Our Family of Companies

Starfish Partners, an international investment and ownership platform for niched professional and mid to upper-management search specialists, is uniquely positioned to provide capital and infrastructure for recruiting firms looking to scale and monetize their business value. With collective revenues exceeding $300 million annually, Starfish Partners affords exit strategies for owners in cash and/or stock, liquidity and equity options for key producers and leaders, and the opportunity for independent search firm owners to participate and share in the equity of an entire family of companies, not just their own. Kaye/Bassman International (KBIC), Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), the Sanford Rose Associates International (SRAI) Network, and the recruiting industry’s largest consulting and education firm Next Level Exchange (NLE) forged the original inception of Starfish Partners.

Direct Recruiters, Inc.

Since 1983, Direct Recruiters, Inc. has been recognized as the relationship-focused search firm that assists top-tier organizations with recruiting, acquiring, and retaining high-impact talent for mission-critical positions. Serving clients across North America and internationally, DRI employees over 100 team members and has over 25 practice areas including Healthcare IT, Industrial Automation, Government & Security, Construction, Packaging, Legal, Energy & Sustainability, Supply Chain and Food & Beverage. DRI has grown tenfold in less than a decade, and was acquired in 2022 by Starfish Partners in one of the largest all-stock transactions in the mid-to-upper management recruiting industry.

With over 175 offices in North America and Europe, Sanford Rose Associates® has become one of the largest collaborative search firm networks globally. Since the acquisition by the founders of Starfish Partners of Sanford Rose Associates, the number of offices has increased by over 250% while growing the network revenues by over 2000% within a decade. Ascending growth and a 95%+ retention rate has ensured the brand and reputation of SRA remain unparalleled in terms of professionalism, performance, and service that exceeds expectations.

Dimensional Search, the cardinal division of the Sanford Rose Associates Network, provides entrepreneurs an accelerative platform from which to launch their executive search and staffing businesses. Founded in 1959, and with an Executive Leadership Team boasting a combined 300+ years and nearly 25+ average years of experience in the recruiting industry, the Sanford Rose Associates and Dimensional Search Network is the strongest group of search firm experts ever assembled. Dimensional Search allows the opportunity to be in business for oneself, but not by oneself, with the freedom and flexibility to grow yet surrounded with the structure and support from others who have paved the way.

Full Spectrum Search Group is a full-service recruiting firm specializing in post-acute senior leadership recruiting. Founded in 2016 and with steady year-over-year growth, Full Spectrum joined Sanford Rose and was acquired by the founders of Starfish Partners in 2020 and experienced a 240% revenue growth within the first two years post-acquisition alone. Full Spectrum has evolved from your typical rainmaker-ran full desk recruiting firm to a decentralized, scalable, data-centric organization poised to scale.

Raymond Search Group recruits talent for leading organizations across the United States in Construction, Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, HVACR/R, Building Automation Systems, and Manufacturing. With a track record of success and an exceptionally talented team, Raymond Search Group was acquired by Starfish Partners in 2022 and continues to solve the most complex human capital challenges for their expanding list of repeat and referral client base.

Next Level Exchange Recruitment Professional Services

Founded in 2006, Next Level Exchange (NLE) is the largest recruiting consulting organization in the industry and has become synonymous with delivering proven best practices, training, coaching, and digital marketing solutions specifically designed for the search and staffing world. With over 3,000 clients in 30+ countries, Next Level Exchange represents the best of the best of the entire recruiting community. The work conducted by the Next Level Exchange team has served as a funnel for many successful partnerships, including the acquisition of the Sanford Rose Associates International Network.

Starfish Partners Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created for one primary purpose and mission: “To create and perpetuate an environment of charitable giving, to foster hope and personal growth, to support medical research, and to enhance the lives of people in need.” We began in 2001 as a small grass-roots group of volunteers who saw unmet needs and an opportunity to make a difference. We continue today with the help of our generous sponsors, friends and colleagues to make a difference. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over $1,800,000 to our deserving beneficiaries.