The resources available to help you build what it is that you want.
With a 60 year history as a successful professional search network, Sanford Rose Associates Inc was acquired by the team who run Next Level Exchange. Since the acquisition in 2012, the trajectory of the network has skyrocketed. With the robust team of resources now available to existing search firms, the network has increased the number of offices in the network by just over 50% yet revenues increased by over 700% in the same time.
That mantra of allowing people to be in business for themselves but not by themselves and thus being part of something bigger than oneself has been our guiding philosophy.
What are the resources available to help you build what it is that you want?
Customized Individual Coaching
Every SRA Office is assigned a tenured coach who has a demonstrated track record in helping owners and recruiters around the globe reach their fullest potential. That coach is dedicated to helping each office accomplish its own individual and unique professional objectives.
Owners gain a confidential sounding board, actionable insights, and structured guidance tailored to their unique goals—whether scaling the firm, improving profitability, leading a team, or navigating change. The coaching relationship is built to challenge assumptions, sharpen focus, and support continuous growth both as a leader and as a business owner. Coaching frequency will adjust based on desire and need.
Erin Bent
Dan Charney
Greg Doersching
Christine Geiger
Karen Schmidt
Lil Vaughn
Organizational Development Consulting
Overview:
This custom consulting work will focus on optimizing performance, scalability and profitability by identifying structural inefficiencies, aligning strategy with operations, and guiding implementation with precision. Led by industry veterans with deep domain expertise in the recruiting industry, the work is tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within our industry and your firm.
1. Organizational Assessment: A comprehensive diagnostic of the firm’s internal ecosystem, designed to uncover hidden gaps and untapped potential across:
- Structure & Roles – Clarity in the firm’s model, roles and career paths to align with firm’s goals.
- Compensation Models – Review of compensation programs to include salaries, draws, commissions, bonuses, incentives and overall value proposition to staff.
- Team Diagnostic – Assessment of team members and the identification of the desired continued educational tracks (i.e. business development, market mastery, closing, differentiation, planning and execution, effective communication).
- Market Mastery / Specialization Project – Review of current market, team rules, territories and market penetration strategies.
- Key Performance Indicators – Review of performance metrics, tracking, and strategy.
- Workflow & Process Mapping – Evaluation of sourcing, business development, and fulfillment processes.
- Talent Acquisition, Training, and Ongoing Education – Evaluation of the effectiveness of your current talent acquisition strategies and identify opportunities in educational development and training.
- Technology Utilization – Analysis of tech stack (ATS, CRM, sourcing tools, etc) usage and effectiveness.
- Operational and Financial Assessment – Review of tracking systems for commissions / compensation plans, and the firm’s financials.
- Marketing Communications – This assessment provides a comprehensive, strategic evaluation of a recruiting firm’s brand presence, digital marketing effectiveness, SEO performance, and overall market visibility.
- Information Technology – Evaluation of a firm’s IT landscape encompassing software, hardware, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, data backup, remote access, and system reliability.
- Procurement – Assessment evaluates all third-party vendor usage and spend.
- Culture & Communication – Assessment of internal culture, leadership dynamics, and team engagement.
2. Strategic Consulting, Execution & Implementation Support
Following the assessment, we don’t just provide recommendations—we collaborate directly with firm owners to implement meaningful, measurable change. Our subject matter experts (SMEs) in each functional area work side-by-side with leadership and teams to turn insights into action.
This comprehensive approach bridges strategy and execution. Each SME takes ownership of guiding initiatives within their domain, ensuring alignment with the firm’s goals and culture. Through structured planning, hands-on execution, and continuous feedback, we help embed improvements into daily operations.
In short: We diagnose, design, and deliver.
In addition, firms will get access to the SRA Intranet which includes Training Resources, Forms, Team Rules, Sample Compensation Plans and Equity Program, Employment Policies and Agreements, Fee Agreement Templates, Marketing PowerPoint and Pitch Deck Templates, Email Marketing Content, Whitepaper Articles (SRA Updates), Past SRA Conference Videos and PowerPoints.
Talent Acquisition Support
The Next Level Hiring (NLH) team assists managers in their talent selection process, hiring and growing their team with the right contributors. The NLH team can be deployed on an active or passive basis to identify potential hires (both domestically and internationally based). On average, our NLH team facilitates the hires of 200+ contributors per year for our network of offices.
