Executive Search Firm Recognized Nationally & Locally

Direct Recruiters was recognized on the Forbes Best Executive Recruiting Firms List. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The America’s Best Recruiting Firms rankings are based on independent surveys of peers and clients. Feedback from external recruiters, hiring managers at client companies, and job candidates were considered. Over 16,700 individuals were invited to participate.

Direct Recruiters was named to America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms list in 2024 and 2022 and America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms list in 2023, 2022 and 2021. Prior to integrating with Direct Recruiters to become Direct Recruiters Hospital IT, Direct Consulting Associates was honored by Forbes as one of America’s Best Professional Recruiting Firms in both 2018 and 2019.

Direct Recruiters, Inc. ranked #24 on Hunt Scanlon’s Top 50 Recruiters list for 2025. Hunt Scanlon presents this list annually to showcase the largest, fastest growing executive search firms in the United States. The list is compiled by Hunt Scanlon reporters and analysts who have researched each firm in depth. Direct Recruiters also made the list in 2024 at #30, 2023 at #26, 2022 at #26, 2021 at #29, 2020 at #32 as well as in 2019. View the rankings here.

Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI) is extremely proud and honored to have earned a spot on the prestigious 2023 Inc 5000 list. DRI has been named one of the fastest growing private companies in America for the ninth time.

As an Inc. 5000 award winner, we find ourselves in the company of many well-known and renowned powerhouse businesses. Each year, Inc 5000 recognizes the fastest growing private companies in the US based on the percentage of revenue growth rate.

Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), Executive Search, is proud to have been named one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces for 2024, 2017 & 2019.  Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces features DRI here.

Direct Recruiters, Inc. is proud to announce its inclusion on Business Insider’s 2025 list of America’s Top Recruiting Firms. This prestigious recognition reflects DRI’s commitment to excellence, transparency, and impact—valued by hiring managers and candidates alike. View the full list here. 

Direct Recruiters, Inc. is thrilled to be a fourteen-time winner of the NorthCoast 99 Award. We are honored to be recognized by ERC as one of the best places to work in Northeast Ohio for 2025.

NorthCoast 99 is an annual recognition program that honors 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio. The program focuses on organizational practices and performance. The program is presented by ERC, the area’s leading professional services organization dedicated to HR.

Direct Recruiters has been recognized as a Top Workplace for 2025 by cleveland.com and the Cleveland Plain Dealer! We are pleased to be a ten-time recipient of this award in the “small business” category. Direct Recruiters ranked #53 in 2025 within the division. Top Workplaces singles out companies that receive the highest ratings from their employees.

Direct Recruiters, Inc. is proud to announce that we have been recognized for the tenth time as one of Northeast Ohio’s 100 fastest growing companies by receiving the prestigious Weatherhead 100 award for 2023.  This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our team!

The Weatherhead 100 awards were established to celebrate Northeast Ohio’s spirit of entrepreneurship and to reward companies that serve as a beacon to all the region’s businesses.  We are thrilled to have made a significant impact on the Northeast Ohio Business Community.

Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners Company, is proud to announce that Dan Charney, President & CEO, alongside the firm, has been selected as one of the 2025 Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Award winners. The Smart 50 Awards recognize the top executives of the 50 smartest companies in the Northeast Ohio region for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations.

Each year since 2014, the Smart 50 Awards celebrate executives whose organizations excel in leadership, innovation, and growth — and who make substantial contributions to the vibrancy of the Northeast Ohio business ecosystem. Dan Charney joins a distinguished roster of regional leaders honored for their impact and visionary leadership. View 2025 honorees.