BoomNation Helps Connect Employers and Workers

Thousands of workers are using BoomNation, a technology platform geared specifically to the skilled trades and aiding networking efforts

BoomNation Helps Connect Employers and Workers

One feature of the BoomNation app is a real-time information-sharing portal where employees can have a single source for things like project-specific navigation pins, gate codes, personal protective equipment requirements, and emergency phone numbers.

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Finding and retaining skilled workers is an ongoing issue in the industry. But a new platform is trying to make it easier for employers to connect with qualified talent as well as for workers in the trades to connect with one another.

Scaled nationally in 2022, BoomNation is a modern technology platform not only for employment, but also for community building and communication among people in the skilled trades. With more than 100,000 workers using BoomNation, the platform’s quick growth signifies tradespeoples’ desire for a social channel all their own, says Brent Flavin, co-founder and co-CEO of BoomNation. The platform was built specifically for skilled workers.

“Our vision is to do everything through the lens of the skilled worker journey. Make it simple and intuitive. The real focus is to build a platform that skilled workers actually use,” Flavin says. “They feel like, for the first time, someone has created a community, in this day and age, with the technological tools they’re using, on a platform that’s meaningful to them.”

Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, BoomNation is fast becoming a go-to place for workers to engage with one another and find jobs in their field. While BoomNation’s base is in the Southeast, skilled workers and employers across the country are engaging with the platform, Flavin says. The platform is available for download everywhere in the U.S. (www.boomnation.com), and jobs currently are posted in 48 states — Delaware and Vermont being the only exceptions.

Documenting the workday

The platform has three main features. First, the BoomNation newsfeed allows users to share videos, post pictures and add comments about their work, projects and careers. Workers share their job site pictures and videos to tell stories about their successes and struggles, presenting the trades as they really are.

“Many of them are almost documenting their day,” Flavin says. “They’re posting a video or picture of a sunrise, a picture of them on the different equipment and doing their job, and video of the sunset leaving the job.” 

Michael Ewing, 51, is a welder who works in industrial maintenance for Leech Fab Worx LLC in Mississippi. A frequent contributor to BoomNation, he’s on the platform every day, posting videos of his work, plus welding tips and general knowledge he’s gained during his career. 

“I share a lot of the stuff that got me where I am today,” he says. 

He says the platform really hit home for him, and he hopes it resonates with others in the trades as well as for individuals curious about careers in the skilled trades.

“There are high school kids on the platform looking to forge their way into the trades, and they’re seeing a lot more opportunities than what they have at home,” Ewing says. “People are excited to find something they’re truly looking for and make a career out of it, not just a job.” 

He says the platform speaks the language of skilled workers, using technology they’re accustomed to. Plus, users can see what workers do day-to-day, ask questions, and seek advice from peers. 

“There’s a network of people waiting to help you,” Ewing says.

Connecting employers and job seekers

The second feature of the platform makes it easier for employers to hire workers and vice versa — for workers to find jobs faster. Instead of relying on word-of-mouth or traditional job search methods, job seekers can download BoomNation for free in the App Store or Google Play and create their own profiles to showcase their skills and credentials. People in the skilled trades typically don’t want to spend their after-hours networking or filling out job applications. Plus, project-based workers consistently work themselves out of a job. 

“Historically, they work until the project ends, and then it takes time to find the next work,” Flavin says. 

BoomNation attempts to minimize the time it takes for experienced workers to land the next project or transition to a different company. Additionally, BoomNation helps newcomers enter the trades to find meaningful work.

By the end of 2022, BoomNation had processed nearly 10,000 job applications through the platform, Flavin says. For a monthly fee, employers can post jobs, review applications and communicate directly with applicants. Employers can select between two plans, either $500/month for 10 job posts or $1,000/month for unlimited job posts, discounted 20% for paying annually. Using BoomNation, employers can find and connect with workers in minutes. The self-service hiring platform enables them to get candidates hired quickly.

“There’s engagement right on the platform for the employer and worker communicating and understanding what that worker might really be able to do and what the real job description is,” Flavin says.

Hundreds of jobs are posted on BoomNation at any given time.

Alysa Lyle, projects and service coordinator at Hale’s Mechanical in the Kansas City, Missouri area, says the company had a good experience hiring an HVAC service technician from a BoomNation posting.

“He has been one of our most reliable hires and has been with the company for 10 months now,” Lyle says. “He is stepping into more leadership roles, and we couldn’t be happier with our hire.” 

Information sharing

The third feature of BoomNation is the February 2023 launch of WorkOn, a real-time information-sharing portal. WorkOn reduces the confusion about things like a project’s location, what parking lot to use, and what gate to enter. Instead of bombarding the foreman with phone calls, employees have a single source where they can find project-specific navigation pins, gate codes, personal protective equipment requirements, emergency phone numbers, etc. Once they’re on the project, they can access a bulletin board that illustrates corporate culture, recognizes safety awards and posts announcements. 

A variety of trade industries are represented on the BoomNation platform, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation and warehousing. Skilled laborers join a community where they can post real-time content, network with one another, apply for jobs and promote craftsmanship and skills.

In addition to the regular platform, BoomNation also publishes a weekly newsletter, The Trench. With humor and a lighthearted approach, The Trench features stories and case studies that are meaningful and motivating to people working in the trades or considering careers in the trades.

“The stories that are in these industries and these trades are absolutely incredible. It’s all over the map,” Flavin says. 

BoomNation also hosts a podcast, “Long Live the Trades,” every two weeks. “Long Live the Trades” covers stories from job sites, advice about getting started and working in the trades, financial tips and other blue-collar topics.

A group of friends with experience in the blue-collar trades created BoomNation. Flavin, Jeremey Hankins and the other BoomNation co-founders perceived a need for a streamlined way for skilled tradespeople to connect with one another and with employers. They sought help from Chris Meaux, founder of Waitr, a food ordering and delivery company, to implement the technology and business strategies needed to grow the business. Meaux is chairman and co-CEO of BoomNation. 

BoomNation brings the skilled workforce community together in one place. The platform gives workers a place all their own where they can tell their stories, engage with content and post or apply for jobs.

“Come check us out,” Flavin says. “Come join the community and get a sense of what it’s like.”



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