KIP Search

Headhunters

 
 
 
IF THINGS WERE EASY TO FIND, THEY WOULDN’T BE WORTH FINDING.
— -TOM HANKS
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Services

THE SAME IS TRUE FOR PEOPLE...

Let us do your Headhunting. At KIP Search we know how and where to find the very best people to add the most value and move the needle for your business.  

Our concierge level service, proven process, and professional persistence have time and again delivered for our clients.  We have years of experience and unparalleled success executing our clients most difficult search requests.

The heavy lifting is done for you so you can focus on what you love about your business while we focus on what we love about ours...delivering you the very best talent.

 

We want to meet you

 
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Testimonials

When my Vice President of Operations announced his retirement, my decision on which executive recruiter I would use was easy, KIP Search. I used KIP Search with great success in finding my Chief Financial Officer, when you find a winning partnership you stick with it. For the Vice President of Operations search, in addition to working with Kip, I had the opportunity to also work with one of Kip’s associates, Kenzie Lanning. Kenzie was outstanding. The KIP Search process is very comprehensive. Kip and Kenzie were very thorough in understanding my expectations for the Vice President of Operations position, but also, to clearly understanding our company’s culture. I appreciate the rigor the KIP Search team uses to search and vet potential candidates. The result of their process was the presentation of a select number of very qualified candidates to interview. From the slate of candidates presented, we found our new Vice President of Operations. I would strongly recommend KIP Search.
— PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF WORLD LEADING GLOBAL MOBILE FOLDING PRODUCT MANUFACTURER
I am thrilled to share my experience with KIP Search. I recently had the pleasure of working with them to fill a critical position at my company, an HR Director. From start to finish, KIP Search demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to finding the right candidate for our needs.

The team at KIP Search took the time to understand our organization’s culture, core values, and the specific requirements for the position. They provided frequent updates throughout the recruiting process, keeping us informed of their progress and presenting a diverse slate of highly qualified candidates.

KIP Search’s attention to detail and dedication to finding the best fit for our organization was truly impressive. They were always available to answer questions and provide guidance, making the process seamless and stress-free.

In the end, we were thrilled with the candidate KIP Search presented to us. Our new HR Director is a perfect fit for our organization and has hit the ground running, making an immediate impact.

I highly recommend KIP Search to any organization in need of top-quality executive recruiting services. They are a team of true professionals who are committed to finding the best talent for their clients. Thank you, KIP Search, for your exceptional work!
— Founder & Executive Director OF LEADING RESIDENTIAL SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATION
I hadn’t formally started a job search, but when I received a message from Kenzie at KIP Search, I decided to respond and see what the process would be like. Kenzie was very thorough and was able to give me great information about the open position, the hiring company, and the kind of skills and personal, cultural, and core values fit they were looking for.

The KIP Search style seemed more like an open discussion and not just standard questions about skills, jobs, etc., which made it a more open and comfortable process from a candidate’s standpoint. The process seemed like a good balance between ensuring that I was a good cultural fit for the company and also informing me about the hiring leadership team, company, its core values and important points about how the process worked at the hiring company.

I recommend KIP Search if you’re looking for a search that is professional, timely, and handled in a transparent and streamlined fashion.
— CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF WORLD LEADING GLOBAL MANUFACTURER
We are very pleased with our experience using KIP Search to help us find a Chief Operating Officer. They were very thorough in the search and presented us with an impressive slate of candidates. We had a tough time deciding which candidate was the best fit for our company, but KIP Search was always very responsive and available to chat and help us process through our questions and concerns.
— President of Heavy Civil Construction Company
We had the distinct pleasure of working with Kip Knippel and KIP Search on a critically important search for a General Counsel to lead the complex legal function of our organization. KIP Search’s process was clear, focused, and highly effective. Kip took the time to deeply understand our business, strategy, culture and core values. We would never have found the amazing General Counsel candidate we added to our leadership team without Kip. KIP Search is the best executive search firm we have ever worked with. We highly endorse them to any company with critical leadership needs and we will definitely partner with KIP Search again for ours.
— Chief Financial Officer of Public Global Medical Device Company
Collaborating with KIP Search on a critical executive search was an absolute delight as they showcased exceptional dedication, professionalism, and expertise throughout the entire process.

