ABOUT

ABOUT HEARTLAND SEARCH COMPANY

Founded by Wes Schulte in 2006 as Schulte & Associates, Heartland Search Company has worked with various clients ranging from small local level community banks to national fortune 500 companies throughout the Midwest. Our main specialty is within the Commercial, Business, Agricultural Lending and Credit Administration Departments. Our expertise has also been leveraged within bank Operations, Audit, Accounting, IT and other unique verticals throughout Eastern Iowa.

 

Our three main daily drivers are:

RELATIONSHIPS

By understanding you and your definition of success, it allows us to figure out how we can help you build a stronger career, team or organization. We value your relationship – and most importantly, your success is our success.

INTEGRITY

We understand the importance of confidentiality, trust and honest communication in a successful search plan. Doing what we say and saying what we do is critical with all of our relationships.

IMPACT

A relentless pursuit to make a positive impact in people’s lives and to maximize potential is our daily mantra. Being resilient, caring about people and focusing on long term successful relationships helps us stay focused on achieving our maximum impact.

WES SCHULTE – PRESIDENT

Wes draws on a unique perspective by having several years of banking experience with a national bank in Cedar Rapids, Iowa prior to being fully engaged in the executive search world. He was a top producer within Management Recruiters International office in Eastern Iowa before launching Heartland Search Company (previously Schulte & Associates) in early 2006.

Wes grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa where he learned the key characteristics of respect, hard work, discipline and commitment. Wes lives in Manchester with his wife Jamie and four children. He is also involved in real estate and enjoys hunting, fishing, and the family farm in his spare time.

Feel free to contact Wes with any questions or concerns at wes@heartlandsearch.com or 563.927.6200.

 

MICHELLE RIES – OFFICE MANAGER

Michelle brings a vast variety of knowledge to Heartland Search Company.  With over 15 years of Accounting, Operations and Property Management, Michelle makes sure operations flow smoothly at Heartland Search Company.

Michelle grew up traveling around the United States as a Navy family and finally settled in Iowa in 1989.  She is a 1993 graduate of West Delaware High School in Manchester and lives here in town with her son Zachary.  Michelle enjoys the social aspect of life and is always willing to volunteer with in her community.

Feel free to contact Michelle with any questions or concerns at michelle@heartlandsearch.com  or 563.927.6200.

 

 

 

NICK KLEITSCH –

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

Nick grew up in Manchester Iowa and is a graduate of Upper University in Fayette where he played baseball for five years.  Nick has a competitive spirit and enjoys playing, watching, and coaching baseball and other sports in his spare time.  He also enjoys being outside whether it is kayaking, downhill skiing or spending time with friends.

Nick really enjoys getting to know people.  He believes in taking time to understand where individuals and organizations are at, and where they re looking to go.  He desires to become a professional resource to anyone he works with and honesty is a key characteristic that he lives by.  A firm believer in constant personal development and learning and reading good books is a staple in his life.

Feel free to contact Nick with any questions or concerns at nick@heartlandsearch.com  or 563.927.6200.

 

 

TESTIMONIALS

"Wes was very proactive with us. We had a need for a Portfolio Manager and called to introduce us to a very strong candidate - one who we likely would never have found without his services. Wes is very straightforward, quick to respond and fair to deal with. I would recommend his services to any bank in Iowa in need of good lending candidates."

 — Pat D. - EVP, Senior Lending Officer

TESTIMONIALS

"I recently worked with Wes Schulte and Heartland Search Company regarding an addition to my Business Banking staff. Wes was extremely prepared when calling me to present information. He took the time to talk through exactly what I was looking for in a candidate as well as presented to me the positives of the candidate he was working with, and why that person would be a great fit for my sales team. Wes’s follow-up was professional and not at all over-bearing. When asked to follow-up with me on certain dates, he was responsive. I really appreciated the fact that Wes took the time to analyze my needs as the hiring manager, and wasn’t just trying to push the candidate onto me. Wes was patient with my time line, and maintained a professional conversation with me throughout the process. I would absolutely utilize Heartland Search Company for new transactions and would be happy to refer them to my colleagues in the future."

 — Stacia P. - VP, Business Banking Team Manager

TESTIMONIALS

"We have utilized the services of Heartland Search Company in several important hires, and we have been very pleased with the results. Wes has proven to be a consummate professional throughout our searches. He is very respectful of our time and puts a lot of energy into finding potential candidates that he thinks would be a good match for us. Wes has taken the time to get to know and understand our culture to more fully grasp the type of candidates we are looking for. Wes receives my highest recommendation. He is one of our go-to resources and has been a great partner for our organization."

