Written by: Daniel Nowak
Growing up, I was always outside. As a kid in the early ’90s, I didn’t have a cell phone or fancy gadgets to distract me, not that I would have been glued to them anyway. My parents were old-school outdoorsy folks, and their love for nature shaped my childhood. You’d find me in the yard, riding my bike, playing with neighborhood friends, or off on camping trips with family and cousins. On weekends, I’d be outside from sunrise to sunset, only coming in when it was time to sleep. That lifestyle instilled in me a strong sense of curiosity, independence, and connection.
When I entered college, I pursued a degree in Environmental Analysis and Resource Management—a mouthful, I know. My goal was to improve infrastructure while preserving the spaces and landscapes we all cherish. In grad school, my focus shifted to renewable waste infrastructure, with a vision of helping developing countries turn trash into valuable resources—keeping streets clean, protecting natural areas, and generating revenue to support local economies.
Then life threw me a curveball. My father required major spinal surgery, and his recovery needed my full attention. I had to step away from my master’s program, and as I looked for work in my field, I struggled to find opportunities that didn’t require moving across the country. Family has always been at the core of who I am, so relocating wasn’t an option.
Unexpectedly, a friend working at a large staffing firm suggested I’d be a great recruiter. I hadn’t considered it before, but it made sense. My parents both had strong backgrounds in sales, and I realized I had a similar knack for building trust and making genuine connections. That conversation changed my career trajectory.
I began my recruiting journey with a large nation-wide recruiting agency. From the start, I worked full-desk, meaning I handled both client relationships and candidate sourcing. This includes managing clients, finding candidates, conducting interviews, and handling all the behind-the-scenes work that comes with recruiting. I specialized in administrative, HR, and office support roles, gaining firsthand experience in every aspect of talent acquisition. I quickly learned that recruiting is much more than filling jobs. It’s about understanding people’s stories, career paths, and potential.
The moment I knew I was in the right field came when I met a candidate who was facing a tough time. She was supporting a terminally ill parent and felt lost, both professionally and personally. As I got to know her, I understood not only her career aspirations but also the weight of the responsibilities she carried. As a recruiter, finding her a role that aligned with her goals and provided financial security became my top priority.
After weeks of hard work, I finally found her the perfect opportunity—a growing company in metro Detroit in need of someone to manage their customer service and delivery teams across multiple states. The client was hesitant, but I put my reputation on the line because I believed in her talent. She was hired and soon excelled within the role. Today, she’s still with the company, having been promoted multiple times and is an indispensable leader.
That placement was transformative for both myself and the newly hired candidate, showing me the profound impact a dedicated headhunter can have. After years of searching for my ideal career, I realized my true passion lies in helping others discover theirs. I wasn’t just helping people find work. I was helping them find stability, growth, and purpose.
With The Clark Agency, I’ve placed senior leaders across industries nationwide, impacting countless lives through meaningful career connections. We partner with businesses across the country, helping them identify, attract, and retain top talent. Our team prides ourselves on being more than just a recruiting agency. We’re strategic partners in the hiring process. Also, our team brings a human touch to talent acquisition, matching companies with candidates who not only meet the job requirements, but also align with company culture and long-term goals.
Looking ahead, I’m more inspired than ever. The recruiting landscape is always evolving, but one thing remains the same: people matter. And helping people, whether it’s a company in need of the right hire or a candidate seeking their next opportunity, is what drives me every day.
