"I am loving my new position and settling in after the initial transition. The Team have been wonderful and welcoming and feel like I have been working for them for years; definitely a sign of a good fit."
— S.L. Director of Hospitality
Torch Group recently placed a new President at U.S. Bottlers Machinery Company, a custom-built equipment manufacturer in Charlotte, NC. A strong family legacy made finding a candidate who could preserve this company’s core values and culture a critical search requirement.
The Torch team began their search by leveraging the strength of their exclusive network of industry executives and supplemented it by extensive passive candidate research. After multiple one-on-one phone calls, followed by Torch’s proprietary video interview process, the team knew they found the right person to be U.S. Bottlers’ next President.
Without the team’s strong attention to detail and experience using competency-based behavioral interviews, an initial review of this candidate’s resume might have caused other search firms to overlook him. However, Torch Group was able to identify his interpersonal soft skills as a perfect cultural match and found this person to be the most qualified for the position.
Torch Group placed Marilyn Eisele as Interim CFO at Miller Tanner Associates, a global corporate event planning company serving the life sciences industry and other corporations. Eisele worked in partnership with the senior leadership and finance teams to lead the company to its next level of success including significant growth and profit improvement as well as more efficient operations.
Miller Tanner reached out to Torch Group for help finding a fractional CFO with deep experience in finance, strategy, business process and leadership. They also needed this CFO to guide the direction of the company’s finance function leading to a focused development program to impart knowledge and experience on the Controller, who was recently promoted to the full-time, permanent CFO role. Marilyn’s responsibilities also included training and development to ensure a smooth transition. Marilyn was selected based on her broad industry experience, business acumen, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Torch Group leveraged its proprietary database and extensive network of CFO candidates to quickly identify Marilyn and evaluate her for this Interim CFO role using competency-based behavioral interviewing. Along with leadership and interpersonal skills, her executive, advisory and board-level experience in medical and financial services for publicly and privately held companies made her a perfect fit.
Torch Group recently placed Meghan Labot as Senior Vice President, Chief Growth Officer at The Brand Consultancy, a full-service, independent consultancy delivering outcome-focused, research-driven brand strategy, positioning, and creative solutions.
The Brand Consultancy was seeking a seasoned professional with deep expertise in brand strategy and client relationship management, someone with the confidence and presence to command the room while working closely with the CEO and Chief Research Officer to manage high-profile clients and deliver insightful brand strategies. In addition to being a strategic thinker and hands-on contributor, this leader needed strong business development capabilities to lead new business efforts, a unique combination in the brand strategy space.
Torch Group used passive candidate research to identify Meghan, an accomplished brand strategist and client leader with a unique blend of agency leadership, business development, and hands-on consulting experience. Through competency-based behavioral interviews, the Torch team recognized her collaborative leadership style, roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, and ability to inspire confidence as key attributes that fit culturally. Her proven track record of growing client relationships, mentoring teams, and using analytics and research to drive strategic brand solutions made her A PERFECT FIT to help lead The Brand Consultancy’s continued growth and success.
Torch Group recently placed a Vice President of Product at an industry leading consumer products company that helps educators, artists, families and businesses all around the world create highly-engaged environments free from distractions and outside noise.
The company reached out to Torch Group for help finding a Vice President of Product who could lead all aspects of product management and innovation, including strategy, development and product design, sourcing, manufacturing, and execution of global launches. The VP of Product role was unique as it required someone who was willing to roll up their sleeves and be hands on while also leading, managing, and ensuring cohesion and collaboration of their global team at all levels within the organization.
Torch Group used passive candidate research and competency based behavioral interviews to identify and recommend a creative Senior Design & Development expert with progressive experience guiding the success of products from concept to completion. Along with possessing the right background and functional skill set, the candidate had the rare ability to both design and drive the design process, was tech-minded, and passionate about championing innovation to seize new opportunities in the market, a critical component of this position.
Torch Group recently placed Timothy Caugh into the role of Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Fisher Manufacturing, a producer of commercial plumbing equipment and hardware specialties located in Tulare, California.
When the company experienced an unexpected opening of a critical leadership position on their sales and marketing team, they reached out to Torch Group to expedite the process of filling the role. The new VP of Sales & Marketing would be responsible for overseeing a nationwide team of outside sales representatives, making a demonstrated leadership background a top search requirement for this position.
The Torch Team kept in mind the time sensitive nature of the position while it conducted passive candidate research to find a sales and marketing executive with the right soft skills to lead, coach, and mentor the company’s team of sales representatives.
Torch Group recently placed Ted Berchak into the new role of Vice President, General Manager at Keyline USA, a distribution, manufacturing, repair, and service arm of Keyline Industries, a designer and producer of keys and mechanical and electronic key cutting machines.
With a 300-year family legacy and headquarters based in Italy, it was important that the new Vice President, General Manager of Keyline USA had the business acumen to operate on a global scale while also preserving the family values that are the foundation of the company’s business.
