Sometimes the value of a recruiting network is not about who you work with today. It is about having the right relationship already in place when an opportunity arises tomorrow.

Matthew Deutsch

That was certainly the case for TE Network recruiters and Top Echelon Hall of Fame members Maria Hemminger of MJ Recruiters, LLC and Veronica “Roni” Snyder of Career Professionals, Inc. when an Ohio client presented an opportunity hundreds of miles away in Morristown, Tennessee.

Maria and Roni had known each other through TE Network for approximately 20 years, but because their recruiting businesses traditionally focused on different geographic markets, they had never had much reason to work a search together.

Then one phone call changed that.

The result was a successful Senior Controller placement that demonstrated how relationships, local market knowledge, communication, and collaboration can help TE Network recruiters extend their reach and deliver for clients.

A Longtime Client Creates a New Challenge

MJ Recruiters has worked with a client in Tiffin, Ohio since 2008, just three years after the recruiting firm was launched. During that relationship, MJ Recruiters has maintained an impressive 81% fill ratio with the organization.

When the client acquired a plant in Morristown, Tennessee and needed to hire a Senior Controller, Maria traveled to the facility to meet with the client face to face, understand the position, and develop a recruiting strategy.

There was just one challenge: Tennessee was not MJ Recruiters’ traditional market.

Rather than allowing geography to limit the search, Maria turned to a resource that MJ Recruiters has relied upon throughout its history: TE Network.

MJ Recruiters has been a Network member for all 21 years that the agency has been in business, producing 315 placements through TE Network during that time. Maria also realized she already knew an experienced recruiter who happened to live in Morristown.

That recruiter was Roni.

“I realized my longtime friend and industry peer, Roni Snyder, lives right in Morristown,” Maria said. “I reached out immediately.”

Two Recruiters, Two Markets, One Search

Maria Hemminger

The opportunity made sense for both recruiters. MJ Recruiters brought its longstanding client relationship and understanding of the organization, while Roni brought extensive knowledge of the local Tennessee talent market.

After Maria completed her client visit, she met with Roni so they could discuss the position, align on the requirements, and determine how to approach the search.

For Roni, the opportunity represented something that had been more than two decades in the making.

“After interacting with Maria and [Joanna Spaun] for probably 20-plus years in the Network, I’m happy that our worlds finally intersected to truly work together on a search,” Roni said. “With MJR traditionally focusing on the Ohio market, and me on Tennessee, we haven’t had a lot of common ground over the years.”

Once Maria explained that her Ohio client had acquired an existing company in Roni’s hometown, that common ground suddenly existed.

Roni, who has worked independently for the past 12 years since her business associate retired, also welcomed the opportunity to become part of a recruiting team again.

“I loved being part of a team again,” she said. “Maria included me in the conversations with the MJR team to form the search strategy and we were in constant communication during the search.”

That communication became especially important because the Senior Controller search was not an easy one.

146 Candidates and One Successful Placement

The recruiters reviewed 146 candidates during the search, with Roni sourcing all three candidates who were ultimately submitted and interviewed on site.

The first candidate was submitted on Day 19, and an offer was extended on Day 78.

Three candidates reached the on-site interview stage, producing a 100% interview rate among submitted candidates. One offer was extended and that offer was accepted.

For Maria, the outcome reflected one of the primary reasons her agency has remained active in TE Network for more than two decades.

“My goal with every single opening is to find the best talent as fast as possible for my clients,” she said. “Strategic split relationships like this don’t just expand our reach. They ensure our clients get top-tier results without delay.”

Roni was equally impressed by the way MJ Recruiters managed the search and kept everyone involved throughout the process.

“The MJR team are all true professionals providing continual feedback,” she said. “The level of detail and the thoroughness of their process is impressive.”

The Value of Relationships Before You Need Them

Perhaps the biggest lesson from this placement is that Maria and Roni did not meet because somebody suddenly needed a Senior Controller in Morristown.

They already knew each other.

Their relationship had developed during approximately two decades in TE Network, even though circumstances had never previously presented the right opportunity for them to complete a search together.

Veronica Snyder

When Maria’s longtime Ohio client expanded into Roni’s backyard, however, she did not have to start from scratch looking for recruiting expertise in an unfamiliar market. She already knew someone with the experience and local knowledge she needed.

