14 Years of Essence Recruitment: Reflections, Lessons & What’s Next

Can you believe it? Essence Recruitment just turned 14! 🎉 Fourteen years ago, I took a leap of faith to build something different in recruitment—something human, culture-driven, and relationship-first. Looking back, I can honestly say this journey has been full of lessons, growth, surprises, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Growing the Dream Team

This past year has been a big one for us. We added some incredible people to our team, and it already feels like they’ve been with us forever.

  • Matthew joined us in Edmonton, and fun fact—I actually hired him 16 years ago when he was brand new to recruitment. Full circle moment! His experience and energy made him hit the ground running.
  • Melanie came from a totally different industry, but her positivity, intelligence, and drive have been nothing short of amazing. She’s a gem, truly.
  • Haley stepped into sales and marketing and wow—what an impact. She’s been busy laying the foundation for our brand, bringing polish, sophistication, and fresh ideas.

And of course, we can’t forget our tenured employees!

  • Ashley, our rock for over three years now. She’s the behind-the-scenes magician—finding those “hidden under the rock” candidates in a tough market and making it look easy.
  • Kendra, our office coordinator, is the rock of our office. She’s been with us for over two years, juggling reporting, mastering a new ATS system, and tackling every single back-end task with positivity. Working from her farm while raising two little ones, she somehow makes it all look effortless. We honestly couldn’t do it without her. She’s a rockstar.

I look around and feel so lucky—this team has passion, grit, and heart, and they make Essence what it is.

Finding Our Groove: Not-for-Profit Love

For years, people asked me, “What’s your niche?” and I’d always laugh a little because we’ve been generalists at heart. We’ve worked with small to medium-sized businesses, professionals, executives—you name it. But this year? We really leaned into what lights us up.

Not-for-profits. đź’™

Right now, about 60% of our work is in this sector. Social enterprises, associations, charities, fundraisers—you name it, we’ve been honoured to partner with them. The truth is, executive search in not-for-profits isn’t the same as corporate. They need more hands-on, white-glove support, and we’re here for it. Helping them find the right leaders feels like our sweet spot, and we’re excited to keep growing this work across the country.

Lessons & Laughs Along the Way

If there’s one thing 14 years in recruitment teaches you, it’s that people are full of surprises. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, someone proves you wrong. And that’s the beauty of it—we’re always learning.

We’ve made mistakes, we’ve pivoted, we’ve been humbled, and we’ve grown. But our core belief hasn’t changed: it’s all about fit and culture. Can they do the job? Do they want to do the job? And does the organization feel excited to bring them on? When those puzzle pieces click, everyone wins.

Onward to 15!

As we head into year 15, we’ve got some big, hearty goals. We may be a boutique firm from Saskatchewan, but we’re building something with national impact. With our team’s expertise, positivity, and passion, we’re ready for whatever comes next.

Essence has never been about transactions—it’s always been about people. Always has been, always will be. Here’s to 14 years of lessons, laughter, and leadership—and to an exciting future ahead.

Want to know more about Essence Recruitment and how we can help your not-for-profit or small to medium-sized business? Please reach out, I would love to connect with you, Tracy Arno CEO/Founder.

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