KIP Search truly went the extra mile in their pursuit of the ideal candidate, displaying an extraordinary talent for pinpointing the perfect match, like finding a needle in a haystack. KIP Search’s exceptional attention to detail and remarkable ability to discern both my needs as a recruit and the client’s requirements showcased their unparalleled talent for connecting the dots.

KIP Search’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a successful outcome proved invaluable for both myself and my new employer, as we discovered the right fit together. Their outstanding performance not only exceeded our expectations but also solidified KIP Search as our top choice for any future executive hiring needs. I wholeheartedly endorse KIP Search for anyone seeking the very best in talent for their organization.
— Director of Human Resources of Leading Residential Social Services Organization
I worked with KIP Search as a candidate. After some of the horror stories I had heard from friends, I wasn’t exactly thrilled when I received an email and phone call from a recruiter. Kip’s professionalism ran counter to all those stories. Kip was extremely helpful in all phases of the recruitment process and answered all of my questions. It was easy to get on his schedule. He called when he promised and was clear in all his communications. I believe it was his assistance that helped me land the position. I would recommend KIP Search to anyone looking for a position.
— Regulatory Counsel of Public Human Capital Management SaaS Company
We hired Kip Knippel and Joe Buri of KIP Search on a critical search for a pivotal role on our executive leadership team. We appreciated their thorough process and impressive candidate slate. As a data-driven real estate firm, we tremendously valued the candidate scorecard they put together. We do not believe a stone was left unturned. We would use KIP Search again in a heartbeat.
— Managing Director of National Full Service Real Estate Development, Investment & Management Company
I had the pleasure of working with Joe Buri & Kip Knippel, of KIP Search, during an Assistant Controller search. Both were top-notch. They took the time up front to really understand our business needs and presented me with a list of great candidates that truly checked all the boxes. Throughout the process, Joe & Kip were accessible, responsive, & highly attentive to the details. Our partnership with KIP Search was instrumental in our ability to make a great hire.
— Head of Finance & Accounting at National Biotechnology Pioneer
I just wanted you to know how pleased I am with KIP Search’s work with our nonprofit. From day one, KIP Search was diligent in searching for outstanding candidates and in finding high quality talent that I know I would never have come across if I had tried to do this work on my own. KIP Search was very communicative and kept me up to date on the process and the progress of the search. I could not be happier.
— Executive Director of Nonprofit
I worked with KIP Search as a candidate. They blew me away with their professionalism, keeping me fully informed at every stage of the process. KIP Search listened to me and my needs more than any other recruiting firm I’ve encountered and respected my time at every turn. Their questionnaire was daunting at first, but really allowed me to showcase my background and expertise. It was an extraordinary tool. I would recommend KIP Search to every organization looking for talent.
— Head of Finance & Accounting at Private Equity Backed, Luxury Custom Window & Door Manufacturer
I met Kip Knippel as we were commencing a Head of Finance & Accounting search for a private family office in the Twin Cities. What I first noticed about Kip was that he wasn’t pushy. We chatted easily as he shared information regarding his background and what sets KIP Search apart from other executive search firms. Kip was open and transparent, after a few minutes conversing, it was clear he had a strategic approach to locating talent. Kip shared that he and his teammate, Joe Buri, are both former attorneys by background. Having recently transitioned from a legal environment myself, I knew the added value that provides and it set them apart from other executive search firms.

The person for the role we were seeking had to meet unique criteria, but it didn’t seem to matter. After retaining KIP Search, and a brief recruitment process, Kip and Joe presented me with a detailed slate of top candidates, addressing the specific criteria outlined on our wish list. We finalized our search and I am extremely pleased with how they found the “needle in the haystack” in terms of the candidate’s specialized background and experience.

