Delivering Leaders Who Deliver
We transform organizations with exceptional leadership, one strategic hire at a time.
THE SEARCH FOR GOLD
During the Gold Rush of 1849, the best prospectors searched stream beds for telltale sediment. They then followed the stream to a bend, knowing from experience that gold would collect where the waterflow decelerated. When competition increased, only the most expert, the most efficient and the most diligent were able to consistently find gold.
Searching for talent takes all the skills of the best of the Gold Rush prospectors. SRCH 4/79 has that expertise. We know the eddies and currents. We know where the deposits lie. And we know where the talent pools.
We find gold.
WHAT WE DO
SRCH 4/79 is a woman-owned executive search firm that specializes in identifying and placing executive leaders across consumer-facing industries, with particular expertise in:
C-Level Leadership
for consumer-facing public companies and private equity-backed businesses.
Board Directors
in consumer, financial services, industrial, and professional services sectors.
Multi-Unit Franchised Businesses
in QSR, consumer services, and health & wellness.
HOW WE DELIVER
We deliver for our clients with a relentless commitment to results. Combining deep expertise and urgency, we identify, assess, and place exceptional leaders who drive growth and build lasting success.
Ownership of Results
Our success is measured by great outcomes—both at the close of a search and in the results delivered by the placements we make.
Urgency
We work with a bias for action. We move quickly and honor client timelines. We understand what’s at stake.
Expertise
We provide fully referenced candidates and a complete picture of their qualifications, ensuring the highest standards of transparency and thoroughness.
Relentless Commitment
We don’t stop until the right leader is placed, offering you a choice of exceptional candidates.
Client-First Mindset
We guarantee our work and honor every client relationship, maintaining integrity and ensuring long-term success.
Trusted Advisors
Unlike large firms that assign work to associates you don’t know, we are accessible. We offer candor and honest insight during the search process. And we have an unwavering commitment to prioritizing our clients’ best interests.
OUR APPROACH
Search 4/79 takes a precise, results-driven approach to executive search, combining deep industry expertise, rigorous evaluation, and a relentless commitment to finding the perfect leadership fit. We ensure every placement aligns with our clients’ strategic goals and delivers long-term success.
Rigorous Methodology
Every search we undertake is grounded in meticulous research, deep industry knowledge, and a commitment to finding the ideal candidate. We don’t just present candidates; we deliver leaders equipped to make an immediate and lasting impact.
Focused on Fit
Success lies at the intersection of organizational goals and individual leadership strengths. Our process ensures alignment of skills, vision, and leadership style to drive results.
Creating Value
The leaders we deliver don’t just fill roles; they build success, drive innovation, and unlock potential from day one.
MEET THE TEAM
SHEILA O’GRADY
Founder/CEO
Sheila O’Grady brings over 25 years of leadership experience and seasoned business judgment across various industries. She specializes in senior-level executive search at the CEO, Board, and President level and leadership development for consumer-facing, multi-unit organizations. Prior to founding SRCH 4/79, Sheila worked in search for Spencer Stuart and Korn Ferry, where she worked in the Global CEO and Boards practice in addition to leading the restaurant practice.
With deep operating executive experience, Sheila served for 5 years as President of the Illinois Restaurant Association, a non-profit trade association representing the state’s largest private sector employer with over 400,000 employees and $18 billion in annual sales. During her tenure, Sheila co-founded and served as Managing Director of Chicago Gourmet, an annual food and wine festival that has become one of the best-attended food and wine events in the United States.
Previously, Sheila served as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Chief of Staff, where she assisted in administering the City of Chicago’s $5 billion-dollar annual budget and managing nearly 40,000 employees for five years.
MADELEINE EDEN
Principal
Madeleine is an experienced talent acquisition and business development professional with seven years of expertise in executive search and strategic hiring. She combines a deep understanding of market trends with a keen ability to connect top talent with the right opportunities.
Previously, Madeleine worked for a global executive recruiting firm supporting C-suite, board and senior leadership placements across various industries. Passionate about building strong brands through people, Madeleine brings a strategic and empathetic approach to executive search.
DELIVERING LEADERS WHO DELIVER RESULTS
When you hire SRCH 4/79 you are investing in a comprehensive, results-driven approach to talent acquisition. Here’s what you can expect:
With extensive experience in consumer-facing markets, particularly in consumer services, QSR and health & wellness, we understand the nuances of these industries, enabling us to identify candidates who are not only qualified but also culturally-aligned.
We employ a structured and strategic search process that includes thorough market research, targeted sourcing, and rigorous candidate assessments to ensure a strong fit for both the role and the organization.
Years of experience have allowed us to build a vast network of industry contacts, providing clients access to top-tier talent that may not be actively seeking new opportunities.
We take the time to understand each client’s unique needs, culture, and strategic goals, allowing us to deliver customized solutions that align with their vision.
Our goal is to build long-term partnerships with clients, focusing on not just filling positions but finding leaders who can drive growth and contribute to the organization’s success.