our story

Rare Placement was founded with a singular vision: to transform the executive search industry by delivering extraordinary talent at unprecedented speed.

Our founder James B. Smith saw a gap in the market for a search firm that could move faster, think smarter, and provide better results enhancing quality with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

That’s why he created Rare Placement, a firm that harnesses the power of a personally grown, custom-built network to deliver executive candidates who are not only highly qualified but also perfectly aligned with your company’s culture and strategic goals.

James is a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience across industries and across functions, both in the United States and Canada.

His career is marked by a unique blend of leadership, strategic insight, and an unparalleled ability to understand the executives he works with through his own years spent in executive seats himself in corporations and in entrepreneurial ventures as CEO, owner-operator.

our values

Integrity

We believe in doing the right thing, always. Our relationships with clients and candidates are built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. Every interaction and decision we make is grounded in honesty, ensuring long-term success for everyone involved.

Precision

We deliver on a commitment to excellence and exacting standards in every aspect of our services. With meticulous attention to detail, precision in execution, and a relentless pursuit of perfection, we ensure that our clients receive the highest quality outcomes—every time.

Connection

At Rare Placement, we go beyond the resume. Through deep conversations, proprietary assessments, and dedicated time spent understanding each candidate's professional and life experiences, we develop a unique and intimate understanding of their strengths, preferences, and opportunities. This deep connection allows us to make matches that are not just good, but transformational.

Deep knowledge

We dive deep into our clients’ industries to ensure we speak the language with fluency. As former executives ourselves, we are uniquely positioned to understand complex businesses and their respective needs. This deep industry knowledge allows us to identify and place talent that is not only qualified but capable of driving your business forward.

growth potential

We accelerate the potential of our talent and our clients' businesses by making great connections. Rare Placement is committed to helping people and organizations reach their full potential, faster. We don’t just fill positions; we unlock opportunities for growth and success.