Home » Blog » Hiring » A candid interview with a gentle giant
Hiring
1 min read

A candid interview with a gentle giant

“The most important person you’ll hire is the first person. That way everybody after will have to meet that same high standard.”
– Larry O’Toole, founder of Gentle Giant

This was just one of several insights the founder of Gentle Giant, Larry O’Toole, shared when he sat down for a candid interview with our Sr. Director of Marketing, Thad Peterson.

Few businesses are more challenging than the moving business. Think about it: huge seasonality, customers dealing with extreme stress, logistical challenges, high turnover. Yet, Larry’s managed to go from a one-man moving band to a multi-million dollar, multi-state business with loyal, devoted, happy employees. During this interview, Larry details out how he came up with the business idea and, more importantly, how he’s maintained consistent company growth over 30 years.

Recurring themes are the importance of hiring the right people and investing in them. Since 2014, Gentle Giant has utilized PI’s behavioral & cognitive assessments, management training, and software to ensure they hire right and build leaders.

Gentle Giant Visit

Join 10,000 companies solving the most complex people problems with PI.

Hire the right people, inspire their best work, design dream teams, and sustain engagement for the long haul.

Other resources that might interest you:

The latest from our blog

Leadership

What personality traits make the best leaders?

Does personality determine leadership success? What personality is the best leader? Explore the science behind personality and leadership...

Talent Optimization

Maximizing PI’s potential: Talent Optimization Essentials bridges the gap

You need tools that seamlessly integrate your pre-hire efforts with your employee engagement and retention priorities. Talent Optimization...

Leadership

6 personal growth goals to thrive at work

Discover the benefits of personal growth goals for managers, HR leaders, and employees. Get inspired by these top...

Talent Optimization

Exploring the future of HR: The Predictive Index at Transform 2025

Transform is billed as the premier conference for leaders and thinkers looking to make “transformative change in workplace...

Hiring

What’s the difference between talent, ability, skill, and experience?

Discover the key differences between talent, ability, skills, and experience—and learn how to leverage them for better hiring,...

Hiring

What is construct validity?

Learn what construct validity is, why it matters in HR, and how to select scientifically validated assessments for...

Hiring

What is cognitive thinking?

Learn what cognitive thinking is and how diverse thinking styles boost innovation, problem-solving, and team performance in the...

Company Culture

What is workplace trauma?

Learn how to identify and address workplace trauma with empathy - creating a healthier, more productive organization.

Behavioral Assessments

Innate vs. acquired personality traits in the workplace

Discover the difference between innate and acquired personality traits, and how understanding them can improve hiring, engagement, and...

Back to top
Copy link