Business owner reviewing hiring decisions at desk representing executive search for companies

Retained search focused on mid-to-senior leadership placement

Executive Search for Business Owners

When you need to make a critical hire but don’t have an internal recruiting team, you need a partner who understands the stakes. That’s where we come in.

Let’s Talk About Your Hiring Needs

Call 248-957-6598

What Is Retained Executive Search?

Retained search means you hire RFT Search Group exclusively to fill a specific position. We’re not competing with 5 other firms (that’s contingency recruiting). We’re not an outsourced HR department (that’s RPO). We’re your dedicated partner focused solely on finding the right person for your critical role.

Here’s what that means for you: dedicated attention, thorough vetting, and commitment to quality over quantity. We’re invested in getting it right because our reputation and your success depend on it.

This Is Different From Contingency Recruiting

In contingency recruiting, multiple firms compete to fill your role. First one to submit a resume you hire wins the fee. Result? You get bombarded with barely-vetted resumes from firms racing to win, not to find the right fit. Retained search means we’re the only firm working on your search, and our entire focus is finding the right person, not just any person.

How We Work: Our 7-Step Process

Discovery Call

We start with a thorough conversation about the role, your company culture, technical requirements, and what success looks like. This isn’t a sales call; it’s the foundation of a successful search.

Search Strategy & Contract

We develop a customized search strategy and formalize our partnership. First payment (1/3 of fee) is due at contract signing.

Research & Outreach

We proactively research and reach out to qualified candidates. We’re not waiting for applications; we’re finding the people you need, even if they’re not actively looking.

Candidate Presentation

We present thoroughly vetted candidates with detailed profiles. Second payment (1/3 of fee) is due at presentation. You interview only candidates we’d confidently hire ourselves.

Interview Coordination

We facilitate interviews, gather feedback, and keep the process moving forward efficiently. We’re managing communication so you can focus on evaluating fit.

Offer Negotiation & Onboarding

We help navigate offer negotiations and ensure smooth onboarding. Final payment (1/3 of fee) is due seven days after the new hire starts.

5-Year Commitment

We stand behind every placement for 5 years with our Client Loyalty Pricing Program. If you need to replace someone we placed, we’re here with heavily discounted fees.

Learn more about our 5-Year Client Loyalty Pricing Program

Is Retained Search Right for Your Company?

This Is Right For You If:

You need to fill mid-to-senior leadership positions (CFO, Controller, Plant Manager, VP Operations, Engineering Manager, Sales Director, etc.)
You don’t have an internal HR/recruiting team
You need professional expertise for critical hires
Your company revenue is typically $2M-$50M
The position pays $48k+ in salary
You’re in Manufacturing, Distribution/Logistics, Professional Services, Finance, Industrial/Construction, or Insurance

This Is NOT Right For You If:

You need high-volume hiring (retail, hospitality, hourly positions)
You’re hiring entry-level or administrative roles
You’re in Medical/Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality, Education, or Government
You have a robust internal recruiting team
The position pays under $48k in salary

We’re selective about who we work with because retained search requires a committed partnership. If you’re not sure whether we’re the right fit, let’s have a conversation.

Why We’re Still Here After 13+ Years

This Is Our Only Business

RFT Search Group is our family’s only source of income. Not a side hustle. Not supplemental. Everything we’ve built depends on delivering results for clients like you.

27 Years of Recruiting Expertise

Co-founder Linda Ferrante has been placing executives since 1998. While most recruiters wash out in 2-3 years, Linda brings nearly three decades of knowing what works, and what doesn’t.

5-Year Commitment

We stand behind every placement for 5 years with our Client Loyalty Pricing Program. This program gets used when clients need it, and that’s exactly what it’s for. We want you to make the right decision for your business, not keep underperformers out of financial fear.

Direct Owner Access

You work directly with Jason Verlinde and Linda Ferrante, the business owners. No account managers. No layers. Just clear communication with decision-makers who care.

Retained Search Focus

We’re not contingency recruiters throwing resumes at walls. Retained search means dedicated focus, thorough vetting, and commitment to quality over quantity.

Discretion When It Matters

Confidential searches are handled with absolute professionalism. We understand when hiring needs to stay quiet, and we know how to conduct searches accordingly.

Why Work With RFT Search Group?

This Is Our Only Business

RFT Search Group is our family’s only source of income. Not a side hustle. Not supplemental. Everything we’ve built depends on delivering results for clients like you.

27 Years of Recruiting Expertise

Co-founder Linda Ferrante has been placing executives since 1998. While most recruiters wash out in 2-3 years, Linda brings nearly three decades of knowing what works, and what doesn’t.

5-Year Commitment

Direct Owner Access

You work directly with Jason Verlinde and Linda Ferrante, the business owners. No account managers. No layers. Just clear communication with decision-makers who care.

Retained Search Focus

We’re not contingency recruiters throwing resumes at walls. Retained search means dedicated focus, thorough vetting, and commitment to quality over quantity.

Discretion When It Matters

Confidential searches are handled with absolute professionalism. We understand when hiring needs to stay quiet, and we know how to conduct searches accordingly.

27

Years Linda Ferrante Has Been Recruiting (Since 1998)

13+

Years Surviving Michigan’s Most Competitive Market

80%+

Of Our Clients Use Us for Multiple Searches

5 Years

We Stand Behind Every Placement

Ready to Make Your Next Critical Hire?

Let’s talk about your hiring needs. No pressure, no obligation, just a straightforward conversation about whether we’re the right executive search firm for your needs.

Schedule a Conversation

Or call: 248-957-6598