Arnold Outdoor founder John Arnold has learned a lot in a 21 year career in the out of home business.  Last week he talked about the best time to make a sales call.  Today he talks about his hiring philosophy and some tips on permits and easements.

On hiring older employees

I don’t hire young sales reps.  Older people bring a ton of experience.  I’m looking for people that have a whole lot of life experience.  Other than installers the youngest person in my office is over 55 years old…Typically older people have a tremendous work ethic and they bring a ton of information into the office.  I have no turnover.  When somebody leaves my company they retire.  I had a friend that was fired from a big corporate company.  He was 65.  He said I need to find a job and I said nobody is going to hire you.  My thoughts are that if I hire them at 65 and I get another 7-8 years out of them that’s longer than I’m going to get out of the person that’s 28.  That person that I hire in their 60’s is going to do a good job because they appreciate having an office to come into.

Locations

In today’s world it’s extremely difficult.  I have this discussion with the other operators in Oklahoma.  There’s no A locations any more.  You’re lucky if you find a B location…

 Getting permits

When you called earlier today I was in a city council meeting.  I have worked with that city of 12 years.  I donate space on a digital billboard.  I give them their own space.  I’m looking to build another billboard in that town.  I wanted to see where the count was.

Easements

You wrote an article a year ago saying why aren’t you buying easements.  That struck a chord with me.  I read that article and thought about it and said “that’s my lifeblood.”  If I lose my signs where do I go.  This year I have sent out more letters to property owners saying I’d like to buy an easement

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