Cheezhead was an accident. A fantastically rewarding accident.
Before Twitter and Facebook, blogging was the quickest and cheapest way to create Brand You. So, when launching HRSEO in 2005, it was a no-brainer to blog in order to do those things, as well as create a positive image and maybe drive a sale or two. Any readers would have been a pleasant surprise, as I was focused on building a business and keeping a roof over my head.
But readers came. And as they came, sales followed. And thus began how much of the next 4 years would play-out. What started as a simple subdomain on Typepad quickly became the stand-alone site you see here today.
In 2008, I made the decision to hire employees and open an office, dedicating more time and energy around existing and new businesses. The plan was to continue doing more of the same. And then, sort of unexpectedly, opportunity came knocking.
Which interestingly takes us back to 2003. I first met Jobing CEO Aaron Matos in Cleveland while I was with CareerBoard, a locally-focused job board and my former employer. I became quickly impressed with Jobing’s leadership, team and direction. A relationship was born from then on that only strengthened with the visibility garnered by Cheezhead and the paths that continually crossed thereafter. And although it seemed tongue-in-cheek through the years, an inevitability that we would one day work together seemed like a foregone conclusion.
And that day is today.
This post serves as official news that Cheesman Group and its properties, including Cheezhead, have been acquired by Jobing.com. I’ll be joining their amazing team as Senior Vice President in Phoenix.
For loyal readers, questions will likely abound and hopefully be answered in due time via follow-up posts and commentary. However, rest assured, the timing, the organization (especially its people) and the opportunity were ideal, both from a personal and professional level. As Jobing’s newest employee, I will assume duties that take me everywhere from blogging to community building to search engine optimization to interactive marketing to, well, you’ll just have to stay tuned, I guess. But it should be lots of fun.
Evolution is inevitable and I’ve always embraced change and opportunity. The friendships and connections I’ve made over the last 5 years are both humbling and rewarding. I can’t thank readers enough for their support and goodwill. No doubt Cheezhead-as-you-know-it will change with the times, but Joel, the person, isn’t going anywhere. I’m also expecting all of Cheezhead’s team to be joining Jobing in Arizona to continue the success we’ve enjoyed.
In many ways this is just the beginning. Rest assured, it’s a good thing. Cheezhead has grown, evolved, made mistakes and hopefully done most things right in its first iteration, and it’s been one heck of a ride. That said, I’d like to ask for your continued support, not only for me, but for my entire team as we take this big step forward.
In addition to Cheezhead.com, I invite you to follow the acquisition’s ins and outs at Twitter.com/cheezhead, Twitter.com/jobing and/or Facebook.com/joelcheesman. And for the official announcement over at Jobing.com, visit http://phoenix.jobing.com/cheezhead-joins.
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September 9th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Wow and congratulations!
September 9th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Congrats my friend!!! We have known each other for a long time, and I have been extremely impressed by what you have accomplished with Cheesman Group over the years. There is no doubt in my mind that this is simply just the beginning for you and Cheezhead. I could not think of a better place for you to be than with Aaron and crew at Jobing. They are innovative and simply a class act. Good luck!
September 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Wow. Awesome, Joel! Congrats! You’ll love working with Aaron Matos and the great crew down in Phoenix.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Congrats buddy!!
September 9th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Congrats to both Joel & Aaron. This will be amazing for both of you.
September 9th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Congrats Joel!
Great to hear a success story during these crazy times…looking forward to exploring your new ventures!!
September 9th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Congrats. Sad to read that you won’t be writing anymore though Joel. Your posts have always been honest and interesting – hope Cheezhead’s editorial viewpoint is filled by someone who can carry the torch.
September 9th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Congrats! This is the day that any entreprenuer or business owner hopes for. I’m honored to have you as a member and regular contributor to our site. Hopefully you continue to contribute when you can. Keep us posted on your goings on. Best wishes for continued success.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Congrats Joel!
September 10th, 2009 at 12:13 am
Joel,
Congratulations on the news, and good luck with your new role and move to Phoenix!
Jason
September 10th, 2009 at 1:44 am
Cheez – Congratulations on the sale. Exits are good.
Jobing – Congratulations on landing a great talent.
