Welcome to Next Exec.
​We improve organizations one executive at a time!
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Established ​in 2004

We are a Boston-based executive search and executive coaching firm. Our clients are for-profit and non-profit organizations in need of hiring and developing key leaders. We serve the Senior Living and Retail industries across the United States. How did this happen?  Read our unusual backstory!
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Backstory

Murray R. Lee, our founder, began his career in the late 80's working his way up through progressive leadership capacities for national retail chains. His positions were entrenched in operations and team management. Much of his time was devoted to recruiting and developing leaders. In 2001, Murray accepted an opportunity to build a retail portfolio for an established executive search firm. Over the next three years, he secured and served a wide range of clients while honing his recruiting skills.

In March 2004, Murray took the next step. He launched Next Exec, providing traditional and innovative recruiting services to retailers.

Within a matter of months, Next Exec was approached by a marketing consultant representing a chain of skilled nursing homes in New England. That organization desired a better relationship and a fresh approach to executive search. They ultimately signed Next Exec to a broad service agreement lasting more than 10 years!

From that exciting moment in 2004, Next Exec has built an impressive track record serving senior living and retail organizations! Today, our Senior Living portfolio is as strong and vibrant as our Retail portfolio. Our team has completed hundreds of searches for local, regional, and national companies seeking corporate leaders and mid-tier managers.  We offer a suite of search and coaching services to satisfy a wide range of situations. Whether you are seeking to hire key leaders and/or want to further develop an existing executive, we have a service for you. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you!

How We're Different and Why That Matters

Our proven approach to executive search is the right answer for many organizations, large and small across the United States.

We want you to have a successful hire and a rewarding experience when working with us. These steps and unique tools ensure that you are introduced to highly qualified candidates who are interested in pursuing  your opportunity. Key factors include:

• The way we develop the target list of prospective candidates.
  • Fresh, timely research for every project. (Passive, and therefore preferred, candidates are the goal.)
  • Never, ever an advertisement, internet posting, or resume database. These methods often deliver, active, job-seeking candidates who aren't qualified - not what you want from a search firm!
• The way we approach a prospective candidate.
  • We make discreet, direct contact in a way that builds trust. We ignite their interest to meet you and explore your opportunity!
• The way we present your opportunity.
  • We promote your organization and the opportunity with knowledge and enthusiasm!
  • Strategic steps build the candidate's interest and allow us to validate their experience and qualifications.
• The way we present candidates to you.
  • Our interviews culminate in presenting you with candidates who meet or exceed your expectations and have a particular interest in pursuing the opportunity.
  • We write a synopsis to accompany each resume to provide you with a deeper understanding of the individual and what makes them worth your consideration.
  • Candidate submissions include a completed questionnaire created uniquely for the opportunity.
• The way we support and advise all parties throughout the process.
  • We make sure you and the candidate are thoroughly prepared for the interview.
  • We bring closure and appreciation to the individuals not moving forward.
  • We extend your offer to the candidate you select and deliver their acceptance back to you. We guide the new hire through the proper resignation steps and how to handle any counter offer scenarios.

Our consultative process ensures the most thorough and accurate exchange of information. This enables effective decisions and the best long-term results.

Why Work With a Boutique Search Firm?

• Statistically, boutique search firms have better completion rates than larger firms.
  
• A partner will run your search. In many of the larger search firms it is common practice for the higher level executives to meet the clients and then delegate the search to firm associates. At boutique firms, like ours, it is common practice for the managing partners to meet the clients and then run the search. This creates a few important benefits:
  • Your search is run by a more experienced recruiter than at a large search firm.
  • The person who will run your search is the same person who learned first hand about your organization and your hiring need. This prevents the downside of the "telephone game" effect.
  • At boutique search firms such as Next Exec, it is common for your search executive to give greater focus. It is typical at larger search firms for the recruiting associates to juggle a greater number of searches. As you can imagine, more time will go into your search at a boutique firm.
  • Large search firms have significantly more clients than smaller boutique firms. This means that there are more prospective candidates who are "off limits" at larger firms due to their consideration of their clients' employees. It's easy to see that larger firms have a smaller pool of prospective candidates to reach out to, screen, and promote your company to.
  • Larger firms are known to charge excessive indirect fees for things such as research tools, communication systems, postage, and printing. These can be significant. We only charge for direct  expenses.​
    

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I've had several opportunities over the past few years to utilize Murray's sourcing and recruiting talents for particularly challenging roles. I highly recommend him. He delivers the results that he promises!

N.J., Boston, MA

Boston, MA

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​I am very pleased to recommend the services of Next Exec.  (We) engaged Next Exec for a search to hire an administrator. Prior to engaging Next Exec, we had used other professionals and done our own search for over two years with no viable candidates. Murray’s work to secure a viable candidate was comprehensive and thorough. He provided sound advice and suggestions throughout the search. In short, we are very pleased with the service and the outcome. I would recommend Next Exec without reservation.

C.G., Nantucket, MA

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We have had a heck of a year.  Thanks in large part to you and Next Exec, we have opened 8 new
locations.  You all did a great job for us.  I would never have committed to such an aggressive schedule if I
had not had confidence in your capabilities.  I want to thank you and Karen and everyone in your company
for helping us take advantage of all the opportunities we have had.”  

C.H., Brentwood, TN

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It was a pleasure dealing with such a great professional such as yourself and I am truly grateful.

E. K., New York, NY

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Thank you so much for your guidance, advice, and insight - I really can't thank you enough! 

S.A., Pittsburgh, PA

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​…the best part is Amy.  I think she will be great! 

L. S., Boise, ID

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​We are sincerely grateful for your facilitation of this hiring opportunity.  

C. T., Salem, MA

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Thanks for everything.  Ken and I are very pleased with both of your recruits.  

L. S., Chicago, Il

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Karen, you helped me last year in recruiting Roberta.  She is still with me and is
my most valued asset!  I can’t thank you enough!  

J. K, Louisville, KY

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