In his own words: Sean McCaffrey, career coach

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us a little about your company its specialties, its history, the size of its staff.

Sean McCaffrey: My specialty is helping unemployed professionals get back to work faster. I started this company earlier this year with the vision of being the Dear Abby to the unemployed in offering advice and being syndicated in all major newspapers. It has since evolved into helping unemployed professionals from all over the world. As a start-up, I have sold the vision to a small team of people who are helping me get this business off the ground.

NNBW: What role do you play in the company?

McCaffrey: I am the point person who delivers services to the target audience. From speaking to large groups to delivering one-on-one coaching, people put their trust in me to help overcome their challenges in getting hired for their appropriate position.

NNBW: What kind of boss are you?

McCaffrey: I am a strong believer in the team approach and am an advocate for empowerment.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

McCaffrey: A combination of events led me to this. I wouldn't have discovered this skill if it wasn't for a few people taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity to blossom in similar roles to what I am doing now. Then, with the market conditions deteriorating, I made the decision to go on my own.

NNBW: What do you enjoy about it?

McCaffrey: I partner with individuals who are stuck in their job search. It is extremely rewarding to provide clarity, hope and resources to help them get hired in a position they expect to have long-term success.

NNBW: What do you find annoying or frustrating about it?

McCaffrey: Instead of using the words annoying or frustrating, I'll admit that what is challenging is meeting the needs of all of those who need assistance. Because I want to help, I end up doing more pro bono work than I probably should.

NNBW: If you could have had any other profession what would it have been?

McCaffrey: My passion is education and I always intended to teach history at the university level after my career in business.

NNBW: What effect has the changing economic environment had on your company?

McCaffrey: Although my service offering is extremely relevant right now, I didn't expect to offer services beyond this community. The advantages of social media have allowed me to break down the provincial barriers of working strictly in this market.

NNBW: What is something no one knows about your job?

McCaffrey: I don't sleep much! The business continues to evolve with expanding the blog content, writing additional books and other resource materials, meeting the needs of the target audience, expanding my sphere of influence and developing relationships with business partners.

NNBW: How do you spend your time away from the office? Why are these activities important to you?

McCaffrey: I am a sports enthusiast who enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and having new experiences. With only one time around, it's important to make the most of it.

NNBW: Do you have a favorite vacation memory?

McCaffrey: Although too many to share, I look forward to taking another catamaran cruise through the Caribbean.

NNBW: Of all the things you learned from your parents, which do you feel was the most valuable?

McCaffrey: My grandmother's faith, confidence and unyielding support continue to drive me to be my best.

NNBW: Who were your childhood heroes?

McCaffrey: In 2nd grade, I started a petition in my school to allow kids to vote for President as I was a die-hard Ronald Reagan fan. I guess I wouldn't classify her as a hero, but I had a poster of Brooke Shields on my bedroom wall for years.

NNBW: What school activities and sports did you participate in?

McCaffrey: Baseball was my favorite sport and I was a cheerleader in college.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

McCaffrey: You only have one chance to make a first impression.

NNBW: What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you?

McCaffrey: That I operated with honesty and integrity.

The basics:

Name: Sean McCaffrey, career coach at www.seanmccaffrey.com

How long have you been in this job? I have been independent for roughly seven months, yet in the position of helping unemployed professionals for a couple of years.

Education: Bachelors degree in History from UNR, MBA from University of Phoenix

Best book you've read? For fun: "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway. For business: "Good to Great" by Jim Collins

What's on your iPod? U2, Seal, Creed, Godsmack...everything on there has a beat I can work out to.

The best movie ever? "Swingers"...I love the dialogue as it reminds me of my best friends from college, who are still my best friends today.

Do you have a nickname? If no, have you ever? McCaff...a shortened version of my last name.