Headquartered in Lincoln, Talent Plus, Inc. is an internationally recognized management consulting firm with over 300 clients in 20 countries delivering interviews in more than 20 languages.  Pat Hodge is the Director of Business Development for Talent Plus, Inc.

Tell us a little about your business. – At Talent Plus, we’re obsessed with studying top performers.  While many in the marketplace study individuals who can do a job at a minimum competency, we’re looking to find more rock stars in particular roles for our clients. We build aptitude assessment tools and the development that is built upon the platform of the outcome of those tools. Talent Plus’ mission is simply: “We believe every person has talent. Talent’s expression is dependent upon the opportunity to express it. It is the goal of Talent Plus to help its clients and their employees to express this talent to the mutual benefit of the individual and organization.”

How did you get started in the business? – Actually, I was a computer science major and I realized that I needed more interaction with people. I got into project management and while it may not seem like a direct path to sales, sales is about solving problems and I see myself as a problem solver.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The downturn in the economy. In sales that presented the challenge of how to get businesses to focus on their people in tough times and maximize the workforce available to them.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My current role as Director of Business Development at Talent Plus. It’s a great fit for my talents and I’m fascinated by our science as well as our clients and their outcomes.

Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Sarah and I have four daughters; Madison (12), Amanda (11), Aubrey (9) and Cammie (5).

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Golfing, swimming with our kids, running, bike riding and watching baseball.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I used to play the drums.

What are you the most proud of? – Because I travel a great deal, I’m very proud of my wife Sarah. She does such a great job of keeping things going so no one misses a beat!

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Supportive.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” because I live with five women and I work in a predominantly female organization at Talent Plus!

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Teleportation so I wouldn’t have to get on a plane again.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Thankfully, I’m able to use my talents in my role at Talent Plus. We’re always talking to our clients about making sure that the individuals they select have the talents for the role they are going to be in, in a culture where they will fit as well. I’m fortunate that I have found this at Talent Plus.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – I’ve really enjoyed Henry’s on South lately; smaller portions of great food.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Warren Buffett.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 489-2000, by email at phodge@talentplus.com, or visit www.talentplus.com.