Relationship-First. Market-Smart. Excellence-Driven.
Expert Guidance for
Every Step of Your Search
The Connect Search Story
Built on Real Collaborative Relationships
As a professional services recruiting firm, Connect Search was built around one simple belief: the right hire starts with clarity, not activity. Since 2012, we’ve grown by staying close to our clients and candidates, and by doing the work that happens before the search begins; pressure-testing the role, the expectations, and the market reality.
Our team supports hiring across multiple functions and industries, with a center of gravity in finance-forward and operationally complex environments. We operate from locations including Chicago, Itasca, Milwaukee, Madison, Dallas, Austin and Houston, bringing local insight with broad reach. The through-line has always been the same: connect the right people in ways that hold up long-term. We call it “The Power of People Connected.”
Our Ongoing Mission
Make Hires that Last
Our mission is to help leaders make confident and collaborative hiring decisions that stand up to real business pressure. We start by aligning what success looks like, then we bring market insight that helps sharpen scope, compensation expectations, and the true non-negotiables of the role. Whether the need is contract, contract-to-hire, permanent placement, retained search, or executive search, we stay accountable to outcomes. We manage the process end-to-end so momentum stays intact and both sides stay informed and aligned. The goal is simple: reduce friction, strengthen offer acceptance, and support placements built for durability and fit.
How We Work with You
Advisors, Not Order-Takers
Connect Search works best when the hiring risk is real and the expectations need to be right. We ask the questions others skip, because running a search as written doesn’t help if the role is miscalibrated to the market. In the middle of every engagement, we operate like a professional services recruiting firm, bringing judgment, market intelligence, and disciplined execution instead of resume volume. Clients rely on us for clear communication, targeted outreach, and consistent process ownership through close. Candidates trust us for confidentiality, context, and honest guidance.
For Serious Career Moves
A More Intentional Approach
We work best with professionals who see career decisions as strategic, not transactional. You can expect transparency, market context, and real feedback. We stay selective because relationships matter more than volume. If the fit is right, we’ll help you move with clarity and confidence.
Practice Areas We Support
Focused Lanes,
Proven Networks
Our practice areas reflect where we have embedded networks and real market visibility. We expand intentionally, so insight translates immediately and credibly.
Clarity. Integrity. Follow-Through.
We are Your Trusted,
Long-Term Hiring Partner.
Toby Coffey
Chief Executive Officer
Meade Kelley
Chief Operating Officer
Tom Fox
Chief Development Officer / President of Contract
Erin Cook
President, Direct Hire Placement & Chief Advancement Officer
Phil Doyle
Head of Information Technology Practice
Ben Hirsh
President, Direct Hire Placement
Brian Lunar
Partner, Contract Business Development
Holly Dary
Founder, Tarvos Talent | Accounting & Finance Recruiting