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Nationwide/United States

Consumer Products, Manufacturing

Richard Rowe

Hello! I’m Richard Rowe, a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience in recruiting top-tier financial and accounting talent. Before entering the recruiting industry, I worked in accounting for a Fortune 500 company

Driven by a passion for excellence, I founded Gilder Search Group in 2014. With a focus on building a national practice, we specialize in serving both public and private companies by identifying outstanding accounting and finance professionals who report directly to the C-Suite. Our aim is to provide organizations with the highest caliber of talent to drive financial success and strategic growth.

I take pride in my ability to understand the unique needs of clients and candidates alike, fostering strong connections and ensuring optimal matches.

I look forward to partnering with you and leveraging my expertise to help you find the perfect financial and accounting talent to propel your organization to new heights. 

Hello there! I’m Richard Rowe. They say that sometimes life takes unexpected turns, and that was certainly true for me in the field of accounting. I still remember the moment during my senior year of college when I presented in a business class, only to have my professor return his notes with a comment that simply said, “Accounting?”. Little did I know that this seemingly innocuous comment would set me on a path towards a completely different career.

After earning my BSBA in Accounting, I spent six years working as an Auditor and Plant Controller. However, the desire for change began to grow stronger when I realized that accounting wasn’t truly my calling. In 1998, with our first child on the way, I decided to embark on a career pivot and venture into the world of recruiting. Sometimes, it takes a significant life event like expecting a child to motivate us to take bold steps in our professional lives.

I seized an opportunity to join a national recruiting firm in Greensboro, NC, where I specialized in placing Accounting/Finance professionals. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had found my true passion. Every aspect of this business captivated me, and I embraced the challenges and rewards it offered. After two years with that firm, an amazing leader and mentor beckoned me to help launch a search firm in Greenville, SC. I spent a remarkable 15 years with that firm, witnessing the opening of multiple offices and experiencing incredible growth, even amidst recessions. Throughout our journey, we worked tirelessly to establish ourselves as ethical and honest recruiters who served as trusted business partners to our clients, not just as vendors. In 2007, I was honored to be inducted into the prestigious Pinnacle Society, a milestone that provided me with invaluable learning opportunities alongside the best in the recruiting industry.

In 2013, driven by a desire to take my career to new heights, I made the decision to start my own search firm. While my niche remained in Accounting/Finance, I transitioned from a regional model to a national practice with a strong focus on positions reporting directly to the C-Suite. Our client base encompasses both public and private equity-owned companies across diverse industries. I find immense satisfaction in building relationships with our clients, helping them identify the talent necessary to drive their businesses forward, and working closely with candidates to achieve their career goals. Over my 25-year recruiting journey, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness candidates who were just starting their careers when we first met now occupying leadership positions in their respective fields. The pursuit of finding the perfect fit for both clients and candidates fuels my enthusiasm, and I cherish the fact that each day presents an opportunity to meet someone new. To me, it’s all about forging long-term relationships that make a lasting impact. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of connecting with people from diverse walks of life and backgrounds, many of whom have become cherished friends.

Now, when I’m not immersed in the world of recruiting, you’ll often find me cheering for my beloved Atlanta Braves! I’ve been happily married to my wife, Susan, for 30 years, and we find joy in spending quality time with our adult children, friends, and attending various sporting events. Life is an adventure, and I embrace each new chapter with enthusiasm. 

Podcasts Featuring Richard Rowe

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