CHRO $3B+ Food Manufacturer
“Hilmar & Ross knows our industry and is genuinely interested in forming strategic partnerships. Ken Smuland takes the time to learn about our business and our leaders and works like one of our own to find the right candidate for every job we have ever asked him to help with. If you are looking for a professional and high quality approach to your talent needs, you will be well-served to partner with Hilmar & Ross.”
President $200+mm Food Manufacturer/PE Owned
“Ken is an Executive Recruiter who knows our Industry and can find the right talent. He has established a successful recruiting practice being built on a reputation for his work ethic, integrity, and contacts. He successfully placed me in my position several years ago. I found him to be a trusted consultant who knows business and has good insight into people and difficult situations. He listens, provides great service, and is a committed partner. I would highly recommend him and his services for Talent Acquisition and Consulting”
VP Sales & Marketing $500mm+ Packaging Manufacturer
"This letter serves to highly recommend Ken Smuland and his recruiting firm of Hilmar and Ross. I have known Ken for over ten years and find him to be a man of high character and operates his company with the utmost of integrity. I have worked with Ken directly on two executive level placements. What I like about Ken is he does not try to just put people in front of you with the hopes they work out. He asks great questions about the business need, cultural fit and the intangibles required of each opportunity he is granted. He then goes out to search for the candidate that fits that criteria. I believe he is unique in that regard. In my experience Ken has proven to be up to be skilled but more importantly he will always tell you the truth. I respect him most for that"
President National Sales Agency
"I have worked closely with Ken Smuland on several senior to mid-level management role assignments with two different corporations. Ken is outstanding at his craft; especially as it relates to understanding his client’s needs relative to core competencies, experience and skills needed to succeed. Ken always surfaces highly qualified candidates that are the right "cultural fit" and have proven track records. I would highly recommend Ken if you are looking for a talent acquisition partner with the highest level integrity and honesty, a penchant for identifying top talent and an outstanding work ethic!"
Larry Oberkfell CEO IFMA
Ken Smuland has been recruiting in the Foodservice/Hospitality Industries for many years. He is known for his integrity, hard work ethic, and servant leadership. He has successfully completed several Sr. level assignments and some challenging National Projects. He is a proud member, supporter, and contributor of IFMA. I would highly recommend him and his services”