Team utilizes a variety of resources to identify candidates, conduct initial phone screens and presents viable prospects with a complete summary and resume. (hard cost of the postings charged back to offices)
The SRA hiring team allowed us to streamline our process and have consistent candidate presentations tailored to our needs. It adds to the hiring experience for applicants and builds more credibility for us as an organization.
Combined with the fantastic training provided by Next Level Exchange, the entire engagement and onboarding experience has never been better! We have added 18 people in 12 months! Thank you SRA!
New Hire and Continuous Education
Facilitated Foundation Training for Rookies: FFT is an immersive 360 search training program that is Trainer-led via 15 live webinars during a set three-week curriculum. We train your new or experienced recruiters, such as those who need a refresher or lack formal training on search fundamentals, freeing up valuable time for Owners and Team Leads. The 15 live sessions expand and reinforce 60 chapters of the 20 modules in Foundation Training with additional content infused throughout. FFT includes over 30 hours of professionally produced videos, a 328-page participant training workbook, answer key, scripting exercises, quizzes and collaborative discussion questions. Participants learn and reinforce the essentials through live module recaps, group discussion, scripting, and role-playing.
Continuous Education through NLE TV: Every office and recruiter has access to NLE TV, with hundreds of hours of on-demand training videos and courses, conducted by leading industry trainers and Big Billers from around the world. Additionally, our NLE Library takes the entire lifecycle of the search process and breaks it down piece by piece – from planning, to sourcing, to marketing and the placement process, to personal development. Under each specific approach, we have compiled numerous scripts, forms, emails, articles, video clips, and even actual recorded phone calls for your review.
We have been utilizing SRA’s foundation training since becoming a part of Sanford Rose. The program is now integrated into our onboarding process for all new associates. The interactive nature of the course and feedback provided to the student, team leaders and executives of our firm have proved invaluable.
*Over 100% Revenue Growth since joining SRA: Global ESG, Scott Chadbourne
Courses through NL Academy: All SRA Offices and Recruiters have perpetual access to over 20 Courses on NL Academy, spanning the life cycle of search – from lead generation, to closing, to ultimately scaling a team and firm. New Courses added to the Academy throughout the year, providing on-demand continued education for all. A snapshot of Courses delivered by Greg Doersching, Rob Mosley, Karen Schmidt and additional NLE Facilitators:
- Lead Generation Training for Candidate and Client Development (8 Modules, 6 Hours)
- Mastering Market Mastery / Client-Focused Search (10 Modules, 12 Hours)
- Tech Talks (42 Modules, 40+ Hours)
- Candidate Sourcing Mastery (5 Modules, 5 Hours)
- Core Sales and Client Development (8 Modules, 8 Hours)
- The Strategic Selling Series (6 Modules, 5 Hours)
- The Ultimate Recruiter Negotiation Series (4 Hours, 3 Modules)
- The Keys to Unlocking Cornerstone Clients (6 Modules, 6 Hours)
- Enhanced Recruiter Training (10 Modules, 10 Hours)
Owner/Leader Courses:
- Building Your Firm (14 Modules, 50 Hours)
- Building Your Empire (6 Modules, 6 Hours)
- Owner Therapy Webinars (20 Episodes)
- Hiring and Implementing a Lead Generator (5 Modules, 4 Hours)
Continuous Education
Monthly SRA Recruiter Newsletter
Packed with perpetual reminders of valued training, forms, and templates along with newly released programs, insights and Live Learning Opportunities.
New Hire and Continuous Education
Live Learning Opportunities
Monthly Lunch & Learn: All SRA Producers are encouraged to join Greg Doersching, Erin Bent, and other industry experts monthly for a year-long program packed with actionable strategies designed to help you succeed in today’s ever-changing market!
- January – How to Attract and Win New Clients
- February – Using AI to Improve your Search Logic
- March – Attracting Candidates in a Candidate-Short Market
- April – Taking Candidates to Market as a BD Strategy
- May – Securing Financially Committed Searches
- June – The Art of Overcoming Objections
- July – Qualifying Candidates and Asking the Tough Questions
- August – Taking and Qualifying Solid Searches
- September – Prepping and Debriefing for Favorable Outcomes
- October – Get Inside Their Heads – Psychology of Closing
- November – The Power of Analytics
- December – Goal Setting for 2026
Live Courses for Your Firm: Four consecutive weekly sessions with your team to enhance alignment around development programs. Example/current series available include (see addendum):
- The Desk Domination Series: Elevate daily discipline, pipeline management, and personal performance through self-directed breakthroughs and accountability.