That is one of the advantages of building relationships within TE Network before there is an immediate business reason to do so. A recruiter you meet today might not have the candidate or job order you need right now, but circumstances can change as clients expand, hiring needs evolve, and searches move into new industries or geographic markets.

In this case, a relationship spanning approximately 20 years ultimately helped an Ohio recruiting firm solve a hiring need in Tennessee.

“It was a difficult search, but a lot of fun to do,” Roni said. “In the end, our combined efforts sourced and placed the right candidate for the role.”

For Roni, the experience also provided a reminder of what successful split recruiting within TE Network can look like when both sides communicate, contribute their strengths, and remain focused on the same objective.

“I’m grateful Maria called with the opportunity to assist,” she said. “I’m happy to work with the MJR team anytime. It was a pleasure and the kind of experience that all of us in TE hope to have.”

After 20-plus years of knowing each other through TE Network, Maria and Roni finally had the right opportunity to combine their expertise.

And when that opportunity arrived, they were ready.

For Katrina Pankuch, Founder and Recruiting Partner of Aspire Talent Solutions, attending TE Network conferences has become an important part of getting the most from her Network membership.

Matthew Deutsch

Since becoming a TE Network member, Pankuch has attended all but one conference, and she considers the events one of the best benefits of membership. That experience is one reason she plans to attend TE Connect Fall 2026 on October 29 and 30 at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare.

“Not only do you learn best practices from other successful firms, but it’s an opportunity to meet and truly connect with other partners, explore integrated tech stacks and value added services, and overall share common ground within our industry,” Pankuch said.

For recruiters who are considering attending TE Connect Fall 2026, there is also a financial reason to make that decision soon. Early Bird Registration ends September 19, and the registration price will increase by $100, from $375 to $475 per registrant, after the deadline.

Turning Connections into Placements

While education and exposure to new technology are important parts of TE Network conferences, Pankuch has also experienced how the relationships built at these events can translate into tangible business results.

During the TE conference in Florida, she had an opportunity to meet with Top Echelon Director of Network Operations Drea Codispoti, CPC/CERS and some of the Network’s top importers. Those conversations helped her learn more about how other recruiters use TE Network and identify opportunities for greater collaboration.

The results followed.

“Since April, we have made two splits from the Network!” Pankuch said.

Those two placements are part of a larger track record of success for Aspire Talent Solutions within TE Network. Pankuch has made five placements through the Network during the past two years, demonstrating how active participation and relationship building can create opportunities that extend well beyond the conference itself.

That is one of the advantages of meeting other Network members face to face. Recruiters can learn more about each other’s specialties, clients, candidates, and recruiting styles, making it easier to recognize opportunities to work together once everyone returns to their desks.

More Than Education and Networking

Katrina Pankuch

Pankuch believes the value of attending extends beyond educational sessions and conversations with other recruiters. TE Connect also provides members with direct access to the people at Top Echelon who work behind the scenes to support their success.

“This is also the best time to connect with the talent behind the scenes of TE,” she said.

Those interactions can help recruiters discover Network resources they may not be using fully, learn how successful members approach split recruiting, and explore technology and services that could make their businesses more effective.

Just as important for Pankuch is the renewed energy she takes home after attending.

“Every conference revitalizes me to do and be better for my team,” she said.

For agency recruiters who spend much of their time focused on searches, candidates, clients, and placements, stepping outside the daily routine can provide a valuable opportunity to compare ideas with other firm owners and recruiters who understand the challenges of running a recruiting business.

Hungry for Growth? Join Us in Chicago!

Pankuch’s message to TE Network members who are still deciding whether to attend TE Connect Fall 2026 is straightforward:

“Attendance should be a no brainer for those who are hungry for growth!”

TE Connect Fall 2026 will bring Network members together October 29 and 30 at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare for two days of education, relationship building, collaboration, and opportunities to strengthen their recruiting businesses.

And if you are planning to attend, there is no reason to wait.

Early Bird Registration ends September 19. Register by the deadline for $375 per person. After September 19, registration increases by $100 to $475 per registrant.

If you want to learn from successful recruiting firms, strengthen relationships with other TE Network members, discover new technology and resources, and create opportunities for more placements, follow Pankuch’s example and make plans to join us in Chicago.

Register for TE Connect Fall 2026 before September 19 and save $100 per registrant!