their users is a constant focus. Personally,I find Colin to be open,honest, sincere and great to work with, either one on one or with his team. I believe he is most deserving of this very prestigious recognition.
Lois Kaplan - Waltham, MA USA
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