Sterling, a different kind of search firm.
The composite talent and experience of its leadership team is vital to the long term success of an organization. As a trusted search partner, we work closely with client companies to help them achieve critical business and talent acquisition goals through the recruitment of key leaders and managers. We consistently demonstrate the ability to identify and recruit leaders who make a real difference.
“…greater access to more diverse leadership talent without the “off-limits” client restrictions of specialist firms.”
We are a general management search firm that works with clients across a variety of industries, business lines and functional areas. This range of experience enables us to successfully conduct diverse search engagements beyond the scope of specialist firms.
Our business orientation has enabled us to gain deeper insight and greater access to more diverse leadership talent without the “off-limits” client restrictions of specialist firms. It has also afforded us an understanding of a broad array of client cultures and the ability to assess how well a candidate will fit in and thrive in yours.
“This is because we do the search work ourselves. Unlike at bigger, brand name firms, you will always work directly with one of our two Principals.”
When you retain Sterling, you will enjoy a client experience unique in the executive search industry. At our firm, the Principals you’ve met with and chosen to trust with your search are responsible for every facet of the process; from research and candidate assessment to interviewing, final selection and closing the deal. This is because we do the search work ourselves. Unlike at bigger, brand name firms, you will always work directly with one of our two Principals. We never hand you off to a junior associate. This ensures you always receive a customized search solution and will never wonder where your search stands.
Our Principals have extensive industry background and deep search expertise, successfully managing hundreds of senior level search assignments over the past two decades. Our proven track record of success extends across multiple industries, clients, labor markets and economic cycles. This unique experience is why Sterling clients become repeat clients, choosing to work with us again and again.
“We never forget that candidates see us as an extension of your organization and ensure that connection is viewed positively.”
A positive Candidate Experience is a major factor in the success of a search engagement. Our commitment to this is embedded in every interaction we have with candidates during the process. We never forget that they see us as an extension of your organization and ensure that connection is viewed positively.
We advise clients on how to optimize the Candidate Experience throughout the search process. We help them avoid pitfalls, often unseen or unintended, that can impact the perception of the organization. Our goal is to ensure that all candidates for your search feel as good about their experience as the candidate that you hire.
We also provide end-to-end consulting support for enhancing or improving the Candidate Experience in helping our clients build a stronger employer brand.
” …we understand the value of a trusted search partner.”
Through the extensive senior level corporate recruiting experience of our Principals, we know the value of a trusted search partner. We understand the high expectations and talent acquisition challenges faced by HR recruiting professionals and hiring executives. Our personal experience and insight into these challenges, enable us to be that trusted partner.
“I’ve worked with Sterling since they opened the business, while at different companies, and there is one constant: they always exceed expectations. Mike is a true pro, as knowledgeable about my field as he is about his own. He is simply the best search consultant I have ever worked with, bar none. If you are making a final decision on who to trust with your next important search and Sterling isn’t a name you’re considering, you’ve made a mistake.”
David Palombi, SVP, Chief Communications Officer
CVS Health, Providence, RI
“Betsy and Mike led our search for a COO and delivered a great hire. They worked closely with me and our leadership team throughout the search and provided valuable insight and counsel on the search process, candidate assessment and final candidate selection. I would highly recommend them to any non-profit executive in need of a first class search partner.”
Warren Grymes, Chief Executive Officer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NE Florida, Jacksonville, FL
“I partnered with Sterling at my previous company and on several searches here over the last few years, including areas that were new to them. They very quickly gained a very thorough understanding of our company and culture and use that knowledge to present high quality candidates that are always on-target. Their knowledge and experience as search consultants are excellent, as is their commitment to our organization’s success. If you’re looking for a professional search firm, proficient in identifying and acquiring superior talent, I highly recommend Sterling.”
Liz Perez, Vice President of Human Resources
Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Jacksonville, FL
“As the former executive search practice leader for a major Florida-based healthcare company, I have had multiple opportunities to engage Sterling Search over many years. They consistently delivered high quality candidates and demonstrated a keen understanding of our business model and processes. Their strategic advantage, in my estimation, is the time they took to understand the culture and persona of this complicated company and ensure that their referred candidates fit both our formal and informal requirements. I strongly recommend them as a search partner.”
