Overview
Onward Search is a leading staffing and talent solutions provider specializing in the creative, marketing, and technology sectors. They are renowned for helping companies hire expert talent and build scalable teams, while also offering on-demand fractional consultants. Their services are particularly specialized in the gaming industry, including sectors such as Esports, XR, and the Metaverse. The company is headquartered at 230 East Avenue, Suite 101, Norwalk, CT 06855, and has established a significant market presence with over 3,000 clients served, 20,000 jobs filled, and a network of over 1 million experts.
Core Values and Mission
Mission
Onward Search is committed to connecting companies with top talent in creative, marketing, and technology sectors. They aim to be a trusted partner for leading brands by bridging the gap between expertise and opportunity.
Core Values
- Deliver Amazing Results: Aim to consistently exceed expectations.
- Think and Act Like an Entrepreneur: Encourage initiative, opportunity maximization, and rapid growth.
- Customer-Centric Focus: Prioritize client and talent success, operating with honesty and integrity.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: Foster a space where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated.
- Empowering Environment: Create a culture where employees take pride in their work and drive meaningful contributions.
Leadership
The leadership team at Onward Search is composed of key industry figures:
- Ken Clark, CEO & Co-Founder: Known for translating team ideas into actionable strategies for business growth and recognized among the Top Staffing Leaders to Watch in 2025.
- Orris Long, Senior Vice President (SVP), Sales: Integral in relaunching the Onward Search brand and website, contributing significantly to branding and visibility since joining in January 2019.
- Kimberly Shatzer, SVP, Delivery: Her expertise spans sales, recruitment, and operations. She has been recognized in the SIA Global Power 150 Women in Staffing.
- Don Weis, SVP, Operations: Brings a hands-on approach to leadership with deep expertise in recruitment and operations.
Company Culture and Achievements
Onward Search promotes a work environment that supports diversity, equity, and personal growth, evidenced by a 4.4/5 culture score on Comparably and an A+ CEO rating. Employee reviews suggest high retention and satisfaction. Their achievements include the launch of Generative AI Training Services, the appointment of Melissa Walsh as the Sales & Growth Marketing Practice Leader, and winning the 2024 Best of Staffing Awards by ClearlyRated.
Specialized Divisions and Services
Onward Search has developed divisions to meet specific market needs:
- Onward Accessibility
- Onward Search Education
These divisions align with the company's mission to deliver cutting-edge staffing solutions and educational support in the creative and technology fields.
Competitor Profiling
Overview
Onward Search competes within a dynamic landscape of prominent staffing and recruitment firms. Below are key competitors and distinctive aspects of each.
Primary Competitors
1. Creative Group: Specializes in employee potential through event and incentive solutions with a revenue of approximately $219.2 million.
2. Aquent: A global leader in staffing for marketing, design, and creative sectors with a revenue of $450 million. They offer managed services, employer of record solutions, and consultancy.
3. Aerotek: Provides staffing across manufacturing, logistics, and aviation sectors with a revenue of $1 billion.
4. Creative Circle: Based in Los Angeles, focuses on digital marketing and creative staffing solutions, garnering $293.1 million in revenue.
5. 24 Seven Talent: Excels in marketing, creative, and digital talent across industries like tech, beauty, and fashion, with a strong presence in North America and the UK.
Market Insights and Trends
- Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS): Onward Search ranks 1st among its competitors in term of Employee Net Promoter Score, indicating high employee satisfaction.
- Revenue Benchmarking: With a revenue of $28.1 million, Onward Search operates on a modest scale compared to giants like Aerotek and Aquent, potentially allowing for more personalized services.
- Strategic Expansion: Competitors maintain a global footprint with offices worldwide, enhancing talent acquisition capabilities. Onward Search might explore geographical diversification to leverage similar advantages.
Strategic Opportunities
- Focus on Specialization: By honing in on core areas such as creative and digital solutions, Onward Search can differentiate itself from broader workforce solutions providers.
- Client Engagement and Retention: By emulating strategies from industry leaders like Creative Group and Aquent, Onward Search could enhance customer loyalty.
- Expansion of Services: Adding project management and digital transformation services could cater to growing client demands.
This combined profile details Onward Search's strategic leadership, company ethos, industry recognition, and competitive positioning, illustrating its unique status and strategic opportunities amidst a robust market landscape.