That said, I know I’ll miss THE gossip site of the recruitment industry and I look forward to listening to your new voice emerge.
September 10th, 2009 at 1:45 am
Congrats Joel and Aaron. Thank You for all you have done and will continue to do for our industry as a whole.
Best of Luck and CONGRATS!
September 10th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Congratulations! and Best of luck!
September 10th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Joel,
It has been an amazing ride! We have both seen and learned a lot over the last 4 years. Your wit and insight has served you well I always enjoy our conversations and hope we can keep you coming back to address the recruiting industry at upcoming events as we continue our quest for more insight and understanding.
Congratulations.
Anna
September 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
I can’t decide if this is good or bad for Monster.com, but Joel we will miss you in Cleveland- more brain drain the region does not need.
Remember we little people when you get to the top ;-)
The important thing is that you will be a Browns fan no matter where you are- the curse is with you !
September 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Congrats, great Deal! Good Luck to you and your team!
September 10th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I actually learned about the benefits of blogging for recruiting from Jobing.com at a seminar called Bagels and Blogging. I learned about Cheezhead at that seminar. I have been an avid reader since that day. Seems like a great marriage. Welcome to the Valley of the Sun!!
September 10th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
I was excited to hear the news…two of my biggest idols are joining forces! Although I’ll miss the satiric and amusing commentary that Joel was a master of, the innovation that will come out of this new relationshp will be exciting to follow!
Congratulations, Joel, I wish you the best. I have always been a big fan of Aaron and the Jobing team, and now that you’re on board, I like them even more!
September 10th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Well Joel, the Browns and Indians certainly will miss your support, though I’m sure they both have Phoenix fan clubs. And there’s always the Cardinals and D-backs. Hope you can keep the site as innovative and interesting as its been the past four years. Best of luck!
September 10th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Congratulations Joel…Cheezhead was the first blog I read regularly…sorta nostalgic for me..if a recruitment blog can be nostalgic :)
September 10th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Congrats and best wishes from all of us at JobHill.com
September 10th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Congrats Joel! This sounds like a great opportunity for you and Jobing. Good luck in Phoenix, I know that will be a big change from Cleveland.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Joel,
From all of us over at Urgent Career, congratulations! You’ve left some very large shoes to fill editorially. Here’s hoping the torch is passed to another who’s as insightful and honest as you are.
Lauren
September 10th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Congratulations, Joel.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Congratulations, Joel! You’ve done us all a favor by having such a great blog, and I’m glad things have worked out for you.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:05 am
…bigger and better days coming. Congrats Joel!
September 12th, 2009 at 1:58 am
Congratulations! Thank you for the great learning experience and information you provided through your blog.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Congrats Joel! I know there are many people at CareerBuilder and Monster that are going to sleep much better tonight once they hear this announcement. Keep up the good work and please don’t drink the Kool-Aid….this industry need someone like you around!
Thanks for the good times and laughs…..
September 12th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Congrats Cheez! Welcome to the Pac 10!
September 13th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Just read the mail!
Congrats Joel!
September 13th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Somewhat belated but- Congratulations Joel. I enjoyed seeing you and Aaron at ERE this week and have now managed to read the various congrats, screeds and other stuff.(I think you’ll need a new wardrobe for Phoenix though.)
The move to Jobing is evidence that some Job boards will continue to evolve and thrive. I don’t doubt you’ll add much more than the SEO and mobile technology you bring because you and Aaron have always looked at how technology enhances community building rather than falling for the technology for its own sake. Don’t lose your loose-cannon mindset. It is sometimes counterintuitive but it is easier to state the obvious publicly than privately. I’m sure you will do it well. And I’m also sure Aaron will appreciate that about you most of all.
Most important, let us know when the new addition to your family arrives.
Best
September 15th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Congrats Joel & Aaron. -Rick
September 16th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Joel,
Congratulations & well deserved. Given your high standards let’s hope that you don’t give up on the Browns, Cavs and the Indians.
Dave
September 16th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Congratulations!
September 18th, 2009 at 8:36 am
will miss this site. congrats Joel & Aaron!
-eric
September 18th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Yes, congratulations Joel. Hope we can meet in Phoenix!
September 27th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Wow, congrats to you and your team! Nice to also end up with a job after an acquisition!