Meet Nattlie Ringer of The Ringer Center of Excellence in Downtown Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nattlie Ringer.

Nattlie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The reason I started the program is because there are so many people who need assistance with finding employment. As a former HR director, I ran into all kinds of people and little did they know, they were not prepared.

I’ve always been one to tell the truth, I would inform the potential candidates why I wasn’t able to hire them. For example: Your hair color is too vibrant, you have too many piercings, etc. I believe that individuals who seek employment really want to work, they are not aiming to be professional job seekers. So, I would give advice to them that I’m sure, no one else would give.

In my former life, I was a Director of HR. It was so heartbreaking to see and speak with individuals who really wanted to work but weren’t dressed appropriately, their resumes were not on point, and their applications were a mess. I’m sure I missed out on so many good people because they didn’t meet the minimum requirement.

Ok, so when I had the opportunity, I decided to create a program entitled SHIFT (Service & Hospitality Industry Fundamentals Training). It took 20 No’s before I got a maybe. On the 21st phone call, I got a maybe, I turned that maybe into a date to begin the first class, September 2003 and I’ve been going ever since.

This program was to help individuals who were on the system to get to self-sufficiency through employment. In 2009, I changed the name to MOVE (Motivated to Obtain Valuable Employment).

With a name like this, the clients weren’t confused about the objective/outcome… WORK!!!

I have had the pleasure of serving over 75,000 individuals throughout the state of Georgia, Florida, SC, Western NY, and Alabama. We have served adults and youth.

I have written several job readiness workbooks to include: M.O.V.E., Youth on the M.O.V.E., Work Ready, & You’re Employed…Now What? 8 Simple Steps to Success in the Workplace.

We really enjoy working with individuals to help them get back into the workforce, or transition into another job or change careers. My saying is “You don’t know what you don’t know”, I am loving it.

For me it comes natural and I’m able to pass my knowledge along to the clients we serve. This is so rewarding!!! I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part, it’s been a pretty smooth road. As you know, there are always challenges, but there aren’t any that we haven’t been able to overcome, we are winners and we stay positive…no matter what!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Ringer Center of Excellence – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our mission is to educate, empower and equip individuals with the tools needed to obtain valuable employment.

We assist in the self-development and self-sufficiency of both youth and adults through guided instruction and coaching.

Our core competencies are: Employability skills training, Customer service training, Job Placement, Retention Coaching & Counseling and Career Mentoring.

We are most proud of the people we serve. Most of the individuals who participate in our programs are at a disadvantage, however they become very successful upon completion of our program. They become employed and 90% of them retain employment and go on to purchase homes, finish college, buy cars…they become totally self-sufficient. Our tag line is “Empowering Life Changes” and that’s exactly what we do.

What sets up apart is our hands-on approach and our ability to meet all of our clients where they are. We are passionate and have compassion for all the participants. We are nonjudgmental and believe that everyone deserves an opportunity, sometimes more than one.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our future plans are to expand our services throughout the southeast. We are also going to offer free monthly workshops beginning September that I will personally facilitate. Individuals who are unemployed, underemployed or looking to change careers are invited. The schedule will go out in August with workshop topics, dates and times.

Contact Info:

• Address: 236 Forsyth Street, Suite 402, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Website: www.ringercenter.net
• Phone: 678-539-6010
• Email: info@ringercenter.net
• Instagram: nattliejringer

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.