Springdale recruiter improves rank on Forbes lists

Stout Executive Search of Springdale has been included in an annual ranking of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, published recently by Forbes.

Forbes’ fifth annual rankings recognize the nation’s top recruiting firms in two different categories: The Top 200 Executive Search Firms, which specialize in filling positions with salaries of at least $100,000, and the Top 250 Professional Search Firms, which focus on filling positions that pay less than $100,000. The ranking is based on three surveys among 25,000 external recruiters, 5,000 candidates and HR managers.

The company ranked No. 15 on the executive list (up from 25 last year) and No. 41 on the professional list (up from 120 last year).

Stout is the only Arkansas firm on the executive list. TEC Staffing Services of Fort Smith, led by CEO Tamara Emery Sime, is No. 238 on the professional list.

Forbes partners with market research firm Statista to compile the rankings. More than 17,000 nominations were collected — firms could not nominate themselves — and firms with the most recommendations ranked highest.

Founder and president Marvelyn Stout started the business in 2006. The company focuses specifically on placing employees for Walmart supplier teams at all levels for sales, marketing, finance, category management and supply chain.

“We are grateful to the Northwest Arkansas community for the strong relationships we have established over the 14-and-a-half-plus years,” Stout said. “Because of them, our partnerships within the consumer packaged goods industry on a national level have flourished and now been recognized. I’m proud of my team.

“As long as we keep our focus on establishing relationships, building trust, and striving towards excellence in all we do, we will not only be successful, but celebrate the success of so many clients and candidates in our industry.”

Stout Executive Search has 13 employees.