- The Leadership Elevation Series: Guide recruiting managers, or those transitioning from producer to leader, to cultivate a coaching-driven management style.
- The Recruiter Reinvention Lab: Reinvent one’s recruiting approach, brand presence, and niche strategy through introspective coaching, fresh perspectives, and self-driven solutions.
- The Production Breakthrough Accountability Program: Spark a rapid performance surge through structured, high-intensity coaching and tight accountability loops.
Owner Mastermind Groups
Our monthly Mastermind groups are designed to create a forum for similarly situated individuals to discuss challenges, solutions, and real-time scenarios on a perpetual basis. Groups meet for approximately six months, before we shuffle the groups to facilitate new introductions and opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Topics can be broad in nature or can have a structured agenda for the duration of the group focused on Market Mastery and Business Development, or hiring Lead Generation support and performance management, or Developing and Growing an Established Team.
Our firm has experienced exponential growth since launching in 2015. There are so many challenges faced when growing a firm, and they evolve constantly; what I needed to do to get to $500k is different than $1m and is still different to surpass $5m. Having a trusted group of CEO’s who know our world and who can be a perpetual sounding board to provide real-time in-the-trenches advice is invaluable.
My decision to join the Sanford Rose Associates Network was driven by the desire to grow my firm in a larger capacity and provide greater value to my recruiters, clients, and candidates. The greatest part of the network is the opportunity to be a part of a successful group of owners and leaders who openly share ideas and experiences which has in turn helped me to become a better leader and business owner.
Operational and Financial Analysis, Assessment and Tracking
Compensation Assessment:
- We begin with a compensation analysis to identify misaligned pay structures and calculate effective rates using internal tools and benchmarks. (Note: template use may have limitations; customization is not included.)
Streamlined, Self-Guided Setup:
- 90% of setup is handled through guided web-based forms. Clients input company and employee details, then meet with our team to set final template preferences before the system goes live.
Ongoing Client Ownership:
- Clients manage their own employee, billing, and cash inputs moving forward using simple, centralized forms.
Embedded Training & Support:
- On-demand training videos and FAQs built into the platform
- Monthly live virtual meetings with all users to answer entry or process-related questions and provide peer learning opportunities
Automated Outputs:
- Real-time commission tracking
- Payroll-ready summaries with pre-calculated totals
- AR aging reports
- Goal and incentive dashboards (team and individual)
- Pending commissions and comp breakdowns
Owner Reporting:
- Individual, team, and firm summaries by month and quarter
- Tracks goals, payroll totals, billing/cash flow, and production metrics
Live Dashboards:
- Real-time views of placements, billing, and performance
- Shareable with leadership or displayed on TVs in-office to drive accountability and visibility
Operational Support
Production & Commission Reporting and Dashboards
Input: Web-Based, Single-Entry Processing
One link will take you to each of your intake forms. Updating these forms will update reporting and dashboards almost instantly.
Company Intake
Used for onboarding – determines dropdowns and reporting functions.
Employee Intake
Enter and edit all details of your employees including comp plans, team leaders, goals, etc.
Production Intake
Enter billings, cash, and final payroll totals into one production intake location
Operational and Financial Analysis, Assessment and Tracking
Output: Calculations, Reporting & Dashboards Web-Based, Single-Entry Processing
- Real-time commission tracking
- Automated payroll data preparation
(ready for processor entry) - Built-in aging report
- Individual AR summaries with pending
commission details - Built-in goal, commitment, and incentive trip tracking (company, team, and individual)
- Streamlined owner reporting & dashboards
- Operational assessment reports
- Active/open retainers
- Tool cost vs. value assessment (ties revenue to specific search tools)
- Average days to fill
- Average fee
- Team and individual revenue to compensation comparisons
Operational and Financial Analysis, Assessment and Tracking
Owner Reporting
Located within the same site where your 3 intakes are located, you can find a list of dashboards, reports, and commission sheets to view.
The “Owner Report” is an online Excel view of reports including a company snapshot by month and quarter, goal tracking, payroll totals, live aging report, detailed billings & cash report, and owner summary that details individual, team, and firm production and pay summaries.
Operational and Financial Analysis, Assessment and Tracking
Live Owner Dashboards
Dedicated Outsourced Information Technology Support
Ongoing Support:
- Break-Fix Services – Rapid response to hardware failures and software malfunctions to minimize downtime.
- Technical Assistance – Phone-based troubleshooting for software, hardware, and network issues.
- Remote Access Support – Using best-in-class remote tools to diagnose and resolve IT issues efficiently.
