About Rich Rosen

Rich grew up outside of Boston – at 15 years old became enamored by the stock market and creating wealth. At a very young age, Rich learned how to track and pick stocks, consistently beat the pros.

After finishing in the top 1% out of thousands of competitors in national stock challenges, Rich went on to become the youngest stockbroker/ equity analyst in the country for Dean Witter (major firm at the time ). While still in college, Rich was entrusted to a manage $150M portfolio, picking equities and investments for one of the top brokers in the company. This was the dream! He was making a ton of money still in college, raking in the cash between investments and a real adult salary … then BOOM, his boss left reality (It’s a LONG story… ask him and he’ll tell you over a beer.) He moved back to Boston, took a monster pay cut but lived off my own investments and took a chance on himself.

Consistently leading the Dean Witter office in phone time, dials, and pretty much every category – bringing in over $1M in bonds, drips, and other non-equity investments. Rich was the #1 rookie in the office, but his manager wouldn’t let him run his own desk (he was making too much money off Rich and teaching him nothing.) Rich left to start a different kind of desk. One he would ultimately build to be one of the strongest in the recruiting industry.

Two weeks later he started as a rookie recruiter with MRI. As a stockbroker he was expected to make hundreds of calls a day. When he started as a recruiter, the expectation was 50 calls a day… Rich asked, “What do I do after breakfast?”

Rich closed his first deals, for 40K in billing, in his first 10 days, while still in training! A recruiter star was born! Rich was loving life. For the first six months he’s either the top biller or in the top five of 77 recruiters.

After paying his own expenses, buying the first computer in the company, and billing like a fiend, it was time to go out on his own. And that’s exactly what he did. He opened Cornerstone Search, switched verticals, and now almost 30 years later, he’s billed almost 20M in revenue, placed over 1000 senior professionals, and has been listed in the Forbes Top Fifty Recruiters for the last four years, most recently at #14. This makes him the highest ranked solo practitioner in our industry. He’s done this on his own, with just part-time administrative support.

Rich loves to make placements, but he loves helping other recruiters more. (mostly) 

Timeline

2024

Joined the Moore Essentials Team. Sharing accumulated knowledge and guiding others toward success in recruitment.

2020-2023

Consistently ranked in Forbes' list of top 50 recruiting firms. A testament to relentless dedication and skill in executive recruitment.

2020

Adapted to the pandemic by refining a chocolate chip cookie recipe with his children. A testament to his ability to find positivity and growth in challenging times.

2015

Joined The Pinnacle Society, an elite group of top-performing recruiters aiming to elevate industry standards.

2010

Won first poker tournament, showcasing strategic and analytical skills beyond the business arena.

1998-2006

Pivoted to software sales post-long-term care sector bankruptcy, overcoming the challenges of the Dot Bomb era. Celebrated personal milestones: marriage and the birth of two children.

1996

Founded Cornerstone Search after identifying the need for a better recruitment experience.

1995

Transitioned to Management Recruiters. Made an immediate impact by closing significant deals in just 10 days.

1995

Returned to Boston, joined Dean Witter's Rookie Broker program, but left disillusioned after excelling yet facing industry limitations.

1994

Graduated from American University with significant achievements in stock market analysis.

1993

Became the youngest licensed stockbroker in the country, created strategies for $150m in assets.

1992

Interned at Prudential as a stockbroker and again excelled in the AT&T Stock Challenge.

1991

Finished in the top 1% in the AT&T national Stock Picking Challenge.

1990

Began college at American University. Joined Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity.

1990

Graduated from Norwood High School. Was a passionate soccer player known for leading in yellow cards.

1988-1989

Interned at a stock brokerage firm, sparking a passion for the stock market.

1987

Interned at a law office - Realized a dislike for monotonous tasks.

1986-1991

Worked at Norwood Hospital for $6.36/hr; An early lesson in hard work and humility.

1980

Won first sales contest selling candy bars, Showcasing early sales talent.

1972

Born on January 24th, outside of Boston.

Enthusiastic Love from Rich's Clients

Walter Reidy

Sr. Strategic Account Manager Aptean

Rich is an invaluable resource. One Saturday a few months ago, he and his family were moving house. In the middle of directing his movers, and with his furniture sitting in the street, I called him, expecting to get his voicemail. True to form, he took my call and gave me the information I needed. I have recommended him to several friends and colleagues, and would have no hesitation in working with him again.

Michael W. Rennell

Chief Executive Officer and Founder Armonice, LLC

Rich has the required attributes to ensure there is a meaningul match between requirements and candidates. He excels in communicating what to expect and when to expect it. Highly professional, with integrity at the core. Michael Rennell Managing Partner Lighthouse Virtualization Group, LLC

Dan Broussard

Senior Release Manager Stellantis Financial Services

Rich is the consummate professional who provides clear and concise steps for all parties in the recruitment process. He does set accurate expectations for both sides easing the decision making.

David Glynn

Client Advisor at Expedient

I have known Rich Rosen from Cornerstone Search Associates for many years. Being a sales execituve in the information technology space, I have found myself in the job market for various reasons. I have always found Rich to be a great resource who is well networked in helping me secure interviews with top technology hiring managers. I would not hesitate to recommend him to my colleagues.

Mitch Friedman

President and CRO Mobility Direct. shop

Rarely do I have the opportunity to work with a consummate professional. I have worked with Rich from both sides of the desk and I have always been consistently surprised by the results and efficiency of our work together. Hiring managers could not find a more diligent and knowledgeable hunter. He has always brought forth uniquely qualified candidates of the highest level. I look forward to my next opportunity to work with Rich again in the future.

Rand Schulman 

CEO/Chairman at DMscore

Smart and gets it. Well connected, and a good guy.

Rick Diviesti

Director @ Object Edge Inc. | Enterprise Strategies, CRM

I have worked with Rich on both ends of the recruiting spectrum with excellent results. As a hiring manager, Rich’s candidates were of high quality. I knew he would not waste my time. As a candidate and eventual placement of Rich’s I’ve always been impressed with his integrity and ability to communicate with the various types of personalities he works with on a daily basis.

Rinus Strydom

Leading the future of procurement operating models, with Pactum AI

Rich is a consummate professional in the recruiting field. He goes above and beyond standard matching to take the time and understand career objectives and ensure alignment. I would be honored to work with Rich in the future and recommend him wholeheartedly!

Bob Shavelson

Founding Consultant Media & Entertainment Integrated Marketing Solutions, LLC.

Rich is truly a partner in our endeavors. He’s extremely insightful and professional in his methodology. Rich also has an unusually creative instinct in matching people and circumstances…a rare talent! I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Rich on any appropriate project.

Norman Fink

Global Sales Director | New Business Development

Rich is very professional which speaks to his diligence about quality of the opportunity that he is representing. Extremely high integrity, hard worker and a person willing to go the “extra mile” for his clients. To know Rich is to trust him.