Kip and Joe provided a level of support and collaboration that is especially appreciated by me as a leader in a private family office environment. They were warm, engaging and fun to work with!
— Head of Private Family Office
I received a referral from a friend for a position that was being sourced by KIP Search. Their recruitment process was very smooth. KIP Search’s Joe Buri spent a great deal of time with me. Between the information he requested and our follow up conversations he was able to determine if I was a good fit for the position KIP Search was retained to fill. The ability to set appointment times with him was seamless. He was very clear and open at each stage of the process. I felt very informed of the progress with the hiring company and that it was a great fit for where I want to take my career. It is crystal clear that KIP Search is exceptional about connecting great talent with great companies.
— Assistant Controller at National Biotech Leader
I worked with KIP Search as a candidate. It was immediately obvious this was no typical recruiting firm. Our conversations expanded beyond my resume and their knowledge of the hiring company was invaluable. They were responsive, dedicated, and thorough. They made me feel like I was their only client. If you are looking for your next opportunity that truly fits your needs I highly recommend KIP Search.
— Corporate Controller at Private Equity Backed, National Luxury Window & Door Manufacturer
The next opportunity needed to be a fit that was “just right.” I was contacted by KIP Search about a unique opportunity that my unique experience and skill set matched perfectly. KIP Search’s unique screening process quickly made the match and the fit has been like a glove. It’s clear that the techniques and tools developed and used by KIP Search are a step above traditional search firms. They find that right fit for their clients and match them with the candidates that make their earnest process seem easily apparent.
— Head of Finance & Accounting at Private Family Office
I wasn’t looking for a new position when KIP Search reached out to me. But after talking about the open position, the hiring company and the fit with my skill set I was intrigued. KIP Search never pressured me…the first set of interviews were conversations to gauge the fit rather than eliminate candidates. As the discussions unfolded, I asked KIP Search for additional information which they always provided on a timely basis. The hiring process was made very comfortable (even during covid) by KIP Search’s consistent setting of expectations and commitment to staying engaged in the process. The conversations allowed me to become very familiar with the hiring firm’s goals and ideology, expectations and my role in helping them realize their potential. For someone closer to the end of his career than the start, it was paramount to me that any move I make be the “right one.” KIP Search facilitated the discussions so both sides gained confidence that this is the “right” fit for both of us.
— MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ASSET MANAGEMENT FOR NATIONAL FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT, INVESTMENT & MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Kip Knippel reached out to me about an executive opportunity just as I was transitioning out of my previous one due to an earlier merger. Even though my background and the position presented did not at first appear to be a perfect fit, Kip recognized additional contributions I could make to the company beyond the original job description. While other recruiters I’ve worked with would have taken the easy route and moved on quickly to alternate candidates, Kip saw the bigger picture and persisted in helping both the company and me recognize and capitalize on the higher potential.
— Vice President, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs of Publicly Traded Medical Device Company
I have worked with Kip Knippel both on retained searches to source talented attorneys to join a prior law firm and as a candidate when I was looking for a new home for my practice. In both cases, Kip was attentive to my needs, asked solid questions, listened carefully and was resourceful. He was engaged in each aspect of the process and available when I had questions. As a hiring manager, I appreciated that Kip advocated tirelessly for my firm with potential candidates. As a candidate, I valued his knowledge of firms in our market and his ability to source opportunities for me with those firms. In both cases, it was clear that Kip’s goal was to find a match. I recommend KIP Search for your hiring and job-seeking needs.
— Corporate M&A and Private Equity Shareholder of Am Law 100 Law Firm
We engaged with KIP Search to hire key executive positions in our company. The process was efficient and timely. The resources Kip Knippel and his team furnished for each candidate provided valuable insights to our hiring team.
— President & Chief Executive Officer of Public Medical Device Company
This summer I transitioned my practice from Energy & Natural Resources to transactional Real Estate, which required a larger & more robust law firm platform. Kip Knippel was instrumental in helping me evaluate multiple law firms and determine which firm would provide the best platform for my practice. Thanks to Kip’s diligence, I was ultimately offered the opportunity I was looking for. I would highly recommend Kip and KIP Search to anyone seeking a new opportunity!
— Real Estate Shareholder at Am Law 200 Law Firm
When my Chief Financial Officer announced her retirement, I began my search for a recruiter to find her replacement. I had interviewed two firms and was ready to make a decision but then a colleague suggested I meet with Kip Knippel of KIP Search. After meeting with Kip, I was delighted for the suggestion and engaged KIP Search as my partner in my CFO search.

