In a job market where in-person connection is fleeting, genuine mentorship is becoming increasingly rare. Without mentorship, and the relationships that form as a result, the likelihood of long-term career growth at a company can diminish. Yet Richardson International, Canada’s leading agribusiness company, is betting on a recruitment strategy that promotes just that: mentorship and growth.
The company’s latest recruitment campaign, Taking Root at Richardson, is more than a traditional hiring push. It’s a long-term investment in employee development and growth, aimed at positioning the company’s greatest recruitment strength: the need for growth-minded talent across an expanding global operation, where relationships are essential.
“Recruitment at Richardson isn’t just about filling roles. It’s about building careers that last,” says Natalie Chan (Senior Vice-President, Human Resources). “Our people should know that we are invested in their growth along with the company. That’s what this campaign is about.”
Senior Vice-President, Human Resources
Richardson International
The concept of growth, both personally and professionally, is at the heart of the campaign. Taking Root at Richardson cleverly speaks to the company’s agricultural roots and tells prospective hires that this is more than a transactional job offer. This is an opportunity to grow and develop at an organization built on meaningful work and real connections. “We focus on employee growth that’s based heavily on in-person connection, relationships, and mentorship,” says Chan. “The quality mentorship you will find here gives us a competitive edge.”
Understanding Richardson’s growth- and mentorship-oriented business, the more deliberate Taking Root’s messaging becomes: Richardson isn’t hiring for now. It’s hiring for the future.
A smart strategy, as the company is growing exponentially — with major increase happening in just the past 25 years of its 168-year history. Business acquisitions, location expansions, and entirely new facility builds are the cause of this. Since 2015, Richardson has seen approximately a 40% increase in employees spanned across its divisions, ranging from agribusiness operations to oat milling and oilseed crushing, plus more. “Our business is diversified and vertically integrated,” says Chan. “By strategically diversifying into different realms of food production, not only does it bring stability to the company, but the people of Richardson also have more doors open to them in their careers. They don’t have to leave the organization to try something else, they can do so within Richardson.”
Taking Root at Richardson features real employees, with real stories of growth and development. From agribusiness, to processing operations, to corporate roles, personal tales of career advancement are scattered throughout the campaign. And like the variety in career paths, the variety in career stages is another compelling aspect. Students, new graduates, entry level employees, and professionals who are experienced in their careers are offering their stories to the campaign, demonstrating that Taking Root is for everyone, no matter the phase of career they are in.
“The campaign was designed to be inclusive,” says Chan. “Richardson’s strength lies in the diversity of our employees. That mindset is what’s gotten us where we are today, leading the industry with a vertically integrated business model and growing workforce. We’re proud to endorse the growth and opportunities illustrated in our Taking Root campaign.”
As Richardson continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the long-term success of its people is key. Taking Root at Richardson tells prospects, no matter who they are or where they are in their career, they can find meaningful opportunity. If they are seeking an employer who isn’t only interested in filling today’s openings, but rather, is invested in careers based on mentorship and growth, Richardson could be a place for them.
