2025 Best of Business: Human Resources
Executive Search
Gold | Grey Search + Strategy
Grey Search + Strategy believes so strongly in its executive search services that it provides a one-year guarantee for executive-level placements. Its tenacious team won’t rest until clients find the perfect match for their needs, growth plans, and culture. Alissa Henriksen and Lucas Henriksen started the Minnetonka firm in 2008 to provide clients with more strategic and service-oriented searches, pledging to give 5% of profits to nonprofit organizations. Grey pairs its search services with big-picture offerings like consulting, onboarding, and retention. Its leaders believe that investing generous time and attention in clients’ initiatives leads to a lasting fit between employers and new hires.
Silver | Versique
Bronze | Ballinger | Leafblad
Staffing
Gold | Award Staffing
The numbers speak for themselves. In 37 years in business, Award Staffing has helped more than 110,000 people find work, serving 400 customers annually and filling 1,200 jobs daily. The Edina company, now with three Twin Cities locations, doesn’t try to be all things to all employers. It focuses on light- and skilled-industrial jobs for manufacturing and warehouse clients while providing add-ons like payroll and workforce management services. Award brings expertise in its industries and customers’ operations, serving as a trusted partner that pivots as conditions change. In 2024, Award won second place in the Star Tribune’s Top Workplaces small business category.
Silver | Versique
Bronze | Robert Half
