Bio

"My focus and goal is to build relationships with clients and consultants."  Kirk currently manages an office of 13 recruiting and sales professionals responsible for placing  financial, accounting, technology and staffing candidates.  This includes contract, special projects and direct hire solutions.  His team has seen year-over-year average growth of 51% since its inception.   "I have been lucky to build a team of industry professionals who understand the client and candidate's background and the type of opportunity that would be a fit, because they’ve done the job.  That was the original vision when we opened this office and I feel we have achieved that goal."   In fact, Kirk's office is very stable and successful.  In an industry that averages 60% turnover, Vaco Mid South continues to grow with almost no turnover.  Kirk not only manages this busy and successful office, but has consistently ranked in the Top 10 producers for Vaco Technology every year - continuing his pattern of performance as a top producer, branch manager and leader in the recruiting and staffing industry. "I just love our team and showing up for work every day.  We work hard and have a great time doing it.  We have the freedom to do what is right for our consultants and clients- which is why we are here in the first place.”

Earlier in his career, Kirk spent 10 years as a Bond Futures and Options Broker at the Chicago Board of Trade before joining a Fortune 500 recruiting company when he returned to Memphis.  "Memphis is my home and we wanted to return to be near family…and warmer weather."  In fact, Kirk has deep roots in the community which made him a logical choice to manage the Vaco Mid South office, as well as being one of three people responsible for starting the Technology division for Vaco.  Kirk has a background of managing Financial,  Accounting and Technology placement professionals during his tenure in this industry.

Kirk supports the local chapters of the Project Management Institute (PMI), and International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA).  He is active in supporting several local community service projects and charities, and enjoys spending every possible weekend with his three boys and wife at Pickwick Lake.

Kirk received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Memphis. You can connect to Kirk and get more details on his background by visiting www.linkedin.com/kirkjohnston.