How Stanton Chase mapped the agricultural market to build Bridon USA a commercial leadership team that is still in place
>The Background
A Global Agricultural Manufacturer Preparing for U.S. Growth
As a subsidiary of a global agricultural manufacturing organization, Bridon USA was entering a period of growth in the United States. To support its expanding commercial operations, the company needed to strengthen both its sales leadership and its internal infrastructure while establishing a trusted executive search partner capable of supporting future hiring needs across the U.S.
With its parent company, Tama Group, headquartered in Israel, Bridon sought a recruitment partner that understood the nuances of the U.S. market and could identify leaders who would help grow the business while fitting the company’s culture and long-term vision.
>The Challenge
A Specialized Market with a Limited Talent Pool in Dubuque, Iowa
Bridon faced two leadership needs at once: a Business Development Manager to lead commercial growth across the United States, and an HR Manager to strengthen the organization’s people infrastructure during a period of expansion.
The searches presented several unusual difficulties. The company’s headquarters in Dubuque, Iowa, created a limited local talent pool, particularly for leadership roles requiring an in-office presence. The Business Development Manager also needed a rare combination of commercial sales ability, established agricultural industry relationships, extensive travel capability, and a hands-on approach to serving customers throughout the Midwest.
Identifying qualified candidates was only part of the task. Bridon needed leaders who understood the industry, fit the company culture, and were positioned to make an immediate impact.
>The Solution
Market Mapping Inside Agricultural Industry Associations
Stanton Chase partnered closely with Bridon to develop a targeted search focused on both technical expertise and cultural alignment.
For the commercial search, our team carried out extensive market mapping within agricultural industry associations and identified sales leaders who already held established relationships with Bridon’s customer base. Rather than pursuing general industrial sales talent, we focused on professionals with proven success selling into this specialized market.
For the HR leadership search, we concentrated on experienced professionals with long-established roots in the Dubuque market who could improve recruiting efforts and help build the organization’s long-term talent plan.
This tailored approach enabled Bridon to attract leaders who could contribute immediately while supporting the company’s continued growth.
>The Results
Five Placements in an Average of Two and a Half Months, Still in Post Four Years On
The partnership resulted in the successful placement of both a Human Resources Manager and a Business Development Manager, each of whom remains with the organization more than four years later.
The impact extended well beyond the initial assignments. The Business Development Manager, Michael Schon, was appointed with succession in mind and has since stepped up to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, demonstrating both the quality and the long-term value of the placement.
As Bridon’s business continued to grow, Stanton Chase was retained to recruit a Regional Sales Manager for the Western U.S., filled by Greg Scott, and two Territory Managers. Five placements in total, completed in an average of two and a half months each, now make up the commercial and people leadership team that continues to support the organization’s ongoing success.
By delivering exceptional talent and becoming a trusted advisor, Stanton Chase established a long-term partnership that has continued to support Bridon’s growth in the U.S. market.
>In the Client’s Words
Why Bridon USA Keeps Returning to Stanton Chase
>Our Team
Industrial and Manufacturing Executive Search Across the United States
The searches were led by Finley Konrade, Regional Vice President for North America, working with colleagues across our U.S. offices. Stanton Chase recruits across every major industry and function in the United States, from industrial and consumer products to financial services, life sciences, technology, and professional services, for Fortune 500 corporations, mid-size and family businesses, and private equity portfolio companies. Alongside executive search, we advise clients on board recruitment, succession planning, executive assessment, and leadership development.
Manufacturers headquartered in smaller markets rarely find the answer in the local talent pool. Working as one U.S. team, our consultants map an industry rather than a single city, which is how we identify leaders who contribute early and stay.
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