- Infrastructure Support – Managing servers, network devices, and connectivity to maintain a stable and secure environment.
- Security & Compliance – Implementing best practices for cybersecurity, monitoring threats, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Software Management – Installation, updates, and maintenance of business-critical applications.
- Email & Communication Support – Addressing email deliverability, configuration, and troubleshooting communication tools, including mobile devices.
- Computer Replacement Assistance – Guiding the selection, setup, and deployment of new hardware when upgrades are needed.
- Monitoring Computer Health – Tracking system performance and identifying potential issues before they become problems.
- Consultations – Providing expert recommendations and IT strategy guidance tailored to operational needs.
- Third-Party Software Support – Coordinating with external vendors to resolve technical issues related to specialized applications.
- Mobile Device Support – Assisting with email setup, access issues, and troubleshooting for smartphones and tablets.
- Vendor & License Management – Handling software licensing and coordinating with technology vendors.
- After-Hours Support for Critical Issues – Providing emergency assistance for hard-down situations outside normal business hours.
Culture: Community Fostering Collaboration, Splits, Benchmarking and Perpetual Development
Surrounding oneself with the right people is a significant contributor to professional growth and success for most any professional. In a pure people business like recruiting, it is crucial.
Rankings and Recognition:
The SRA team is fanatical about celebrating both individual as well as organizational performance through monthly, quarterly, and annual awards and recognition programs.
It’s a simple fact that recruiters are competitive by nature – and thus allowing recruiters to benchmark themselves against other recruiters within the network fuels motivation and ambition even further!
SRA Network Conferences: Our Conferences and Workshops not only allow the interaction and sharing of best practices with one another, people can forge both long-term professional relationships and personal friendships with many like-minded professionals.
Our conference speakers and trainers and our extensive roundtable sessions give the entire Network access to numerous approaches, sophisticated methodologies and innovative ideas.
Split Network Opportunities: Having a network of other firms can provide you, and perhaps more importantly your clients and candidates, with additional expertise that CAN be leveraged to their advantage.
The SRA Network has over 180 offices creating a positive benefit for clients as they fill critical roles or your candidates find the right opportunity. Additionally, Kaye/Bassman International, DRI, and Starfish Companies have 200+ tenured and niched recruiters serving to expand your reach, enhance your credibility, and ensure a strategic advantage in this globally competitive landscape.
One of the best decisions we made for our business was to join the SRA Network; SRA has helped us turbo power what was already a strong brand. We were stuck and not growing; SRA breathed life into our walls and has provided our team with the feel of a bigger firm with training, hiring, awards trips, competition, and owners that are becoming better leaders. They have supported us in hiring, training, creating strategic growth initiatives, and building teams with ownership mentality. SRA gives us access to amazing tech stacks as preferred rates and has programs for great incentive trips for us and our team. They know our business and have helped us identify the levers to pull to create long term success.
Procurement: Preferred Supplier Discounts
Relationships and/or negotiated discounts with the following:
- ATS Systems: Bullhorn, Crelate, PCRecruiter
- Outsourced Recruiter Services: Hikinex
- Sourcing & Automation Tools: hireEZ, ZoomInfo, ContactOut
- Automation Tools (only): ActiveCampaign, Outplay, SourceWhale, Vipe Cloud
- Job Boards: ZipRecruiter
- Phone Services: Call Logic, RingCentral
- Payroll Processing: Paylocity
- Contract Staffing/EOR: Signature Back Office Solutions
- Collections: Adams, Evens & Ross
As a search firm owner, it is normal to be cost conscious and ask yourself “is this worth it?” The answer is an overwhelming yes! Discounts on ATS systems and tools like ZoomInfo all add up to thousands of dollars in real savings. I can happily say that I feel like I’m getting all the benefits of the network and not paying for it!
Our Why:
Building something that is a true industry game-changer
and that has never been done before is the legacy we strive to create.
We love helping firms achieve their goals, and being able to do so within the framework of a like-minded group of fun-loving entrepreneurs is what we are all about. Imagine a few hundred search firms, all in pursuit of building the firms of their dreams, who respect each other’s individuality but know that together they can achieve far more collectively than they would individually.
Operating from abundance and the concept that a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ is baked into the cultural DNA of our team. We all have a gap between our achievement and our potential, and the gap between those is the journey of the next level.
Of course, as soon as the gap closes, a new potential opens up. Like a journey to the end of a rainbow, the pot of gold is the journey itself, and we welcome you to join us together on that journey!
