What does it take to build a recruiting firm that survives three recessions, operates across borders, and thrives without retainers? In this episode of The Resilient Recruiter, we spotlight David Fishman, founder of Sparrow Company—a bi-national executive search and staffing firm based in both the U.S. and Mexico. David shares how he rebuilt after nearly losing everything in 2009 and developed a resilient, multi-revenue business that consistently closes $30K+ deals on contingency. With a team of 12 and placements ranging from hourly plant workers to C-suite executives, David proves that long-term success in recruiting isn’t about flashy tech or a narrow niche—it’s about grit, loyalty, smart diversification, and building client trust. Whether you’re a firm owner, solo operator, or team leader, this episode will inspire you to think bigger, act faster, and future-proof your business model. Episode Highlights: [2:30] Why David’s recruiting journey started with a family staffing business and a Coast Guard exit [7:00] How the 2009 recession nearly wiped him out—and what it took to survive [16:00] Expanding into Mexico: a single client request that changed everything [24:00] Building a binational team and training his kids to become recruiters [36:00] Why he’s not retained (yet), and how he consistently closes $30K+ fees on contingency [47:00] How Sparrow places both plant supervisors and presidents using the same recruiting mechanics [1:06:00] David’s multiple revenue streams: recruiting projects, temp staffing, nearshore talent [1:13:00] Why impulsivity is his superpower and what legacy he wants to leave behind Why Diversification is Non-Negotiable After nearly losing his business during the 2009 downturn, David made a key decision: stop relying on one industry or one type of placement. Today, Sparrow Company operates across manufacturing, engineering, mining, supply chain, and IT—placing roles at all levels across North America and Europe. Key takeaway for recruiters: Think beyond niche. Build a multi-layered model across industry, function, level, and geography. 3 Revenue Streams Every Recruiting Firm Owner Should Know To protect against market shifts and add recurring income, David built three revenue lines: Embedded recruiters on short-term contracts Temporary staffing through a dedicated local firm Contract engineers working remotely from Mexico for U.S. clients These offerings helped him scale sustainably, stabilize cash flow, and serve clients more deeply. “Every time we add a new service, it helps us survive another economic cycle.” How to Close $30K+ Deals Without Retainers David works 100% on contingency—but trains his clients to expect fewer resumes and faster, more precise matches. His firm is known for first-candidate hires and high-level execution without the upfront fees. “I’m not retained, but I’m still beating the firms that are. Because I’m hungrier.” About David Fishman David Fishman is the founder of Sparrow Company, a bi-national staffing and executive search firm incorporated in the United States and Mexico. With 30+ years in recruiting, he’s placed CEO, CFO, VP, Director, Plant Manager, and Engineering roles across global manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, and Tier-One automotive clients. Sparrow’s clients include publicly traded multinationals, private equity-backed firms, and international companies operating across the U.S., Mexico, Switzerland, and Germany. David is a member of the Pinnacle Society, recognized by the California Staffing Professionals Association as Staffing Professional of the Year, and frequently speaks on recruiting best practices and production hiring. In 2022, he launched a traditional temporary staffing firm serving the El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM region. Connect with David David on LinkedIn Sparrow Company Website Connect with Mark Whitby Book a FREE 30-minute strategy call: https://recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session Mark on LinkedIn X: @MarkWhitby Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach Facebook: RecruitmentCoach Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter
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