As seen in the May 27, 2025, edition of the INCOMPAS eNewsletter.
Stern Recruiting
Chicago, IL
www.sternrecruiting.com
Q: Please tell us about your company.
Stern Recruiting was founded with a clear mission: to redefine how telecom and technology companies hire top talent. Officially launched in 2024, our firm is built and led by industry veterans who recruit for the roles we once held ourselves. By combining deep industry network with advanced tools like AI and video interviewing, we offer a unique recruiting process with better vetting and better results. Our differentiated approach has quickly gained traction with leading telecommunications companies seeking high-impact talent.
Q: Please tell us about your company’s leadership.
Stern Recruiting was founded by Rick Stern, who has over 30 years of leadership experience in the telecommunications industry. Rick was previously the founder and CEO of Nitel, a nationally recognized managed services provider and a powerhouse in the telecommunications MSP industry. He bootstrapped Nitel from a small venture into a thriving enterprise, scaling it into a market leader before its acquisition by Comcast in a blockbuster deal. Under Rick’s leadership, Nitel earned a place on the Fortune 500/5000 Fastest Growing Companies list an impressive 10 times and was consistently named a Best Place to Work for over a decade. Rick was a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and was inducted into the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.
During his career, Rick recruited thousands of professionals for various roles across the business, including accounting, operations, engineering, product development, systems, sales, marketing and technical support. He founded Stern Recruiting to solve for the friction he saw first-hand working with recruiters to grow his company.
Stern Recruiting takes a different approach to staffing. Our firm is led by industry veterans, paired with AI and advanced technologies to better vet candidates and find the perfect fit for every role.
Q: Where do you provide services?
We provide nationwide talent placement across the United States, serving clients and candidates throughout the telecommunications and technology sectors.
Q: What types of products and/or services do you offer your customers?
Our business is two-fold. On the business development side, we offer specialized recruiting services for companies in telecommunications and technology, acting as a strategic partner to build high-performing teams. In addition, we offer tailored consulting services to our clients, including advising on business development, strategic planning, organizational design and team effectiveness. On the other side of the house, we provide career consulting for candidates, helping them advance and pursue roles that align with their skills and goals. Our industry expertise and unique vetting process set us apart in the marketplace.
Q: Who are your customers?
Our target customers are telecom and technology companies seeking skilled, culturally aligned talent to grow their teams. We support organizations of all sizes, from those with dedicated HR departments to those without, by enhancing their hiring strategy with industry-specific expertise and technology driven screening process.
Q: What sets you apart from other companies?
Our competitive advantage lies in our industry-first approach. Every candidate is thoroughly vetted by recruiters with decades of telecom and technology experience, from professionals who have held the roles they now recruit for. We combine that expertise with advanced technology to deliver highly targeted, high quality hires, not just resumes.
Q: How is the evolving communications marketplace impacting your business?
The rapid evolution of the communications marketplace is increasing demand for specialized talent. Our business model is riding that momentum with our industry-specific recruiting focus, leveraging both our deep sector knowledge and advanced tools. Companies are seeking partners who understand their technical and business need and our model is built to meet that demand with speed, precision, and insight.
Q: How long have you been an INCOMPAS member?
While Stern Recruiting recently joined INCOMPAS in January 2025, our CEO has been involved with the association for many years through his previous company, Nitel. We joined to expand our network, connect with potential business partners, and stay informed on industry trends and policy developments. INCOMPAS offers a valuable platform for collaboration, education and advocacy that aligns closely with our goals.