How a longstanding recruiting relationship helped one hiring leader navigate an unexpected career transition.
When Jason Redmond unexpectedly found himself searching for a new career opportunity, he turned to someone he had trusted for years: Search Solution Group President and Partner Dave Holtzman.
We recently sat down with Jason to discuss his experience working with Search Solution Group, how his relationship with Dave developed over the years, and what happened when he found himself on the other side of the hiring process.
A Relationship Built on Trust
Jason’s relationship with Search Solution Group began years ago when he partnered with Dave Holtzman to recruit talent for his organization.
Through their partnership, Dave and his team successfully placed several candidates who went on to become high-performing employees and valuable additions to Jason’s team.
While the quality of candidates initially established the relationship, Jason shared that it was the continued support after each placement that left the biggest impression.
Dave didn’t disappear once a position was filled. He regularly checked in to see how the new employees were performing and whether the placements were working well for both the company and the candidates.
That level of involvement stood out to Jason. Over time, what began as a professional recruiting partnership developed into a relationship built on trust, consistency, and mutual respect.
Neither of them knew just how important that relationship would become.
When the Roles Reversed
In 2026, Jason experienced an unexpected career setback when he lost his position. For the first time in his career, he found himself without another opportunity lined up.
The transition was difficult. Jason spent hours each day submitting applications, reaching out to recruiters, and refining his resume, but finding his next opportunity proved more challenging than anticipated.
After spending years on the hiring side of recruitment, Jason was now experiencing the job market from a candidate’s perspective.
When he needed guidance, Dave was one of the first people he contacted.
Jason wasn’t initially reaching out about a specific job opening. He wanted advice from someone he trusted, someone who understood the hiring market and could offer an informed perspective on his next steps.
But Dave did more than offer advice.
He took a personal interest in Jason’s search, helping him navigate the market, evaluate opportunities, and identify positions that aligned with his experience and long-term career goals.
A Different Kind of Recruiting Experience
Throughout his job search, Jason connected with several recruiting firms. While those conversations provided some information about the market, they didn’t develop into the same level of partnership he had experienced with Dave.
With Search Solution Group, the difference was the relationship and the personal attention that came with it.
Dave remained accessible throughout the process, regularly checking in, answering questions, and providing updates without Jason having to ask.
As Jason put it:
“The communication was so good I never once had to send the dreaded ‘just checking in’ email.”
For someone navigating an uncertain career transition, that level of communication made a meaningful difference.
Jason appreciated that Dave wasn’t simply trying to place him in the first available position. He took the time to understand what Jason wanted from his next role, the type of organization where he would succeed, and the work that mattered most to him.
Their conversations extended beyond job opportunities to include honest advice, encouragement, and perspective during a challenging period.
What had started years earlier as a recruiting partnership had become a genuine friendship.
Finding the Right Fit at Enviva
After losing a position and company he had valued, Jason wasn’t sure he would find another opportunity that offered the same level of professional fulfillment.
Through his partnership with Dave and Search Solution Group, he found his next opportunity at Enviva.
As Director of Talent & Organizational Effectiveness, Jason is making an impact across the organization, contributing to talent acquisition, learning and development, talent management, and workforce initiatives.
During our conversation, Jason spoke about how much he enjoys the opportunity to work closely with different departments and take ownership of projects that directly impact employees.
One area he is particularly passionate about is helping employees develop their careers. At Enviva, he is working to establish clearer career pathways and advancement opportunities for employees who may not have previously had a defined path for professional growth.
Jason also highlighted Enviva’s welcoming culture and supportive leadership, which have allowed him to feel connected to the organization and its people.
What initially felt like a major career setback ultimately led him to an opportunity where he could continue doing the work he cares about most.
More Than a Placement
Looking back, Jason’s experience with Search Solution Group has come full circle.
He first worked with Dave as a hiring leader, trusting him to identify talented professionals who would contribute to his organization’s success. Years later, he experienced that same commitment firsthand when he needed help finding his own next opportunity.
Having worked with Search Solution Group from both perspectives, Jason understands the value of a recruiting partner who prioritizes relationships, communication, and long-term success.
Following our conversation, Jason shared a few additional thoughts that captured what the experience meant to him.
“I’m obviously grateful for where I ended up, but I’m just as appreciative of how I was treated along the way.”
For Jason, the experience wasn’t simply about securing another position. It was about having someone he trusted advocate for him, provide guidance when he needed it, and remain committed to finding the right opportunity.
And when reflecting on his overall experience, Jason had just one complaint:
“My only complaint is that you set an unreasonable standard for every recruiter I’ll ever deal with again.”
Jason’s story demonstrates the value of relationships that extend beyond a single hire. What began as a partnership to help his organization find talent became a trusted connection that helped him navigate one of the most challenging transitions of his own career.
Build a Lasting Partnership with Search Solution Group
Whether you’re looking to hire experienced professionals or exploring your next career opportunity, Search Solution Group is committed to building relationships that extend beyond a single placement.
With more than 20 years of experience in executive search, direct hire recruitment, and staffing, our team connects organizations with exceptional talent while helping professionals find opportunities aligned with their experience and career goals.
Connect with Search Solution Group to learn how we can support your hiring needs or next career move.