Torch Group used its proprietary Signature SearchTM process to identify Ted, who has a strong background in operations, supply chain management, and leadership. In addition to placing the candidate, Torch Group assisted Keyline with defining the responsibilities and nature of this newly created position.
Torch Group recently placed a Vice President of Operations at NuWay Tobacco, a 68-year-old, privately held, family operated manufacturing company.
With a strong desire to shift the Chief Operating Officer’s focus, the Vice President of Operations was a newly created position for a forward-thinking individual who could work with multiple stakeholders to align strategic business goals with an established manufacturing process. Because of the nature of NuWay’s business, experience managing strict quality and safety procedures was a crucial search requirement.
Torch Group utilized passive candidate research to identify an individual with over 20 years of quality control and safety experience. The team also assisted NuWay Tobacco with defining a repeatable internal hiring process for future executive leadership positions.
Torch Group placed Anneliese Tanner as Executive Director, Food and Nutrition Services at Boston Public Schools, the oldest public school district in the country with approximately 50,000 students. The district engaged Torch Group to fill this pivotal role, building on a successful collaboration from five years prior.
The Executive Director, Food and Nutrition Services position required a deep understanding of the evolution of Child Nutrition Programs with the leadership skills to manage a Food and Nutrition Services Department serving over 50,000 meals daily across breakfast, lunch, and supper. The ideal candidate needed to be capable of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, parents, school administrators, and external organizations, to meet diverse nutritional needs.
Torch Group facilitated a rigorous interview process involving multiple departments with unique priorities. Using a quantitative evaluation system, we ensured that each candidate was objectively assessed on their ability to meet the requirements of all involved parties. Anneliese’s demonstrated expertise in leadership, human relations, finance, organizational management, and communication made her A PERFECT FIT for this highly impactful role.
Torch Group recently placed Jason Wieczorek as Senior Director of Research & Analytics at The Brand Consultancy, a full-service, independent consultancy delivering outcome-focused, research-driven brand strategy, positioning, and creative solutions.
The Brand Consultancy was seeking a seasoned professional with expertise in primary and secondary research who could work closely with its Chief Strategy and Chief Research Officers to deliver insightful results to clients. This position was unique because it would be heavily client-facing and strategic while also requiring the candidate to be hands-on and capable of digging into data through every step of the research process.
Torch Group used passive candidate research to identify Jason, an experienced insights and analytics professional. Through competency-based behavioral interviews, the Torch team learned that Jason’s technical abilities, demonstrated knowledge, and charismatic nature made him a true “needle in a haystack” who they knew could bring a wealth of experience that would contribute to The Brand Consultancy’s growth and success.
Torch Group recently placed Shaun Bell as Director of Facilities at Wingspan Care Group, a nonprofit management organization that streamlines administrative services to help its member agencies focus on their missions while enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With over 40 buildings across multiple campuses throughout Northeast Ohio, Wingspan needed a proven leader to oversee facilities management, renovation and capital construction, food service operations, security, environmental services, and fleet management.
The ideal candidate needed not only deep expertise in facilities operations but also the ability to collaborate with executive directors, clinical teams, and operating staff across multiple agencies. Strong leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills were essential to ensure seamless coordination throughout the entire organization.
Torch Group leveraged its proven search methodology to identify Shaun Bell, a seasoned facilities management professional with over 15 years of experience leading complex projects across education, healthcare, and public service sectors. His passion for operational excellence and commitment to Wingspan’s mission made him a PERFECT FIT for this critical leadership role.
Torch Group recently placed a Director of Hospitality at an international tableware company.
This newly created role is pivotal in driving hospitality sales and expanding the company’s presence in the national hotel sector. The ideal candidate needed to combine strategic relationship-building expertise with a passion for delivering exceptional service to partners.
Torch Group leveraged its proven search methodology to identify the candidate, an accomplished professional with extensive experience in account management and a consistent track record of exceeding sales targets. Her enthusiasm for the tabletop industry and demonstrated ability to forge lasting partnerships made her the PERFECT FIT for this key leadership position.
As Director of Hospitality, the candidate will play an integral role in executing the company’s mission to set new standards of excellence in the hospitality sector, fostering growth through innovative product solutions and extraordinary client service.
Torch placed Brad Bickerton as Director of Operations at DCA Construction Products, a manufacturer of branded products designed to serve the cast-in-place, tilt-up, precast, and post-tensioned concrete construction markets.
The Director of Operations was a newly created position for a visionary leader who would be responsible for planning and directing operations of the company’s two manufacturing facilities. With a strategic growth plan in place, it was critical the candidate could work with multiple stakeholders to align company goals and meet business objectives.
