"An Unwavering Leader”

For Joe Goddard, Owner of Cardinal Healthcare Group, leadership is not a title; it’s an example; it’s action. Joe’s day starts at 4 am when he wakes up to make a difference for his company and people. He states, “I don’t fear failure – I fear nothing – I’m relentless - that’s how I want to lead – with action. I’m on the front lines. I’m not in a plush corner office barking out orders,” elucidates Joe. “I’ve started 10 companies – and 5 of them have been total failures – even after a loss, I’ll still lead with relentless tenacity and a willingness to be a bit of man “wild-man” in business – I lead with action, not words.” He has a “whatever it takes” culture in his business – this is a driving desire to be the best and win at all costs. He wants to be a role model for his kids and his employees, and he pushes himself because he wants to succeed, but most importantly, not let his children down.

Cardinal Healthcare Group is a National Healthcare Consulting and Staffing company with ~ 600 clients in 50 states. They work with a who’s who in the American Healthcare Industry, and have been in business for ~ 27 years, and have worked with over 2,500 healthcare systems, hospitals, and medical groups during that span. Cardinal Healthcare Group serves in the recruiting/staffing and merger/acquisition. In contrast, Joe’s other company—Bonko Technology Consulting, Inc., specializes in Healthcare specific technology solutions in the electronic medical records (EMR) and billing/collection space.

Building A Brand

Both of Joe’s companies are based in Arkansas. Joe’s companies have a global reach and serve big-name clients such as Walmart, Dillard's, and JB Hunt. “Since I’m the founding owner of a technology company (Bronko), we’re always on the cutting edge of technology – our competitors are years behind us, and they always will be,” explains Joe. “I have no desire for drastic growth or to be a household name. We’re not a company that can do all things for everyone – some of my competition uses that model, leaves body bags everywhere, and has reputational damage. We’re picky about who we work with – we have that luxury. I’m a simple man - My vision is to be the best at what we do – every day, for every client.”

Joe steals a lot of "strong culture" tactics from John Roderique, who is one of his best friends and is a multi-hall-of-fame football player and coach. He figured out how to build a culture so strong that it is literally passed from player to player, and generation to generation, through mitosis. When you play for his team, there are hard-core expectations engrained in you—without him having to say a word. His players know they are expected to win. I work with highly educated and sophisticated people. They don’t need pep talks – they know what’s expected – and that is to win, claims Joe.

All of the old school pointers remain true, in Joe’s view—work hard, work smart. However, he would advise other entrepreneurs to embrace the attitude that "this is a win or lose game." Business deals are binary; they're cut and dried; you either get the deal or you lose. The winners will get to enjoy the fruits of those wins, and the losers will go home. You can be a nice person and be a killer too. He adds that this is all about winning and taking care of their clients. He suggests accepting the concept of delayed gratification, getting their wins, and being consistent; he owes it to his clients, and especially his children, to win at any cost, and that's exactly what he intends to do. It's difficult to stop a man who won't quit. If you want me to quit, you'll have to kill me, Joe says. That’s an attitude young business people should adopt, he adds.

The Cardinal Healthcare Group, Inc. and Bronko Technology Consulting, Inc. are the two aggregates that make up this Fayetteville, Arkansas-based staffing firm. Joe is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the company and is also in charge of the company's finances, vision, and employees.

The way we hire new employees at Cardinal Healthcare is unlike anything else in the healthcare sector, adds Joe. Our method is entirely cost-effective; you will know the total price of the project down to the last cent from the very beginning, and there are no surprises, no hourly rates, and no astronomical direct mail costs. The company sticks to its budget. It doesn't charge by the hour or have "hidden fees," and it gives clients a breakdown of estimated costs before recruitment efforts begin. This novel method of healthcare recruitment serves as a catalyst for improvement for all parties and gives you leeway to employ additional strategies. We are primarily concerned with the placement of candidates.

Joe started Cardinal Healthcare Group in 1996, and it's become the country's leading healthcare consulting agency. The Fayetteville, Arkansas-based company has supplied staffing solutions to 600 clients in 50 states.

Joe outlines the process involved:

 An extensive sourcing effort is essential for finding qualified medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and NPs and PAs. Finding applicants who are open to investigating new prospects requires knowledge of where to look, when to look, and how to look.

 They recognize the significance of having a rigorous screening and evaluation process in place. In order to hire the best possible doctors, nurses, and NPs/PAs, one must learn as much as possible about them and their families. The candidate evaluation program they provide is unparalleled in its depth. They believe that "knowledge is power!"

 They offer advice on how to comply with federal recruitment laws and provide consultation for contractual arrangements with doctors, nurses, and APRNs. Upon request, they can also function as a neutral third party during contract negotiations and conduct a debriefing session following the interview. "Contracts for thousands of doctors, nurses, and NPs/PAs have been negotiated by us," says Joe.

 All of their medical staffing placements, including doctors, nurses, and NP/PAs, come with a six-month guarantee. If the doctor, nurse, or NP quits within the first six months of employment, they will be replaced for no additional professional fees. Joe adds that they get paid more if they have high retention rates and keep them up, as long as their placements work out.

Apart from being an expert in staffing, Joe, since the start of Bronko Technology Consulting, has amassed a team of highly skilled IT specialists. Staffing, payroll, taxes, insurance, and everything else associated with human resources are all taken care of by the organization on behalf of its clients. The company provides contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire services to satisfy the varying needs of its clients. Being that he is the founding owner of a technology company, they’re always on the cutting edge of technology and their competitors are years behind them, and they always will be.

Joe hopes it’s a future of happy and fulfilled associates, clients, and his two kids who are well taken care of and ready to spread their wings and do well in their chosen paths. My kids, our people, our clients—that’s what is different about us, says Joe.

Joe shares that his son was a 3-time high school state champion in wrestling. He is now a redshirt-freshman NCAA collegiate wrestler in Missouri. His daughter is a gifted performer, completing her senior year in high school. His dad is retired and living the good life on a golf course in Missouri, and he has brothers in Louisiana, Alabama, and Missouri. Joe keeps things simple; he's 54 and still works 55+ hour weeks and enjoys it. Joe states, “they send me bills, I pay the bills, save a little, and then goes out to have fun with the rest”. He enjoys his business, his customers, and, most of all, giving his two children a stable and safe life.

Joe and his companies are really good at facilitating a merger or acquisition, recruiting a buyer and walking their clients through the process. Joe says his full-service recruiting system tops the nation in productivity, savings, and professionalism.

Visit www.cardgrp.com