About

About Focus Search Partners

Founded in 2001 by Paul Frankenberg, Focus Search Partners was acquired in 2014 to become the retained executive search entity of Vaco, a private equity-backed consulting and strategic solutions firm with more than 40 offices across the globe.

With revenues exceeding $1 billion, Vaco has been on the Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies for the last 16 years. As a Vaco company, Focus Search Partners is one of the only private equity-backed retained executive search firms in the country.

FSP acquired San Francisco-based Charlson Partners in March 2016 and in June of 2017, acquired Dallas-based Taylor Winfield Executive Search, doubling its size. Today, the firm has a broad national footprint with five offices, and as a member of Penrhyn International delivers global talent management solutions.

ESG Impact Statement

Each year, Focus Search Partners and the entire Vaco family of brands (Vaco, MorganFranklin Consulting, Pivot Point Consulting and Focus Search Partners) create professional opportunities for thousands of people and solutions for thousands of companies. People are the foundation of Vaco’s mission, and we understand the significance of drawing the circle wider to broaden our perspective, to connect on a deeper level, and to be a force for positive change in our world. Through our evolving ESG initiatives, we are committed to ensuring fairness in the workplace; encouraging expression and integration of diverse views and cultures; safeguarding the health, safety, dignity and well-being of all those we serve; and pursuing responsible and sustainable sourcing and operations.

Focus Search Partners is Founded by Paul Frankenberg

2001

2014

Merged with Vaco, a $300M consulting and strategic solutions firm with more than 30 office locations across the nation

Vaco receives backing from private equity firm, allowing for further growth and expansion into new markets

2014

2016

Focus Search Partners acquires San Francisco-based technology search firm, Charlson Partners

Focus Search Partners acquires Dallas-based Taylor Winfield Executive Search; doubles size

2017

Connecticut-based private equity firm Olympus Partners acquires Vaco

Focus Search Partners launches Interim Executive Services Practice

2020

2022

Focus Search Partners acquires Minneapolis-based industrial & manufacturing search firm, Brad Martin & Associates

A family of brands

Specialty practices for specific business solutions

Because we’re with you all the way, only Vaco brings you a head start, a new perspective, and a real commitment. In addition to our core strategic talent solutions, our specialty practices provide transformative finance and technology services, healthcare IT consulting, global supply chain solutions, and executive and interim search services.

Focus Search Partners was built on deep relationships with investors, influential boards, networks, and a talent base affiliated with our core industries. Through both organic and acquired growth, FSP has one of the strongest executive search teams in the industry, bringing together years of recruiting and operating experience, proven success in core industries and expertise across all functional disciplines.

We have worked with thousands of clients across a diverse set of industries.