A daredevil job seeker has landed a 'dream role' at a Manchester firm after jumping out of a plane with a cardboard sign asking for work - and signed his contract in a second jump with his new boss.
Chris Serrano, a creative director living in Florida, filmed himself skydiving whilst holding a piece of cardboard reading 'Open4Work'.
He posted the clip on LinkedIn with the caption: “I got laid off last week. So I will be freefalling until I find a new gig - literally. If you’re looking for an award-winning creative that works hard, takes risks, and knows how to pack a parachute, reach out.”
The post went viral, with more than 47,000 likes on the professional social media platform. And it caught the eye of Manchester-based entrepreneur Jack Peagam, 28, the Co-founder and CEO of Linkup who responded to the freefalling creative with a job offer.
But rather than sending an email or a letter, Jack posted a video of himself skydiving, mimicking the cardboard, which read: “Hey Chris, sorry 2 see you got laid off. We’ve got work 4 U”. That video also blew up, with over 11,000 likes and comments.
Two weeks later, and the thrill-seeking duo have jumped out of a plane together. They released a new video showing Serrano signing a new contract with Jack’s thriving app which promotes users to linkup in real life, sealing their new professional relationship on a contract mid-sky dive.
Jack Peagam said: “Chris’ job seeking ad featured everything I love about creative talent - it was bold, daring and showed him to be one of life’s risk takers.
“I can’t wait to see how he can help take our thriving app to new heights… maybe into space.”
Chris Serrano added: “I’ve been blown away by the support from everyone who shared my video. When I lost my job, I was a bit nervous as to what could be next, but taking a leap of faith from a plane is sometimes all you can do.”
Linkup launched in February 2023 with a mission to be the first major real life social app that connects users to meet new friends with similar interests, hobbies and passions, in real life.
Initially growing a strong user base in Manchester, Jack Peagam says the next stop will be launching in the capital: “Manchester’s growth has been phenomenal, so the next step will be taking it to London.
“So many people tell me they are desperate to find new mates and have adventures. Who knows, Chris and I might find a linkup with another skydiving maniac.
“Our mission is to be the big solution for people who want to connect in the real world, meet like-minded people and create new friendships, all doing what they love in real life.”
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- "People shouldn't have to live in these poor conditions": Hospital where three women died within weeks slammed by watchdog
- Railway blocked as emergency services rush to scene of incident
- Passenger 'misses train home' after 'horrendous' wait for almost two hours for luggage at Manchester Airport
- "If it was up to me, I would throw away the key": The criminals locked up in May in Greater Manchester
- One year since the Clean Air Zone was meant to begin - what's next for the troubled £60m s
