GTM recruiting for software, data, and AI-native companies.
I obsessed over my own career moves as an AE. Reddit threads, networking calls, spreadsheets nobody asked for. That pulled me into founding Pagoda Search after 6 years in seat. Now candidates get that homework for free, and clients get a recruiter with a seller's taste.
The approach
- AI-pilled, aren't we all? A prompt can find the best seller, but it won't get them to pick up the phone.
- Only shortlist people I'd hire myself and partner with companies I'd work for.
- No handoffs or junior recruiters, only me start to finish.
- 6-month guarantee on all placements.
"I wanted to mention I love your approach here on LinkedIn. I get so many DM's from recruiters, yours is much more human/genuine/refreshing." Tom C., Account Executive
Recent searches
Encord, Kinfolk, Trumpet, Tie, Dilitrust, with growing work in physical AI and robotics. Placements range from Account Executive to VP of Sales.
From clients and candidates
"He knows the GTM space inside out and treats it as a real partnership. We needed an AE with a specific background and he delivered." Rory Sandler, Co-Founder & CEO
"I had niche roles to fill. Jake only supplied qualified candidates and was prompt in all interactions. Excellent professional search services." Elizabeth Murphy, Global SVP of Sales
"What stood out was the work behind the scenes. He kept things moving as an extension of our team." Anthony Grenga, Co-Founder & CEO
"He made what's often a stressful experience feel smooth and exciting. I'd recommend him to any sales leader or candidate looking to work with someone who truly gets it." McKenna Sivula, Enterprise Account Executive
Outside of work
Former college football player. The competitive streak didn't retire with me, so it goes into golf and whatever racquet sport has an open court. Diehard Michigan football and Philadelphia sports fan. Home is Wilmington with my wife Taylor and our Goldendoodle, Tuck.
Common questions
- What roles do you place?
- Account Executives, Sales Directors, Head/VP of Sales, Customer Success & Account Management, Technical Sales, and Forward Deployed Engineers.
- What kind of companies do you work with?
- Private and venture-backed companies in software, data, and AI, growing their GTM teams in the US.
- How does a search start?
- A conversation about the role, the team, the ideal profile, and what's gone wrong before. If it's a fit, we agree on terms, sign an MSA, and I start sourcing.
- What makes Pagoda Search different?
- I've done the job I'm sourcing for. Six years in seat taught me to write outreach sellers actually answer, and to screen like a sales leader. What makes them tick? Can they walk me through a deal like a story? Candidates see my background and open up.
The best sellers aren't clicking apply. Contact: jake@pagodasearch.com. Pagoda Search LLC, Wilmington, Delaware.