Member Spotlight: Justin Dauenhauer, Vice President, Business Development, The Tomlinson Family of Companies

Each installment of this series will introduce you to a different member of WERC, offering a glimpse into their unique career trajectories, insights, and contributions to the realm of talent mobility. 

In this member spotlight series, we will delve into the heart of the profession by shining a spotlight on the diverse and accomplished members of WERC.

As the premier trade association dedicated to advancing the field of talent management and global talent mobility, WERC brings together professionals from various industries, backgrounds, and expertise levels. Each installment of this series will introduce you to a different member of WERC, offering a glimpse into their unique career trajectories, insights, and contributions to the talent mobility space.

For this spotlight, we connected with Justin Dauenhauer, vice president of business development at The Tomlinson Family of Companies.

How did you get started in the global talent mobility space?

I fell in just like everyone else. I was notified in October 2021 that my partner’s job was relocating us to Spokane, Washington. I was slated to graduate my bachelor’s program in December 2021, so we decided we would move in January. I frantically started trying to find a job, knowing our expenses were going to increase dramatically, going from ourselves and two roommates to just us.

After about 60 applications and only a handful of interviews, I interviewed for a marketing position at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson. After the interview, the director thought my skills would better fit in the “Relocation Department.” I had no clue what it was at the time, but I was very interested.

Three days after graduating from college, I started in the relocation department as a coordinator for The Tomlinson Family of Companies, assisting with relocation for our 24 brokerage offices and 800+ agents.

What are some of the key milestones or achievements in your career?

Five months after starting as a coordinator for our company, I was named director of operations for the relocation department.

Nine months after starting, I was given the opportunity to step into the vacant roll of leading the entire department for relocation and company generated business.

Just after my two-year mark, I was named vice president of business development, not only overseeing relocation services but all company generated business opportunities for the company.

I serve as the webmaster on the board of directors for the American Relocation Alliance. I serve as the communications chair for the Puget Sound Relocation Council. I am a member of the WERC Emerging Leaders Taskforce.

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in this industry?

The biggest opportunities tie into the challenges. Real estate is currently changing drastically, and it is the fuel that powers the mobility industry. In my current position, along with my peers, we are at the helm of rethinking and reevaluating the processes followed industrywide.

Are there any emerging trends or innovations in talent mobility that excite you or that you believe will shape the future of the industry?

I am excited to see how artificial intelligence can play into our industry. I feel already it makes part of our jobs easier in creating training, marketing efforts, etc.

Do you have any recommendations or advice for aspiring leaders in this industry?

Make your voice heard. Our industry is deeply rooted in its ways, due to no real shake-ups in a long time. It is our time to share our thoughts, build from experience and new ways of thinking, and push our industry forward into the future.