With over 15 years in the recruiting industry, Rick Ferretti, Founder and CEO, brings extensive expertise and commitment to executive recruiting and staffing. His path into recruiting began while he was working as a Training and Development Manager for a technology company. While attending a local Human Resources educational forum, he was recruited by a local recruiting firm. After meeting the firm’s leadership and aligning with their vision, Rick decided to pursue recruiting, where he found recruiting to be a rewarding field that continues to drive his passion and purpose.
Q: What drew you to the recruiting industry, and what do you enjoy most?
A: I was drawn to the recruiting industry because we build long-term relationships and impact people’s lives. Helping someone find the right career is incredibly rewarding, not just for them but for their family. Over time, I’ve also found great satisfaction in training and developing new recruiters who choose to join our organization.
Q: What inspired you to start Ferretti Search in 2018?
A: I wanted to build a recruiting firm with a unique culture, where we prioritize people, and employees feel valued beyond just metrics. I wanted to create a place where people who want to work hard can find success. After gaining experience at two previous firms, I spent over a year gathering advice from industry leaders. This helped me develop the confidence to launch Ferretti Search.
Q: What challenges have you overcome in the changing job market?
A: Adapting to market shifts has been critical, especially during the pandemic. Many firms laid off staff, but we adapted by identifying industries who are hiring, such as manufacturing. We’ve also diversified our client base to avoid relying too heavily on any one industry or company.
Q: Can you share a memorable story or placement that solidified your career path in recruitment?
A: One standout experience was when I was working with a recruiter who was new to recruiting. Rather than dismissing him, I guided him through each step. Later, I was approached by his manager, who had been listening in and was impressed by my patience. This led to a major contract with a large consulting company, where I helped place 300 contractors in the first year and over 3,000 by the third. Another unforgettable experience was landing a contract for staffing at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. That ultimately led to us staffing two individuals to drive Michelle Obama around town. As a thank you, Michelle invited them to a state dinner and took photos with them. Moments like these remind me of the impact and reach of the work we do.
Q: What sets Ferretti Search apart in building relationships with clients and candidates?
A: Investing heavily in training is one of Ferretti Search’s defining practices. This investment ensures the team possesses the skills to succeed, while a strong culture attracts top talent. As a result, Ferretti Search maintains a high standard of service and a solid reputation in the market.
Q: Can you share an example of going above and beyond for a client?
A: For one client, we managed the entire staffing process for their customer service division. This included everything from coordinating interviews, to onboarding, coaching, and even celebrating National Employee Week for both our temps and their full-time employees. Going the extra mile made a huge impact on the team and the client relationship.
Q: What qualities do you look for when hiring new team members?
A: We look for individuals with a sales mindset, team-oriented attitudes, and cultural alignment. Experience isn’t always necessary; we can train someone with the right attitude. We look for people with great energy, resilience and the desire to work hard and be supportive of one another.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of owning Ferretti Search?
A: Watching employees achieve and exceed their goals is incredibly fulfilling. For example, our “President’s Club” expanded from three members last year to at least seven this year. Their success is what makes this work so rewarding.
Rick Ferretti’s journey into recruitment and the growth of Ferretti Search reflect his dedication to building meaningful relationships and empowering his team. By fostering a strong company culture and adapting to market changes, he has created a recruitment firm that connects top talent with opportunities while providing a supportive environment for employees and clients alike. Looking ahead, Rick aims to further strengthen his team, uphold high standards of client service, and continue making a positive impact on the careers of those he serves.