Kip’s approach to understanding my needs and expectations was very comprehensive. He left no stone unturned. He gained a keen understanding of my expectations as to what I was looking for in a CFO, but equally important, Kip was quite thorough in his questioning to ensure he understood our company’s culture. The outcome of Kip’s methodical approach was a candidate questionnaire that was very impressive and complete. As a result, Kip presented a slate of talented CFO candidates each of whom met my expectations. The selection was difficult, but I found the perfect CFO for my company.

Kip is easy to work with, provided updates as appropriate and I cannot overstate his meticulous and comprehensive approach. I would recommend Kip to support any company’s search for leadership talent.
— PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF WORLD LEADING GLOBAL MOBILE FOLDING PRODUCT MANUFACTURER
KIP Search was instrumental in helping me evaluate multiple offers and determine which law firm would provide the best platform for my growing practice. Kip was extremely diligent in following up with myself and the law firm to keep things moving forward over an extended period of time.
— Real Estate Shareholder of Am Law 200 Law Firm
I was recently in transition between employers/industries and looking for my “next.” Kip was instrumental in identifying potential employers, providing various opportunities and facilitating the entire interview/hiring process. Kip Search bridged the gap between the candidate and employer using exceptional communication, extracting both parties’ wants/needs and applying a hands-on approach to ensure a long term solution. I would highly recommend Kip Search to any employee seeking a new opportunity and/or employer looking to find their next great executive leader. Thank You for all your help!
— Chief Financial Officer of National Logistics Company
I had the opportunity to meet personally with Kip Knippel and work with him while I was in transition looking for a new Finance leadership role. I was greatly impressed with Kip’s style and charisma! He is very personable, easy to talk to and a great communicator. Kip also was very timely and responsive in providing me updates throughout the entire search process. He presented me well to his clients and was very supportive of the roles and companies that I was considering. Kip is also wonderfully well connected and has an incredibly strong network. He is extremely active on LinkedIn and engages others extraordinarily well in conversation. It really was a sincere pleasure working with Kip and he was instrumental in helping me land a great CFO role in Minneapolis. The approach he uses works great and he bridges discussions well between his clients and the candidates he’s presenting. I would highly recommend Kip Knippel for any Finance leader in transition or companies looking to fill open leadership roles. Thanks much Kip.
— Chief Financial Officer of World Leading Global Mobile Folding Product Manufacturer
I decided to change jobs during a period of intense stress and high demands on my time. Kip Knippel made the process easy. He made the initial contacts right away, and he put me in touch with the key people I needed to talk with. Kip encouraged me each step of the way, providing sound advice on important issues. Kip either answered his phone right away or got back to me quickly – something I appreciated. I was never left hanging or wondering what was happening. Kip kept me in the loop at all times. I am now in a new place thanks to Kip. I will always be grateful for his guidance.
— Litigation Partner of Regional Law Firm
We engaged KIP Search to perform a search for a Chief Financial Officer for one of our portfolio companies in the Southeastern United States. Kip Knippel quickly brought us a high quality list of candidates out of which we selected someone that far exceeded our expectations.
— Family Office Chief Financial Officer
Working with Kip made the transition to my new job a dream. He carefully prepped me for the interview process and was a true friend throughout my hiring process. I felt fully supported and his communication was timely and clear. I love my new position and I am grateful to have had the chance to work with him. My new job fits like a glove; Kip did a phenomenal job matching me with this position and company. Thank you Kip...I feel so fulfilled!
— Senior Project Architect at NATIONAL LEADER IN MULTI-FAMILY COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Kip Knippel, who helped me transitioned into a Vice-President at a fast growing organization. Kip prepped me for the role and during various steps of the interview process. He always reassured me of where I stood and debriefed after each stage. His communication was clear and transparent. I always knew where we were in the process. Kip made the entire process smooth and seamless. I have been recruited by companies in the past and used recruiting firms myself, when I needed to find leaders for organizations that I have run. Kip Knippel and KIP Search are one of the most accountable and effective partners that I have encountered. As a candidate, I was the beneficiary of the KIP Search process, attention to detail, and effective communication. Given the opportunity, I will certainly use KIP Search to hire addition leaders at my new organization. Thank you so much Kip! I would highly endorse & recommend KIP Search!
