Confessions of a Lone Wolf Recruiter

Lone Wolf Recruitment as a Business Model

I’m about to admit to what some might consider bad business practice.

As the owner of Portico Inc., I rarely engage with fellow recruiters. No offence intended — I simply choose not to. I do know that lack of engagement can make me feel like the “lone wolf recruiter,” and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

Perhaps that makes me an outlier. What I do know is that I’ve grown comfortable operating independently in a crowded market. I’ve never felt lonely building my business this way.

It wasn’t always so.

Earlier in my career, I co-brokered searches, celebrated wins with colleagues, had regular check-ins with recruiters I considered friends, and exchanged the customary “Happy Friday” messages. I still engage on platforms like LinkedIn, but social media offers a comfortable professional distance — and that suits me.

I understand the evolution. Over time, I began to notice something: I work differently.

And misalignment in this business can be costly — financially, ethically, and emotionally.

Misalignment in business can be costly

Where the Disconnect Happens

1. Fundamental differences in practice: When business philosophies don’t align, trust can erode. And once trust begins to decay, it’s rarely restored to its original strength. Humpty Dumpty, to my knowledge, was never put back again.

2. Client access matters: Direct client communication is critical to my recruiting practise. In co-brokering arrangements, I understand why a recruiter may shield their client while I focus on my candidate pool — but I’ve learned that limited access often creates inefficiencies and misunderstandings.

For example, if a role is constantly shifting, and there isn’t informed pushback or clarification with the client, the search within a talent pool morphs into multiple searches within multiple talent pools. That has an impact on quality, efficiency, and momentum. Constructive client and candidate collaboration — and at times respectful pushback — is essential.

3. Turnaround Time versus Quality Time: Both matter. But if forced to choose, I choose the latter.

Turnaround Time versus Quality Time

I’m cautious when asked for guaranteed turnaround times. Portico can act quickly on an engagement. I never waste time. What we cannot predict is market response. I won’t offer timelines simply to secure an engagement. I don’t have a crystal ball. Nor do other recruiters. Turnaround times can be wonderfully quick, or take time to marinate in the labour market.

Recruiting might feel like a race... It isn't

Similarly, I’m surprised when candidates are presented after only 15–20 minutes of conversation and a lightly vetted CV. I’ve always believed that a proper search requires nuance and time — understanding motivations, patterns, soft skills, leadership style, reasons for transition, and examples of some or all. That takes a time investment with candidates is so I can better understand them, which I think is critical. My objective is to always set candidates up for success. Happy Client + Happy Candidate = Happy Recruiter.

4. Taking on every job engagement: That’s not my approach, and I never want it to be.

As I’ve matured (yes, aged 😉), I’ve become more selective. If expectations are unrealistic or the parameters undermine quality, I decline the assignment. Not every opportunity is the right one. Recognizing this is the honourable thing to do with prospective clients. It also saves candidates from unrealistic jobs.

Stay True and the Good Will Follow

5. Staying true to what makes Portico, Portico: We are a retained search firm. Clients engage us because we commit to digging deep and leveraging all our resources. We spend time with them to understand the specifics of their family and home. We spend time with candidates so we can understand what makes them tick and where they want to go in their career. The practise helps in the placement of the right candidate in the right household. But, that commitment requires time, focus and discipline — and occasionally means standing apart from how others operate.

Some final thoughts...

Could I collaborate and engage more often? Certainly.

But at some point I realized that the healthiest, most productive path for me is to focus on how I run my business — not how others run theirs.

Different business models serve different purposes. Mine is built on depth, discretion, an investment in time, relationship building, and trust. Is Portico for everyone? No, it isn't. I learned that a long time ago, and with that came acceptance.

So yes — I’m a lone wolf recruiter. And that’s what differentiates Portico.

When clients ask, “What makes you different?” I have a clear answer and it isn't howling at the moon.

@2026, Portico Inc.