Rich Evans, Corporate Executive Search Director
Jacksonville, FL
“Sterling’s search work epitomizes the term ‘partnership’ in finding great talent. They worked hard to truly understand our company and needs, effectively market our position and deliver top quality candidates that were right on target with our criteria. But, what impressed me the most was their search expertise, flexibility and integrity. They were a real pleasure to work with.”
Tom Norton, Director Talent Management
Rayonier Inc., Jacksonville, FL
“I have worked closely with Mike and Betsy for more than 15 years starting out as Sterling’s 1st client with Riggs Bank and at other organizations. As a top tier boutique firm, their service, performance and results have always surpassed that of the big brand name firms. Their work is extremely focused and highly productive. They made it their business to know mine as well as any employee. This enabled them to consistently deliver candidates of superior quality. But their greatest strengths are Mike, Betsy and the team itself. I recommend them without hesitation.”
Mark Hendrix, Marketing Executive
Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, OH
“As talented as one may be, career success cannot be achieved without others. Both clients and candidates are in good hands with Betsy and Mike. At Sterling, their service hallmarks are client care, emotional intelligence and accountability. Their true differentiator, however, is how they craft unique relationships that lead to ‘long-view’ alliances rather than short-term transactions.”
Dr. Pat Baxter, Ed. D., MS, CSA
Jacksonville, FL
“Sterling provides five star concierge service to make your employment search a seamless and simple process. Betsy and Mike and the rest of the team are outstanding and help you navigate through a sometimes stressful situation by turning it into a wonderful experience. They were there beside me every step of the way. I strongly recommend Sterling and Betsy and Mike to anyone needing a great search firm and great people”
Maggie Hightower, Corporate Partnerships Manager
Nemours Fund for Children’s Health, Jacksonville, FL
“I had the pleasure of working with Sterling and Betsy Jacobs in joining Harbor House. My first communication was with Betsy on a phone interview and she was wonderful. Very knowledgeable about her client and the position, but equally interested in my background, experiences and who I was as a person. I was able to be honest and direct in sharing my hopes for a new position. Betsy made me feel that what I was looking for was just as important as what the organization needed. She made sure that the position and company was the right fit for both. I highly recommend Sterling and Betsy’s services for those who value a more a personal touch, genuine candidate consideration and a high degree of professionalism.”
Lori Rush, Director of Development
L’Arche Harbor House, Jacksonville, FL
“Working with Sterling was a great experience. When they contacted me it had been years since I was involved in a search process. I was greeted by a warm welcome and genuine personal attention which continued throughout the entire process. They really took the time to get to know me and understand my career goals. They provided guidance and support at each stage in the process which made me feel very comfortable knowing I had their total support. Their professionalism and communication was truly impressive. They became my cheer leaders, my confidants and my friends. I would definitely recommend Sterling to any company or person looking for a new search partner or career opportunity.”
Natalie Beyer, VP, Talent Management
Major International Financial Services Organization, Jacksonville, FL
“I am grateful to Sterling for connecting me with such a fantastic career opportunity. Mike was thorough and consistent in communicating throughout the process and provided such valuable counsel and advice. He looked beyond my resume and got to know me as a person to make sure the company and position was a good fit personally and professionally. Five months after taking my career in a new direction, I’ve never been happier. Mike and Sterling Search deserve all the credit.”
Ross Jacobs, Public Relations Director
Anthem, Indianapolis, IN
“It was great working with Mike and Betsy in joining Big Brothers Big Sisters. In retiring from active duty in the Navy, I had a very specific goal of moving into a leadership position in the non-profit community for the next stage of my career and they were instrumental in making it happen. They are extremely professional and provided great knowledge and insight into their client and the position and were great to work with throughout the hiring process.”
Jay Coles, SVP of Operations
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida
“Mike Imperiale and his team at Sterling made the recruitment process seamless. They were thorough and organized. I never had to wonder about next steps since Mike and Jan stayed on top of scheduling, providing useful feedback and moving the recruitment process along to its conclusion – a great job!”
Debbie Diamond, Director of Public Relations
Anthem (BCBSGa), Atlanta, GA