Using our Signature Search Process™, Torch Group identified Brad, a seasoned Plant Manager with a strong background in production planning, continuous improvement, financial planning, and safety program implementation. Additionally, his exceptional soft skills and hands-on approach to operations made him the PERFECT FIT to effectively lead, coach, and mentor direct reports during the company’s periods of growth.
Torch Group recently placed Tammy Height as National Sales Director at Angel Bakeries, a renowned, family-owned producer of the world’s finest pita.
With a desire to expand the company’s footprint in the foodservice and retail sectors, Angel Bakeries was in need of an experienced professional who could play a pivotal role in developing and implementing effective sales strategies to drive growth in new market segments.
Torch Group used passive candidate research to identify Tammy, a seasoned Sales and Business Development Manager, who has over two decades of experience transforming sales strategies into results with top foodservice, ingredient, and consumer package goods companies. Not only did Tammy possess the right functional skill set, but her interpersonal and soft skills aligned seamlessly with Angel Bakeries’ family-run business company culture.
Torch Group recently placed a Director of Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs at a leading cardiovascular diagnostics solutions company that provides its customers with high-quality devices, software, data integration and clinical support.
The company was seeking an experienced candidate who could manage its quality assurance and regulatory activities, including developing quality/regulatory plans, communicating quality system policies and procedures, ensuring compliance, and handling interactions with government regulatory agencies.
Torch Group used passive candidate research and competency-based behavioral interviews to identify a candidate with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and over a decade of experience in quality assurance and regulatory affairs. This candidate was tech-oriented and had a passion for continuous learning, crucial values that align with the dynamic medical device industry, making him a perfect fit for the position.
Torch Group recently placed Lou Lobsinger as Director of Sales and Marketing at American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), the world’s premier supplier of OE-quality, performance-driven aftermarket parts and accessories for vehicles used for off-road recreational driving and overland adventure travel.
After experiencing tremendous growth, the company needed a dynamic and experienced leader who could unify its sales and marketing teams. The candidate would be responsible for taking an innovative approach to driving revenue growth, expanding market reach, enhancing awareness, and bringing the AEV brand to the next level.
At their very first meeting, it was apparent to the Torch team the passion AEV had for the products it manufactures. Because of this, competency-based behavioral interviewing became a critical component of the search process that assisted with identifying Lou, a transformative leader who had the right functional expertise along with core values that fit in with AEV’s company culture and enthusiasm for the industry.
Torch Group placed Veronica Holtz as the Director of Product Management & Innovation at Culligan International, a global water treatment company specializing in water softeners, water filtration systems and bottled water for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
When Culligan decided to enter the fast-paced smart technology market and go from a hardware company to a connected solutions company, they needed a transformational leader who could take on a cross-functional role with an international team to assist in developing IoT products combined with Software as a Service offerings.
Torch Group used its proprietary Signature Search™ process to identify Veronica, who had a background in consumer products and IoT, critical requirements for the position. Along with possessing the right functional expertise, Veronica’s collaborative nature, innovative way of thinking, and interpersonal skills aligned with Culligan’s organizational culture, making her a perfect fit for the role.
Torch Group placed a Director of Operations at a nationally recognized manufacturer of service truck bodies, forestry bodies, truck toolboxes, and truck accessories.
After experiencing a series of high-growth years, our client was in need of a Director of Operations who could keep its manufacturing process running while it expanded its facility. Experience leading large capital projects, demonstrated process improvement, and strong P&L acumen were additional critical search requirements for the position.
The Torch Team conducted geo-targeted, passive candidate research to find a local candidate with years of progressive manufacturing experience and a background in managing large-scale projects.
Torch Group placed a Director of IT at a national leading company that manufactures aftermarket products for recreational, residential, and commercial applications in the sporting enthusiast and leisure markets.
After experiencing multiple years of growth, our client needed a leader who could upgrade its entire IT infrastructure to support increased capacity levels. The Torch Team conducted a nationwide search to find a candidate who possessed both IT and manufacturing experience, a critical requirement for the position.
In addition to finding the right candidate, Torch Group took the lead in facilitating a relocation assistance package as part of the job offer, helping our client attract the most qualified talent, no matter their location, in a highly competitive industry.
Torch Group recently placed Laura Antenucci as Marketing Manager at Continental Grafix, a premium manufacturer of high-quality specialty graphic materials used by commercial wide-format printers.
The company was seeking a seasoned marketing professional who could play a pivotal role in developing impactful marketing plans and strategies to drive product and sales initiatives.
This was a newly created position, which allowed Torch Group to take a fully consultative approach to the search, assisting Continental Grafix in identifying the essential skills for the role, developing a job description, and providing guidance on various aspects of the hiring process.
Torch Group utilized passive candidate research to identify Laura, whose experience leading marketing initiatives for a multinational organization, along with her versatility across various marketing functions and strong soft skills, made her the PERFECT FIT to help drive Continental Grafix’s continued growth and success.