The Las Vegas recruiting community recently lost a friend and ally. D. Christopher Jenkins, owner of Harrington & Reed. Chris passed away on October 29, 2009 prior to the LasVegasSun.com Career Fair. Chris moved to Las Vegas from Atlanta, GA nearly ten years where he was the self-proclaimed godfather of the video resume and he continued to pursue his video resume efforts in Las Vegas with the IPO - Interview Power Online.
I first met Chris after he opened Harrington & Reed where he elevated the image and standards of career services firms. Chris was a perfectionist in all senses of the word and expected nothing less from those around him. He made an impact on everyone that crossed his path. I was proud to be associated with him.
Chris spread his gospel through his weekly column in the Las Vegas Review Journal and recently started the Chris Jenkins Show on KLAV where he counseled displaced professionals on how to advance their careers in Las Vegas. Chris always devoted a substantial amount of his time trying to ‘build a better jobseeker.’ This is why we got along so well.
Chris received his under graduate degree from the University of Georgia in 1968 and was later awarded an MBA from Georgia State University. He spent many years as an executive of Citibank and other financial service firms. Although I never met his wife and children, I felt as if I knew them. Chris was a devoted family man and often used his children in his concept of proof projects.
A memorable story that I like to share about Chris Jenkins was his unassuming presence at all of our career fairs (which he attended over the past four years). He would arrive, hang his banner, cross his arms and wait for jobseekers to approach him. This is not a normal practice, nor one that I would recommend. Each time I questioned him on it. And each time he would comment, “Doug, I don’t want to talk to every jobseeker here. I only need to talk to the best, brightest and most motivated. And those jobseekers are not afraid to approach a guy like me who is wearing my best suit and tie. Leaders attract leaders. That has been proven time over. Now get out of my space so people don’t think I am associating myself with you.” And he would crack one of those Chris Jenkins smiles that just made you laugh. And we would repeat this conversation each career fair.
Unfortunately, that conversation will not be had again. We’ll miss you Chris Jenkins. Rest in Peace my friend.
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What a loss to the Las Vegas Community, as Chris was a devoted friend to all who grew to know him. His tenacity, wit and humor what a joy to behold.