Brent Stach

About Brent Stach

I solve the most expensive problem in the AEC industry: the talent crisis that derails projects.While your integrated design-build teams are stretched thin, turning down profitable commissions, or struggling to maintain schedules and budgets, the elite project managers, senior architects, structural engineers, and technical leaders you need are busy delivering transformative projects for someone else. They aren\'t scanning job boards, but they are open to a confidential conversation about a career-defining opportunity.My Approach:As a USMC veteran with over 20 years in executive search and recruitment, I built Magnolia Talent on discipline and a relentless focus on results. I speak the language of architects, civil engineers, MEP contractors, general contractors, and specialty consultants because I\'m deeply embedded in your world. I understand the true cost of a delayed project timeline. I know the value of a senior project manager who can navigate complex multidisciplinary coordination, a principal engineer who improves design efficiency by 25%, or an architect who strengthens client relationships and drives repeat business.What Sets Me Apart:• Passive Candidate Network: I\'ve built relationships with top-quartile AEC professionals across structural engineering, civil engineering, construction management, MEP design, and architecture—professionals who aren\'t actively looking but are open to the right opportunity.• Industry Expertise: I place talent across design-build firms, general contractors, civil and geotechnical engineering consultancies, architectural practices, and specialty MEP contractors throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.• Long-Term Partnership Philosophy: I treat every candidate as a career partner, not just a resume. This approach has resulted in higher retention rates and stronger cultural fits for my clients.• Speed & Quality: My specialized network enables placement timelines 30% faster than industry average, without compromising on candidate quality.Let\'s Connect:→ If you\'re an AEC leader frustrated by talent gaps affecting your competitive positioning, let\'s discuss your critical hiring needs for project managers, engineers, architects, estimators, or construction leaders.→ If you\'re a top-performing AEC professional curious about confidential career opportunities in architecture, engineering, or construction, I welcome the conversation.

Experience

1. Founder

   Magnolia Talent

   Sep 2023 — Present · US

   Founder & Principal Recruiter specializing in executive search for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. Magnolia Talent solves critical staffing challenges by identifying and placing elite, passive talent that traditional recruiting methods cannot reach.Key Achievements:• Placed 40+ AEC professionals including Trades, Project Managers, Principal Engineers, Technical Directors, Senior Architects, and Chief Estimators at leading regional and national firms (20••••25)• Enabled client growth: Placements directly contributed to clients winning $200M+ in new design-build, civil engineering, and MEP contracts by resolving critical talent bottlenecks• Built specialized candidate network of 1,500+ top-quartile AEC professionals across disciplines—structural engineering, civil engineering, MEP design, construction management, architecture, and geotechnical consulting• 30% faster time-to-fill than industry benchmarks through proactive passive candidate engagement and deep industry relationships• 95% placement retention rate after 12 months, significantly exceeding the 68% industry average, achieved through rigorous cultural fit assessment and long-term candidate relationship management

Education

• Western Washington University

  Business, Marketing

  1988 — 1993