The foundation of my identity was established before I was eight years old. I was polite but argumentative, asked a lot of questions, was competitive and new early I wanted to create. Early creations included a lawn mowing and snow removal company to a cartoon family creation where I told the story through illustrated books. Playing sports or games with friends, I sought after ‘grown up’ conversations with the adults on our block. I told people I wanted to be a motivational speaker when I grow up; advertising was interesting to the point I subscribed to Ad Age Magazine in middle school purchased with dollars I earned. I had few tools but worked on everything even if it was not broken. I wanted to help entrepreneurs (I don’t think I knew what that meant at the time). I was intrigued by what adults do and now I am intrigued about what kids do. For a while I stopped creating like most kids when they grow up, I think this is a shame and I aim to stop the trend.
I studied marketing in college with the plan to start an advertising agency and brand strategy firm. Straight after graduation I was directed by an insightful mentor to pursue a career as an executive recruiter to, as he put it, acquire a peer group of “grey hairs” and learn how to build "best in class" teams before starting my own companies. Quickly learning the value of mentorship relationships, I followed his lead and interviewed with his contacts. I landed in executive recruiting and it turns out I'm very good at recruiting. I found that I love working with business owners and visionaries. Turns out, I love supporting passionate people in whatever they do to make a significant impact. I learned I interview people well and trust my instincts on behalf of the brands I represent. This passion shift taught me a realization there are MANY ways to be fulfilled with challenging careers and I can help others make these transitions.
Bringing my experiences, problem solving skills and passion together, I build businesses and support others who create. The best brand strategies center around people who are trusted to deliver on the brand promise with autonomy and innovation. Therefore, business and careers must match around values, mission and vision. Much goes into this successful relationship from education and confidence in what we stand for as a person and business - the marriage builds a great culture even during times of dramatic peaks and valleys. I understand this place, we deliver on critical early growth business needs through first hire recruiting or professionals working close to company founders whether first time entrepreneurs or long time engaged founders like a Richard Branson.
As a top producing executive recruiter and business planning professional, I earned a reputation as a top producer who takes on the most challenging searches. I ran the western region of a top ranked retained search firm during years of rapid growth. I've interviewed thousands of executives, managed client engagements, built research teams and ran western region operations as Director of research, and Operations VP. With this experience, brand strategy work and dedication to supporting founders who create jobs, I launched Founder Recruiting Partners. In 2005 www.YourBrandPlan.com was launched and today is the source of great traffic on business and career subjects. I use it as a marketing tool online and you can too! In Denver we created YB Innovator to prove when the actual problem is identified and well defined, the solution becomes obvious. Add the right people to small teams and great things happen.
I'm a proud Colorado native along with my wife, Julie. Together we run Cut & Press which is part of Julie's Idea Chic brand of companies. Yes, we run a letterpress. An old and beautiful Chandler and Price letterpress. We produce some of the most brilliant stationery for business and personal use. Working on this press turns out to be a childhood dream of dirty hands. I create art and work on things with my hands, again! Not to mention partners of Founder Recruiting Partners will have very cool stationery!
I earned a BS in Marketing at Metropolitan State College of Denver (MSCD) where I was recognized as Alumni of the Year - Giving Back in 2008 for involvement in mentorship programs and the community.
Testimonials for David Sandusky