— VP, Operations & Administration of Private Equity Backed, World Leading Global Manufacturer
While in transition, looking for my next career opportunity, I had the pleasure of working with Kip Knippel and his search firm. Kip brings a unique approach to the process by requesting his applicants to complete a detailed document in preparation of future interviews to support their repertoire and interests. It truly distinguishes those applicants who are willing to invest in the process and those firms who are willing to represent them in such a professional and organized fashion. Kip’s follow-up and thorough approach to the entire process is above and beyond. I would highly recommend working with Kip.
— Global Chief Human Resources Officer of World-Leading SaaS Company
Working with Kip Knippel made the interview and hiring process very smooth and easy to navigate. He helped me understand what the hiring manager was looking for, made sure I had a good sense of the culture, and was happy to answer any questions I had. It was great to know I had one clear contact I could turn to throughout the entire process. I am thrilled to have found a new position that is a such great fit, and would highly recommend working with KIP Search.
— Community Relations Manager at One of North America’s Largest Privately Held International Companies
[The candidate] walked in and had instant credibility on day one. Kip Knippel understood our culture and needs and ensured our new CFO would be the dynamic player we were looking for. Kip took the extra time to make sure that we had all the information we needed to make the decision, including optimal communication and a detailed candidate scorecard that was top notch. In fact, Kip and that scorecard in particular transformed the standard to which I now hold my own internal recruiters.
— Vice President of Global Human Resources at World-leading Biopolymer Manufacturer
I recently worked with Kip Knippel when I transitioned into a compliance role in the medical device industry. Kip was incredibly helpful and attentive to my needs from the initial communication notifying me of the job posting, through the interview process, and then finally through the offer and acceptance process. Kip made the entire process a smooth and enjoyable one. It was nice to have someone on my side that I could candidly discuss my questions with throughout the process. I am very happy to be in my new position. Thank you again for all of your help!
— Deputy Chief Compliance Officer of Global, Publicly Traded, Medical Device Manufacturer
KIP Search provided us a solid partnership to hire a candidate for a difficult to fill niche role in a demanding market. Kip was professional, listened to our needs, provided timely service, laid out the process for us from beginning to end and we were not disappointed. Kip went above and beyond our expectations, and has also provided us with exceptional referrals for other services as well. I would strongly recommend KIP Search.
— Head of Talent Acquisition at National Leader in Multi-Family Commercial Real Estate Development & Management
Being in a specialized area of law, I appreciated that Kip Knippel took the time to really get to know what it is we do and what we were looking for in a new hire. Kip really worked hard to understand our specialized marketplace and kept us informed on the search without presenting options to us that did not make sense to our group. Kip also did a great job of providing us with only high quality candidates who had been thoroughly vetted based on our needs making our decisions and time spent much more efficient. Kip Knippel did an amazing job and my partners and I have and will continue to highly recommend Kip to others.
— Shareholder of Top 10 Law Firm
KIP Search was fantastic to work with! Kip Knippel provided thoughtful guidance throughout the process and always remained accessible/responsive. He helped me navigate a stressful career transition and for that, I will always be grateful. If you are looking for an ally that communicates effectively and provides great insight, then KIP Search would be a great option.
— Family Office Partner Services Senior Analyst
Kip Knippel, has done an excellent job of sourcing attorneys for our firm. Kip is thoughtful and takes the time to listen to our needs and look for candidates that fulfill those needs and is very consistent with checking in and following up on the status of various candidates. We don’t view Kip as a vendor — we view him as an integral partner in helping us build our firm and he has demonstrated his commitment to us through his responsiveness and thoughtful sourcing of candidates for our open positions.
— Shareholder of Mid-Size Law Firm
Kip Knippel approached the entire process in a very professional but warm manner. Changing jobs can be so stressful and Kip really helped with the transition. I really enjoyed working with him!
— Senior Wealth Planner at Fortune 25 Financial Services Firm
Working with Kip Knippel was an absolute pleasure. Kip took the time to listen to me regarding my goals, desires, and concerns and present opportunities that were properly aligned to address those items. I would certainly recommend Kip to others in the legal industry.
— Shareholder of Mid-size Law Firm


 

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