Your partner in executive staffing growth

Tenacity

We show unwavering commitment and grit

Adaptability

We’re committed to lifelong learning, professional excellence and continually mastering industry trends

Transparency

We’re dedicated to providing our clients with clear, concise and relevant communication at every stage of our working relationship

Assurance

We stand behind the quality of our service and partner with our clients in growth

Firm mission & purpose

Your Partner in Executive Growth

  • At Ready Set Exec, we don’t just find candidates—we connect growing businesses with executive leaders who create impact.

    Built on relationships, not algorithms, we specialize in placing top talent across Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations.

  • Our mission is simple:

    To build the talent foundation for growing organizations and partner with them in shared success and growth.

your ideal executive search firm

meet our leadership team

Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec was born from a simple truth:
Hiring leaders isn’t about filling a chair. It’s about building a future.

After 15+ years of industry experience, Patrick and John realized that traditional firms prioritize volume and transactions.
They envisioned something different—true partnership, built on understanding the client’s mission and culture as deeply as the job description.

Today, Ready Set Exec exists to bring relationship-driven executive search to the forefront—helping businesses grow, leaders succeed, and communities thrive.

Patrick Shea

Managing Partner

Patrick is an accomplished leader and C-Suite executive recruiter with years of experience in talent management and retention. He discovered his passion for the recruiting industry while working in transportation and logistics, recognizing the needs of his clients and the shortage of available talent. It was there that he embarked on a venture by founding a recruitment firm specialized in driver recruitment. Since then, Patrick has expanded into new verticals and industries, including sales, marketing, human resources, and operations. He is partner-focused and delivers a direct and transparent approach to his customers’ searches. Beyond his professional life, Patrick is passionate about his family and contributing to the community where he lives. He was an active volunteer firefighter in his local community in Rideau Lakes and serves as the head coach of his son’s hockey team. Through these activities, he instills in his three children the value of volunteering locally in their community.

John Pezoulas

Managing Partner

Over the past 15 years, John has excelled in the recruitment industry, from scaling an Exec search firm 25% QoQ, a staffing recruitment office 160% YoY or managing 14 National offices 66% YoY. In highly competitive markets in Executive Search (Marketing/Sales/HR) , and High Volume Staffing. John has consistently secured and managed large contracts with Fortune 1000 companies. He has also experience as a hiring manager, building his own teams of up to 300 headcount across 14 National offices with a $25M P&L. With a focus on open communication and a dedication to personal service, John has earned a reputation as a respected leader among both clients and peers. Outside of work John is busy raising his three beautiful children, Anastasia and, twins Pallas and Theodore. John volunteers with local immigrant and refugee groups to helping arriving newcomers transfer their professional skills, transition employment and adapt to their new home

Recruitment Features
A legacy built on Trust

Our story

Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec was born from a simple truth:
Hiring leaders isn’t about filling a chair. It’s about building a future.

After 15+ years of industry experience, Patrick and John realized that traditional firms prioritize volume and transactions.
They envisioned something different—true partnership, built on understanding the client’s mission and culture as deeply as the job description.

Today, Ready Set Exec exists to bring relationship-driven executive search to the forefront—helping businesses grow, leaders succeed, and communities thrive.

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we make it happen

Why Companies Choose Ready Set Exec

  • REASON 1

Relationship-Driven, Not Database-Driven:

We don’t rely on mass applications or automated filters. Our network is hand-built through years of trust and success.

  • REASON 2

Managing Partners Lead Every Search:

No pyramid schemes. No junior hand-offs. Patrick and John personally manage your search from start to finish.

  • REASON 3

Deep Functional Expertise:

Our team had the opportunity to work inside Sales, Marketing, HR, and Ops — so we know what great leadership looks like.

  • REASON 4

Faster, Better Hiring:

Our focused process reduces time-to-hire by 50%—without sacrificing fit, quality, or cultural alignment.

  • REASON 5

Global Reach with a Boutique Feel:

Through our advisory network and omni-channel sourcing approach, we offer global talent access with personalized service.

your ideal recruitment agency

our recruitment fulfilment
numbers are massive

offer acceptance rate
95%

Nearly every offer we extend is accepted—because we connect the right leader to the right opportunity.
Our deep candidate relationships and thorough vetting process ensure alignment before an offer is even made.

job success rate
100%

Every client who partnered with Ready Set Exec found a successful hire.
We don’t just submit resumes—we deliver vetted executives who match your business goals, culture, and long-term vision.

Trusted by Industry and Government

Our certifications and approvals with leading government and procurement agencies reflect our commitment to transparency, trust, and exceptional service.
We’re proud to meet the highest standards of accountability and quality in executive recruitment.