UPwords, Inc. is a boutique executive search firm accelerating business growth by securing performance-oriented top talent for our progressive, forward-thinking key clients with a search process that involves finding best-fit candidates on an engagement or retained fee basis.
Based on the number of baby boomers leaving the white-collar job market, we are in a white-collar talent drought. This forecasted “30 year drought” has been going on for the past 15 years, and is expected to continue for the next 15! The biggest challenge in Executive Search isn’t finding a person, it is finding the right person – the one who “fits” into an organization. Finding that person who will positively impact the organization is time-consuming and expensive, not to mention intimidating. A high-quality executive search process can mitigate these challenges.
As a boutique executive search firm, we have the luxury, the commitment, the skill set, and the track record, to conduct a high-level thorough recruitment process in a variety of industries. Our individual past experiences in “Corporate America” come together to give us a unique advantage in understanding both sides of the executive search equation.
The Recruiting Process
UPwords Inc. is a search firm that actually searches! We tap into the untapped 85% of happily-employed-not-really-looking candidates, not the 15% posted-on-job-boards-desperate-to-make-a-change candidates. We use traditional methods of sourcing candidates; cold-calling, networking, referrals, and contacting A-players who have surfaced via networking. We also leverage newer technologies including social media, email blasts, and special interest groups. We do not rely on job boards and inbound resumes.
For most recruitment/search firms, the process ends once a candidate has been identified. We provide a value-add service in that we not only attract results-oriented, motivated, and forward-thinking candidates, we also help our key clients secure them. This is an important distinction in a candidate-driven marketplace.
Our Client Base
We are selective in our client base, only doing searches for key clients – client companies who “get it” – who understand the impact the right candidate can make on their business and the expense of hiring the wrong candidate. These companies appreciate the nuances of each employee; understand how to leverage their skills, experience, and passion; and invest in their employees’ success.
The Recruiter
Our recruiters/search professionals/headhunters are seasoned and tenured business leaders who have had careers prior to executive search in the “people business”. Ranging from high-level sales, management, and leaders, to entrepreneurs and coaches. Our career backgrounds have given us the unique ability to draw on a variety of experiences to attract and secure the best candidates and opportunities.Our career experiences make it possible to relate to candidates as peers – demonstrating like-mindedness and relate-ability, which is important for recruiters in building meaningful relationships with candidates and clients.
Industry Focus
Michigan
In addition to industry focus (see below), because we are based in Grand Rapids, MI, with origins in the Metro Detroit area, we partner with Michigan clients as “generalists” to secure top talent. Due to Michigan-based contacts, we work with in a variety of industries of various sizes, to secure a wide range of positions and titles.
Energy & Utilities
We have successfully spent 10+ years in the Energy & Utilities Market. Our main areas of expertise are in: Transmission & Distribution; Power Generation; Utilities; and Turbines.
Sales
Although not an industry per se, we have used our vast personal sales experience and recruiting history to successfully surface sales talent in a variety of industries.
Medical Device
Having spent more than fifteen years in the industries of executive search and medical device, we blend these experiences to optimally serve our clients and candidates in this industry space. Since we have had experience walking the halls of the hospital, calling on physicians, working the O.R., and hitting aggressive performance goals, we are able to offer a unique perspective regarding the medical device industry. We bring a unique value to candidates (and ultimately to clients) by relating and understanding the opportunity firsthand.
Capital Equipment
We have had great success in the Capital Equipment industry with a primary focus in the raw material processing sector – Wood; Metal; and Plastics processing,- placing candidates in a variety of positions including Sales; Marketing; Project Management; Regional & National Management; and Product Management.
