In the heart of South Carolina’s booming Upstate region, where aerospace, manufacturing, and technology sectors thrive, First Class Recruiting is building more than just careers – it’s building futures. Helmed by U.S. Air Force veteran and industry trailblazer Lindsay Hansel, this boutique executive search firm has become synonymous with precision hiring, mission-driven leadership, and a passion for connecting top-tier talent with transformative opportunities.
A Mission That Started With Military Service
For Lindsay Hansel, leadership isn’t theoretical – it’s lived. With a military background forged in the disciplined ranks of the U.S. Air Force, Lindsay brings a unique ethos of integrity, service, and performance to the business of recruiting.
“When I launched First Class Recruiting in 2015, I wanted to bring a new level of excellence and authenticity to the hiring process,” she says. “It’s never just about filling a role; it’s about making the right connection that can change the trajectory of a business and a career.”
Based in Greer, SC, First Class Recruiting (FCR) is a veteran-owned and operated company, and that foundation shapes every interaction. The firm’s values – respect, trust, ethical practices, and genuine care – are not just slogans. They are the pillars of its success.
Small Team, Big Impact
With a small team of professionals, FCR punches far above its weight. Specializing in executive placements across aerospace, defense, tech, manufacturing, and accounting, the firm partners with some of the world’s most respected companies – think BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Oshkosh Defense. Its impact is felt from factory floors to boardroom tables.
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up,” Lindsay says, quoting Thomas Edison. “We are here to bridge that final gap, for both our candidates and our clients.”
And the numbers speak volumes:
- 2 days to present the first candidate
- 93% candidate fill rate
- 99% repeat customer rate
- 100% commitment to excellence
These statistics aren’t just metrics: they’re proof of a model built on responsiveness, insight, and lasting relationships.
Connecting Talent to Purpose
FCR doesn’t just find people for jobs – it finds purpose for people. That philosophy is what makes the team’s approach to recruitment so distinct.
“We meet people where they are. Whether you’re an executive looking to lead your next big project or a company facing a mission-critical skills gap, we become your partner,” Lindsay says. “That means listening deeply, aligning on values, and doing the heavy lifting with precision and care.”
Candidates often find themselves stuck in a saturated job market. Companies, meanwhile, struggle with skill shortages in competitive sectors. FCR acts as the translator and matchmaker, curating opportunities where values, culture, and capability align.
The firm’s success has been built on relationships, not transactions. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 or a high-growth startup, every client engagement is deeply collaborative. And every candidate is treated like more than a résumé.
Veteran Values, South Carolina Roots
FCR is deeply tied to South Carolina’s industrial DNA. With a state economy increasingly driven by aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and defense, the need for strategic workforce development has never been greater.
As a speaker on workforce trends and a regular co-host of industry events (like the Oshkosh Defense facility tour and statewide supply chain forums), Lindsay is more than a recruiter. She’s an ecosystem builder.
“We see ourselves as part of something much larger than hiring,” she says. “It’s about ensuring South Carolina remains a competitive, thriving economy, powered by people who care, contribute, and lead.”
Your First Call for First-Class Talent
From writing job descriptions to advising on interview strategies, from HR consulting to C-suite matchmaking, First Class Recruiting is the go-to partner for organisations that don’t just want to hire, but want to excel.
And while their client list is national, their heart remains local. “Being based in the Upstate means we get to see the immediate impact of our work, ”says Lindsay. “When we help a company grow or help someone find a career they love, we’re investing in our community’s future.”
First Class Recruiting demonstrates that small teams can achieve significant outcomes and that purpose-driven leadership yields lasting results.
So, whether you’re a company looking to scale with integrity or a professional ready to take flight, First Class Recruiting is your strategic co-pilot – helping you soar toward success, one placement at a time.
“It’s never just about filling a role; it’s about making the right connection that can change the trajectory of a business and a career.”
– Lindsay Hansel –
