About Us

Building Gurus is a boutique executive search and recruitment consulting firm that works exclusively with building product manufacturers and distributors. We partner with our clients to turn potential into profits through people. We do this through our engaged search, consulting, and assessment services.

We’ve been recruiting exclusively in the building products space since 2001. We’ve worked with the giants of the industry, but we’ve found our favorite clients tend to be privately owned. We’re proud to say we rarely lose a client and many have been working with us for over a decade.

BUILDING GURUS IS:

Woman-owned (state-certified, if you're into that sort of thing)
Xennial-owned (that means we’re fluent in Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer, we know you’re into that sort of thing…)
We’re digital natives (that means we barely remember life before the internet…)
But our founder also grew up on a farm in North Dakota and raised chickens, pigs, and horses in a big red barn.

So if you want a firm that pairs Midwest honesty and work ethic with cutting-edge technology to help you find and hire the best sales, management and executive talent for your “must-get-right” openings, we’re the firm for you.

Are We

Right For You?

We aren’t right for every client or every search, in fact we’ve intentionally narrowed our focus to sales, management, emerging leaders, and executive roles in the building products industry. Because of this, when you start a search with us, we’re able to hit the ground running and deliver the candidates you need in weeks, not months.

This narrow focus means we have already identified over 90% of the potential talent in the market and are actively connecting, engaging, and nurturing them. We use 24/7 inbound marketing technologies and cutting edge sourcing tools to ensure we can find, connect, and engage with the best talent for your key hire. Including the ones that aren’t on LinkedIn.

We prefer to build long term recruiting partnerships with our clients, so if you’re looking for someone to throw resumes at the wall, we’re not the right firm for you. Our goal is to give you 3-7 qualified candidates to choose from, the top 1% of the market in most cases.

Take our quick 10-question quiz will help you understand your next step — and grant you access to tons of free trainings, tools, and more!

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Our Services

Engaged Search

Engaged search is the best of both worlds of search.

Consulting

Our consulting services empower your organization.

Assessments

We can help you select and develop your team.

Take our quick 10-question quiz will help you understand your next step — and grant you access to tons of free trainings, tools, and more!

Get Started

OUR CUSTOMERS

We've Made Placements At

She was very fast in providing us with qualified candidates that we were able to interview in a very timely manner. Listens to what our needs are and establishes a search to meet those needs. Aggressive and follows through. We like her checking in with the placement a few months after the actual placement. Thank you for doing that.

Stephen Building Products Manufacturer

Building Gurus has been wonderful to work with. They are always very thorough in their approach to understanding the position requirements and learning about the specific needs of our company. Their follow up on candidates they've spoken with is timely and accurate.

Matt Vice President of People, Garage Door Manufacturer

You are unique to our industry and know the lingo. We have been working together long enough that you understand our culture and really seem to care about finding the right person for our company.

Doug VP of Human Resources, Door + Hardware Manufacturer + Distributor

Rikka is a very focused professional that values the needs of her clients. I had the pleasure to work with Rikka during an opening that she had. She zeroed in on what the role entailed and was very helpful in making sure that it was a good fit for me before we began the formal process. Rikka is an excellent communicator and follows up very well. I would be happy to work with Rikka again.

Nicholas Area Sales Manager, Building Products Manufacturer

I would highly recommend Rikka because of her attention to detail and commitment to you as a client. I have had the pleasure of working directly with Rikka and it was a very pleasurable experience due to her focused approach to both the candidate and the employer. Rikka is a true professional that communicates with her clients very efficiently and effectively. She has great established relationships in the building materials industry.

Scott Location Leader, Lumber + Building Materials Distributor

Recruiters continuously face a difficult balancing act. They need to vigorously work to meet the needs of their clients while simultaneously treating recruits with honesty and respect. During a recent conversation with Rikka about a potential role, I found her to be spot on in both respects. She clearly had the best interest of her client in mind and she skillfully steered the conversation to quickly obtain all of the relevant information. She also took the time to give me valuable feedback and then the initiative to send me some helpful resources. I came away impressed with both her capabilities as a recruiter and her genuine, caring attitude.

Jeff CFO, Building Products Manufacturer

When I found myself looking for a new opportunity Rikka was the ideal person to work with towards that goal. She took the time to find out about what I was looking for in a new situation, and with her many industry contacts found the perfect match. She is very well respected within the industry and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend her highly to both individuals that are looking for new opportunities. and also companies that are looking to hire qualified people that fit the position.

Phil Regional Manager, ProSales 100 + Building Products Manufacturer

Having had a brief opportunity to work with Rikka on a job placement opportunity, I found her to be a very honest, professional, and straightforward. Her upbeat and positive attitude was refreshing and encouraging during a traditionally stressful time period. Rikka made certain that not only was the company a good fit for me but that I was a good fit for the company, helping to ensure a win-win for all parties involved. I highly recommend Rikka and her team at Building Gurus.

Kevin Profit Center Manager, Plumbing Distributor

Rikka was a recruiter who contacted me early in my job search. She was very thorough and recommended me to her clients where my experience and skill set gave me the best opportunity for success. She provided excellent follow up and never left me wondering where I was in the process. She had many connections in the industry, and was an asset during my search. Her staff was also very professional and helpful when I needed questions answered. I would rate my experience with Rikka as excellent.

Bob Regional Sales Manager, Building Products Manufacturer

Rikka is one of the most professional recruiters in the business. Her firm worked very hard to get opportunities for me. Rikka set the standard on service and I would highly recommend her, and her company.

Brian Territory Sales Manager, Siding Manufacturer

I have worked with Rikka as candidate and an employer. On both sides of the equation, I found her to be honest and direct, thorough and prepared and to work with a sense of urgency to complete the assignment. She always presented qualified candidates and did not waste time selling a candidate when the chemistry was not correct. Rikka produced quality candidates quickly.

Glen Regional Manager, Installed Sales + Building Products Distributor

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Rikka Brandon is the founder and Chief Executive Recruiter of Building Gurus, a leading executive search and consulting firm that works exclusively with building product manufacturers and distributors to find, hire, and retain top building products talent.

Often sought out for her expertise, Rikka is a member of National NKBA Leadership Recruitment committee, a frequent speaker at national conferences, a contributing writer to publications including LBM Journal, the NKBA blog, ProSales, Remodeler and more.