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Stephen Parkford
Parkford & Associates, Inc. Automotive Executive Recruiter stevep@parkfordassociates.com
Professional Background
Stephen Parkford is a distinguished professional in the realm of executive search and talent acquisition, particularly within the automotive industry. With a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Stephen has cultivated unparalleled expertise in recruiting top talent for various automotive sectors. He began his journey in 1990 and has since dedicated his professional services to elevate the standards of recruitment in the automotive field. His extensive experience includes diverse roles that focus on dealer training, product launches, and business meetings. By intricately understanding the needs of automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and automotive retailers, Stephen has positioned himself as a trusted partner in the recruiting process.
In 2005, Stephen transitioned into the automotive executive search industry. As the co-founder of Drive180.com, a platform dedicated to consolidating automotive job opportunities, he has been at the forefront of connecting talent with leading automotive brands. Notable companies that have engaged his executive search expertise include Mercedes-Benz USA, Volkswagen of America, and Porsche Cars North America, among others. His success in the field is attributable not only to his keen insight into the industry but also to his creative and professional approach to meeting the unique needs of each client.
Education and Achievements
Stephen Parkford’s educational background lays a strong foundation for his successful career. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he honed his skills in storytelling and communication. His academic pursuits also included general studies at Pacific University and a preparatory education at the esteemed Cate School. This diverse educational path has endowed him with unique perspectives that enhance his approach in the competitive field of talent acquisition.
Throughout his career, Stephen has held various leadership roles that have shaped his knowledge and skills in the automotive sector. As the Principal at Parkford & Associates, he provides strategic executive search solutions tailored to the needs of the automotive industry. His prior positions as Chief Operating Officer at Drive180.com and Principal at Courland Automotive Practice demonstrate a solid track record of leadership and influence within the automotive recruiting niche.
Stephen’s tenure as Vice President and General Manager at Sandy Corporation, a division of ADP, further illustrates his capabilities in managing high-stakes operations and driving company growth. His experience as Vice President of Sales at Caribiner and before that an Account Manager at Maritz have equipped him with strong sales strategies and customer relationship management skills, which continue to benefit his current role in recruitment.
Notable Achievements
Stephen Parkford has made significant contributions to the automotive industry, particularly in executive search and recruiting. His role in working directly with well-known automotive brands and his involvement in various projects related to dealer training, product launches, and training events showcases his commitment to enhancing performance within the industry.
Co-founding Drive180.com revolutionized how automotive job seekers connect with potential employers. The platform not only serves as a comprehensive hub for automotive job opportunities but also streamlines the recruitment process, making it easier for candidates and companies alike to find their ideal match. By championing this initiative, Stephen has made a lasting impact on how talent is sourced and secured in the automotive landscape.
In addition to his recruitment endeavors, Stephen continues to be engaged with several organizations within the automotive space, leveraging his knowledge and expertise to mentor emerging talent and guide them toward successful career paths in this dynamic industry. His dedication to excellence and innovation has earned him respect and recognition among peers and clients alike.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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