 — VP, Human Resources

TESTIMONIALS

"Wes is a highly skilled recruiter. I was looking to make a change after 16 years in lending to focus more on sales and Wes happened to call to see how things were going. After visiting for a couple of weeks, Wes presented me with a few great options that blended my lending background with a sales focus and a top notch comp package. He's very professional and listens to clients’ needs and goals, then works hard to achieve those goals with just the right amount of communication and guidance. Top notch recruiter and will be the first call I make if I'm ever in need of change."

 — David S. - VP, Regional Banker, Commercial & Ag Lending

TESTIMONIALS

"Wes contacted me regarding a career opportunity he thought would be a good fit for both me and the organization. After having several conversations with him, I decided to sit down with the potential company to see if he was right. Wes was spot on. My values and ideals were very much a match with the organizations. That is what I loved about working with Heartland Search Company – they don't just look to fill an opening and move on, they look find the right fit and to build lasting relationships with everyone involved. From our initial conversation to setting up interviews to offering help with the resignation process, Wes was there to offer suggestions and answer questions throughout the entire process. I really appreciated the fact that Wes took the time to get to know me. His professionalism, attitude, and hard work really made changing jobs easy. If you are an individual looking for a career change or are working for an organization looking to make some hiring moves, contact Heartland Search Company."

 — Dave R. - Regional Manager & Lending Officer

TESTIMONIALS

"I would recommend Wes Schulte and Heartland Search Company to anyone and everyone. Working with Wes was very positive — his communication and preparation materials were excellent. He was very open and honest about all aspects of the interviewing process and through the acceptance of the position as well. I used a recruiter in the past and I can tell you that not all recruiters are the same. Wes is someone that will help you through the process the entire way and will be a resource in the future as well."

 — S.G. – Senior Commercial Banker, Iowa

TESTIMONIALS

"Wes approached me about a job opportunity he thought I would be perfect for and as it turned out he was right! I would not have found this opportunity without his services and most importantly this opportunity brought me closer to home, which meant more time to spend with my family. Wes always knows what his client needs are and incorporates that with career opportunities he presents to his potential candidate clientele, which keeps him one step ahead of his competition. I strongly recommend using Heartland Search Company for any future career move you might be planning in the financial industry."

 — Mike H. - Commercial Portfolio Manager

TESTIMONIALS

"After having beginning discussions with Wes we were able to establish the target area and position I was looking for. Wes was polite when making contact to present potential positions. We came across a job close to the target area and position I was looking for, so Wes made the arrangements for a visit in order to learn more. It didn't turn out to be exactly what I was comfortable with, but Wes did a great job of keeping the lines of communication open. During this whole period my wife and I were about to have our first child. With understanding Wes did not pressure us during this time period knowing switching jobs wasn't my main focus. As a result of Wes keeping the lines of communication open, the same company wanted to meet again and discuss a different position in another market. Not only was Wes able to locate a job in my target market, he was also able to present me with an opportunity for a promotion and competitive compensation package!"

 — TW - VP, Commercial & Ag Lending Officer

TESTIMONIALS

"When I learned I would have to relocate from my position in Business Banking in Southwest Florida to St Louis, MO, I knew I would need the assistance of a recruiter. The economic environment was/is extremely challenging and I needed to land a Business Banking position in a market I had never worked in before. Wes and several other recruiters were recommended but very quickly I determined Wes was the only one I wanted working for me. He took my resume and enhanced the content and presentation. Then he set up four interviews and followed up with me after every interview and provided immediate feedback from every bank I met with. 

It was only due to his persistence and follow up was I able to obtain a position. Wes truly cares about the people he is representing and will go to great lengths to help someone."

 — Karen B. - VP, Business Banking Officer

TESTIMONIALS

"I thought Heartland Search Company was very helpful in finding a new employer. I felt that I was at an advantage going into the interview since I had been recommended by someone that that the employer trusted to help them find qualified individuals. It was also great that I could consult with Wes on questions and concerns I had about changing employers. Overall I would say Wes made switching employers go very smoothly and I greatly appreciated his service."

 — Jeff K. - Mechanical Engineer

TESTIMONIALS

"Thank you very much for all of your help! You provided with many great ideas and tools. This was made easier because of you. I'm excited about this new opportunity."

 — B.C. – Retail Market Manager

TESTIMONIALS

"Wes is thoughtful, considerate and professional. He is a superb executive search professional who represents his clients very well. I would recommend him to any financial services person seeking a new position."

 — Carlotta O. - Managing Director, Business Development & Client Service - Asset Mgmt