When the search for a new Controller began, Stephen Baker knew the right hire would require more than a strong resume. The role demanded technical expertise, leadership capability, and someone who could thrive within the organization’s unique culture.
The Controller would oversee a team of nearly 20 employees, partner across departments, and play a meaningful role in the business’s day-to-day operations.
“We wanted someone who could be both a technical expert and a trusted business partner,” Stephen said.
The Search Began with Understanding
The search began with conversations and the organization itself.
Before discussing resumes or qualifications, Katalyst Group spent time learning about the business, the leadership team, and the qualities that would make someone successful in the role.
“What stood out immediately was how much time the Katalyst team spent listening,” Stephen said. “Rather than jumping straight into sourcing candidates, they took the time to understand the role, our leadership team, our culture, and what success would look like in the position.”
The conversations extended beyond the job description and into the day-to-day realities of the organization — how teams worked together, how leaders interacted, and the traits that would allow someone to thrive.
“It felt more like a consultation than a traditional recruiting intake meeting,” Stephen said.
For Stephen, it was an early indication that the search would be approached as a partnership rather than a transaction.
Understanding the Culture Behind the Role
As a privately held manufacturing company, the organization values collaboration, accountability, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
People are encouraged to take ownership of their work, build relationships across departments, and contribute beyond their immediate responsibilities. The next Controller would be doing the same.
“Katalyst took the time to understand how people work together here,” Stephen said. “They asked about the team, leadership expectations, and how this individual would interact across the organization.”
That effort helped move the conversation beyond technical qualifications.
Through ongoing discussions, Stephen and his team gained greater clarity around the leadership qualities and communication style that would ultimately determine long-term success.
“They helped us think about more than just skills and experience,” Stephen said. “They helped us refine what the right fit really looked like.”
Staying Aligned as the Search Evolved
As the search moved forward, regular communication kept all aligned.
Weekly meetings created opportunities to review candidates, share feedback, discuss market conditions, and make adjustments quickly.
“What Katalyst did really well was recalibrate quickly,” Stephen said. “We weren’t waiting weeks to make changes. We were getting feedback, refining the job description, and continuing to move forward.”
That responsiveness helped maintain momentum while ensuring the search remained aligned with the organization’s goals.
Then came a moment that reinforced the partnership.
“The turning point for me was when the first candidates were presented. It was evident from their backgrounds, leadership styles, and overall fit that Katalyst had listened closely and understood what we were trying to accomplish.”
The quality of the candidates reflected the effort that had been invested before the search ever began.
More Than Filling a Position
Ultimately, the organization hired a Controller who brought the combination of technical expertise, leadership capability, and cultural alignment they had been seeking.
For Stephen, the outcome reflected something larger than a successful placement.
It demonstrated the value of having a recruiting partner invested in understanding the business before beginning the search.
“A recruiter focuses on filling an opening. A true recruiting partner invests time in understanding your business, culture, and long-term goals so they can help you make a hiring decision that delivers lasting value.”
Looking back, that’s what made the difference.
“The quality and relevance of the candidates showed they understood what we were looking for. Their partnership gave us trust throughout the search and contributed directly to a successful outcome.”