Hiring for Core Values

Brady and Chris Gaalswyk share why hiring for core values—not just experience—has shaped Easy Automation, Inc. and strengthened its culture over the long term.

What We Learned Building Easy Automation

Every business owner has hiring decisions they would make differently if given the chance.

Over the years of building Easy Automation, Brady and Chris Gaalswyk learned that while experience and technical ability matter, they rarely tell the full story. The people who make the greatest long-term impact aren't just qualified for the role—they're aligned with the company's values, committed to its mission, and invested in the people around them.

It's a lesson that has shaped the way they've built their team, and one they believe applies to businesses of every size.

Looking Beyond the Résumé

A résumé tells you where someone has worked and what they've accomplished. That's important.

But it doesn't tell you how they'll treat customers, respond when challenges arise, or contribute to the culture you're working to build.

Over time, Brady and Chris found that the strongest hires shared something beyond experience. They approached their work with humility, integrity, curiosity, and a genuine desire to contribute to something larger than themselves.

Those qualities don't always fit neatly onto a résumé, but they often determine whether someone thrives over the long term.

Watch: Hiring with Core Values in Mind

In this short video, Brady and Chris share what they've learned building Easy Automation and why hiring for core values has become one of the most important parts of growing a healthy, enduring business.

"It's been truly transformational bringing the people with the right core values together." —Brady Gaalswyk

What Hiring for Core Values Looks Like

Finding the right people isn't about asking one perfect interview question. It's about creating opportunities to understand who someone is beyond their work history.

Over the years, Brady and Chris have found value in simple conversations and shared experiences, including:

• Walking through the facility together and observing what naturally sparks someone's curiosity.

• Sharing a meal and allowing conversation to move beyond the interview.

• Asking about interests outside of work and what motivates them personally.

None of these replace evaluating experience or technical skills. Instead, they provide a fuller picture of whether someone is likely to contribute to the culture you're building and grow alongside your team.

Building a Business That Lasts

Culture isn't created by mission statements or posters on the wall. It's shaped by the people who come through your doors every day.

Every hiring decision influences how a business serves its customers, supports its employees, and prepares for the future.

Whether you're leading a growing company or thinking about the next chapter of your business, investing time to find people who share your core values is an investment in the long-term strength of the organization itself.

Continue the Conversation

The culture you build today becomes part of the legacy you pass on tomorrow. Hiring people who share your values doesn't just strengthen your business now—it makes it stronger for whoever leads it next.

If you're thinking through how to build a strong team or preparing your business for long-term success, we'd enjoy the conversation. Whether it's over coffee, a phone call, or a visit to your facility, we're always glad to connect with fellow business owners and share what we've learned along the way.