The Branding Story: Richie DeMatteo “Corn On The Job”

2010 August 26

by City Sylvester

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Rich DeMatteo

Everyone one of us has a unique story to tell, maybe not as engaging as the one’s we’ve read by our favorite authors, but each significant, full of invaluable lessons and backbreaking obstacles.

This week I had ineffable opportunity to interview one my favorite blog writers.

A current Wayne, PA resident who’s originally from Springfield, PA.

A hockey fanatic with the energy of titan, and a phenomenal recent achievement of receiving his Masters degree in Human Resources Development.

I’d like to introduce you to one of the most authentic people you’ll ever meet, Mr. Richie DeMatteo.

Me: Richie, you’ve got this really unique blog.

Your header is a picture of you standing within a field of corn with your arms spread out, now I know this ties into your corn on the job theme, but is it safe to say “Children of the corn was a movie that dramatically changed your life?

Richie: Growing up I always avoided horror movies, haunted houses, or truly anything that was meant to scare people.

I can even vividly remember being too scared to go on the haunted house in Disney World. It’s safe to say that I never saw “Children of the Corn” when I was a young boy, and I still haven’t.

I like my life to be fun, funny, and positive. If me in a corn field with my arms stretched out doesn’t equate to fun, funny, and positive, then I’m not sure what does.

Me: You’re not like the typical resume writers I meet online, you’re not as eloquent, but far more interesting and engaging. How would you describe yourself compared to other professionals in your industry?
Richie: This question boggles me. I don’t know every resume writer, so it’s tough to make a generalization about them and why exactly I’m different.

Generally, I’d like to say my style is a bit more conversational in nature, and allows for readers to “create their own ending”. And honestly, I’m not sure many of them can make vegetables as fun as I can.

Me: Ok, I heard you’ve got a new apartment, Congratulations! I also believe you’ve officially named it “The Corn Cave”, tell us, how sweet is the new pad?

Richie: It’s like a big bowl of sweet corn! I love “The Corn Cave”. Let me sum my love up in a few bullet points:
- It’s a 2 bed room, 2.5 bathroom house
- My bathroom is connected to my bedroom
- My bedroom is 4-5 times larger than the room I grew up with
- I spent way too much money on a mattress (completely worth it)

Me: Take us back to your high school days. What are some of your biggest regrets?

Richie: My biggest regret is not playing ice hockey. Those days I played tournament roller hockey, played in college, and now, coach a college hockey team.

I was so shy and awkward in high school that it seemed safer to just not go out for the team. I often wonder what might have been.

Me: Do you have any special phobias? What scares the daylights out of you?

Richie: I really dislike spiders, but I’m not sure I’m on phobia level yet. Death terrifies me, but I try not to think about it too much. Umm…next question.

Me: What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now? and why should we be excited with you?

Richie: Each day I’m getting more and more excited to launch a new company called JobBrander. JobBrander launches on 10-10-10, and will provide a new way for companies and job seekers to connect.

JobBrander will work with companies on sending their Employment Brand out the world virally. Job seekers should subscribe to receive daily updates, so that they wake up each morning to a new company that wants to hear from them.

It’s basically Groupon for job seekers.

Check it out at www.JobBrander.com

Me: For those of us still looking for a job right now, give us one of your favorite quotes that gets you through the tough times.

Richie: My favorite quote of all time is a line that John F. Kennedy had written down and kept in his wallet:

“Bull fight critics ranked in rows, crowd the enormous plaza full.
But only one is there who knows, And hes the man who fights the bull”

To job seekers: I challenge you to be the bull fighter. Walk into each interview confident and sure of yourself. Your critics (interviewers) will pick up on a lack of confidence, and if when/if they do, the bull will win, and you’ll lose the job opportunity.

Be the bull fighter.

Me: Richie, it was great interviewing you. Keep doing amazing things I know with this new company you’ve got coming out, you’re going to change a lot of peoples lives.

Richie: Thanks for the interview, City. This has been a treat!
For any folks interested in my Resume Writing or Job Search consulting services, please email me at CornOnTheJob@gmail.com.

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