On May 10th, 2025, our co-founder Mary Nutting reflected on a milestone that marked the beginning of everything: the 15-year anniversary of CorTalent.
What started as a leap of faith between two business partners quickly became something much more. In a recent video message, Mary shares what it felt like to sign those founding papers, to grow a business from the ground up, and to shape an organization rooted in the belief that people—and values—are what make a company thrive.
From reaching $1 million in revenue by year two to navigating the challenges of business ownership over the next decade, Mary’s leadership journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and people-first growth. She credits her success to the incredible teams she’s led, the mentors who supported her, and the clients who continue to partner with us today—some of whom have been with us since the very beginning.
“I didn’t set out to become a business owner,” she shares, “but I’ve always led people. And at the end of the day, the people are what make a company.”
Mary also reflects on two things she’s most proud of: the long-term growth of team members who have become core parts of the business, and the loyalty of clients who have remained with us for over a decade. These stories aren’t just milestones—they’re proof of what can happen when a business is led by values and fueled by meaningful relationships.
Those values became the foundation of something even greater. In 2024, CorTalent merged with Keystone Executive Search—founded by Mary’s longtime friend and industry peer, Mike Frommelt—to form Strategic Talent Partners. Built on mutual trust, shared core values, and a vision to do more for privately held companies, STP carries CorTalent’s legacy forward while expanding our impact.
What We’ve Learned Along the Way:
- Growth is only sustainable when it’s supported by the right leadership.
- Leadership development isn’t separate from strategy—it’s a core part of it.
- Core values aren’t a backdrop—they’re a blueprint for how great companies hire, promote, and lead.
- Long-term client and employee relationships are built on consistency, clarity, and shared purpose.
At STP, we often say that “great companies deserve great leaders.” Mary’s story reminds us that great leaders are also built—through experience, through trust, and through the belief that when you invest in people, everything else follows.
Her journey is also proof that success doesn’t happen by accident—it happens when people commit to leading with integrity, supporting others, and building companies that live their values every day.
This mindset continues to guide our work at Strategic Talent Partners. As we look ahead to what’s next, we carry forward the best of CorTalent’s legacy—through the people we place, the teams we support, and the leaders we help build.
Watch the full video to hear Mary’s story in her own words.
