For Independent & Agency Recruiters
When a search or a close is going sideways, call a battle buddy.
On-call help from an experienced executive recruiter: a second set of eyes on a stuck search, a sounding board for a counter-offer, and a steadying voice when you’re in a slump. You still make the placement. I help you get it across the line.
Paid booking through Calendly + Stripe · phone call by default · video optional · same-day slots when available
At a glance
- 30-minute Quick Strategy Call — $125
- 60-minute Deep Dive — $225
- 4 × 60-minute package — $800
- Phone call (I’ll call you), or Zoom / Google Meet
Sound familiar?
Recruiting is high-stakes and often lonely
- Your finalist verbally accepted, then their employer countered with more base and a retention bonus.
- The client is pressuring you to reduce your fees and terms.
- You’ve been on a search for weeks and you’re second-guessing your own strategy.
- You’re a solo recruiter with nobody to think out loud with before the call that matters.
- A slow stretch is starting to get in your head.
You don’t need another course or framework. You need someone experienced on the phone in the next hour.
A typical session
“Finalist just got a counter. Client is pushing back. Can we talk in the next hour?”
On a 40-minute call we work through:
- What the candidate actually said versus what they may be signaling
- Talking points for the candidate call that protect the offer without overselling
- How to negotiate with the client to reframe an offer without upsetting them.
- Clear next steps for the next 24 hours, agreed before we hang up
Plus a few minutes on the morale side: a late-stage scramble is normal, not proof the search failed. You leave with clear next steps and less panic.
Who you’ll be talking with
Michael Petras, Lodestar Recruiting
Michael runs Lodestar Recruiting, an executive search firm placing managers, directors, and executives with discrete manufacturing companies nationwide. He works the same desk you do.
- Active executive recruiter in ag & construction equipment, RV/specialty vehicles, turf/utility vehicles, and engineered products
- Top Echelon network member
- Former regional sales director and national sales manager (Fleetwood, Damon)
- Hired, trained, and mentored 50+ sales professionals
- Phone-first approach built on real conversations, referrals, and preempting counter-offers
Packages
Choose your session
Pick a session, choose your time, and pay securely by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Your confirmation includes dial-in details or the video link.
Quick Strategy Call
$125 / 30 min
One problem, one plan. Ideal for a counter-offer, a tricky client call, or a quick morale reset.
- 30-minute focused call
- Talking points you can use right away, discussed on the call
- Clear next steps agreed before we hang up
Phone call (I’ll call you), or Zoom / Google Meet
Recommended
Deep Dive
$225 / 60 min
For a stuck search, a complex negotiation, or reviewing your approach on a difficult assignment.
- 60-minute working session
- Search, sourcing, or closing strategy review
- Candidate and client talking points, discussed on the call
- Clear next steps agreed before we hang up
Phone call (I’ll call you), or Zoom / Google Meet
Battle Buddy 4-Pack
$800 / 4 × 60 min
Prepaid sessions you schedule as you need them. A light retainer for ongoing support through tough searches.
- Four 60-minute sessions
- Book each one whenever you need it
- Saves $100 versus single sessions
- Priority scheduling
Phone call (I’ll call you), or Zoom / Google Meet · use within 90 days
Need ongoing access? A monthly retainer is available as a custom engagement — contact for pricing. Prefer to talk first? Start with a free 15-minute fit call: book here.
How it works
Booked, paid, and confirmed in about two minutes
1
Pick a package
Choose the session length that fits your problem.
2
Choose a time
Live availability syncs with Michael’s calendar. Bookings need at least 4 hours’ notice.
3
Pay securely
Stripe handles card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at booking.
4
Get on the call
Michael calls you by default, or you get a Zoom/Meet link if you chose video.
Phone call (default)
I’ll call you at the number you enter when you book. Best when you’re between meetings, on the road, or just want a straight conversation.
Video (optional)
Zoom or Google Meet. The link is generated automatically when you book. Best for reviewing documents, résumés, or offer letters together on screen.
FAQ
Common questions
Phone or video?
Your choice. Whichever you feel comfortable with.
Is it confidential?
Yes! Absolutely.
Do you compete with my searches?
No, I would consider that unethical. You don’t even have to reveal the name of your client.
What roles do you know best?
Executives, Directors, Managers, Individual Contributors, Engineers, Operational Experts, and Contractors for companies of all sizes ($100M to $5B).
What is your refund policy?
Scroll down to the next section to review.
Booking & Refund Policy
Simple, fair, and written in plain English
Please book with at least 4 hours’ notice so Michael can prepare and show up ready for your session.
- Cancel at least 24 hours before your session: full refund.
- Booked less than 24 hours ahead: full refund if you cancel within 1 hour of booking. After that, a full credit to reschedule within 30 days.
- Cancel inside 24 hours of your session: full credit to reschedule within 30 days.
- No-show: 50% refund if you request it within 30 days, or a full credit to reschedule within 30 days.
- Sessions are billed for the time you booked. If a session ends early, Michael may offer the leftover time on a future session at his discretion.
Questions about a booking? Reply to your confirmation email and we’ll sort it out.
Don’t lose the placement alone.
Book a session now and get an experienced recruiter in your corner today.