The Best in Restaurant Executive Search

We Connect People

Operations • Finance • Human Resources • Technology

Our Holistic Approach

Every Search is Different

Every leadership hire is unique, so our executive search firm designs a custom, data-driven recruiting plan for each position.

We Respect Clients and Candidates

As David Ulrich puts it, “I truly care about the relationships with the companies that I work for and the individuals that I place.”

We See the Bigger Picture

We know there’s more to finding the perfect candidate than words on a resume, so we learn about the person, ensuring a great culture fit.

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95%

Of Our Hires Are Still On The Job 1 Year Later

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DUA Quality Guarantee Seal

Our Performance Guarantee

2 Year Guarantee for all C-Level Searches

1 Year Guarantee for Director to President-Level Searches

6 Month Guarantee for all GM to District Manager-Level Searches

Trusted By

Logo with text "Team DAKS, One Team. One Dream." and a Domino's Pizza logo.
Wendy's logo featuring a red-haired girl with pigtails and the word "Wendy's" in red text.
Retro Fitness logo with red and yellow gradient text and arrow design on a black background.
Domino's Pizza logo featuring a red and blue domino icon with the brand name below.
Wingstop logo with wings and text "The Wing Experts."
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LRG Logo
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DUA Core Principles

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Communication

We pride ourselves on tailoring each search to both our clients and candidates needs, ensuring long-term success

Integrity

Building trust through honest communication and ethical practices, ensuring that clients and candidates receive clear, accurate information at every step of the process

Adaptability

By staying responsive to the ever-changing needs of the job market, industries, and client requirements, we ensure tailored solutions for every situation

DUA Specialties

Executive Search

  • Direct, clear, and frequent communication with our team

  • High quality, vetted candidates

  • DUA Guarantee for all searches DM level or above

Advisory Services

  • Custom HR Services for all phases of the M&A process

  • Highly experienced team

  • Trusted industry partners for continued bespoke support

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The DUA Approach to Executive Search

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Before the Search

Our search process has been sharpened through over 20 years of experience. We’ve learned that the line-up is crucial to finding the perfect candidate, so our recruiters prioritize learning the ins and outs of the role, including culture, necessary experience, and the overall responsibilities of the position from the start. This helps us build our ideal candidate profile and begin finding perfect candidates from day one.

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How We Interview

Our recruiters focus on the whole person, not just what’s on their resume. We take the time to learn their core competencies and soft skills that other firms don’t. This leads to better, longer lasting placements and higher client and candidate satisfaction.

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We Don’t Stop When the Position is Filled

We make sure to check in on our placements and make sure all sides are happy with their decision. These post-placement talks give us even more insight into our partners, meaning we get even better with time.

The DUA Experts

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David Ulrich

Founder and Principal

David bring close to 20 years of general management and strategy experience to his client work. Prior to getting into the search industry, David worked for leading finance, technology and business-related service organizations such as Merrill Lynch, Pitney Bowes and Gartner Group.

David began his career in sales and business development within the office equipment industry working for Lanier Worldwide, and later with Pitney Bowes. He then transitioned over to the technology industry heading up the Northern New England region for Gartner Group.

David graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Massachusetts- Amherst.

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Dale Herb

Managing Partner, Advisory Services

I create world-class talent solutions that drive organizational success, specializing in human capital strategies and technologies. My achievements include establishing a “Best Place to Work” Culture at Payment Alliances Int’l., Driving Talent Assessment & Succession Planning at KFC, developing a global leadership development program for Papa John’s and building a high performing HR team and implementing Workday HCM platform at Diversified Restaurant Group thus enabling the brand to grow into the 3rd largest Taco Bell Franchisee.

  • “David digs into the values and culture of the business, not just qualifications and that’s what determines a quality search firm. They understand that we need people who are not normal and can find characteristics in candidates that you can’t find on a resume.”

    VICTOR HEUTZ

    COO - PIZZA HUT, GRAND MERE RESTAURANT GROUP

  • “When you need to get the job done right, hire a professional. David gets it done.”

    ANDREW ALFANO
    CEO - RETRO FITNESS

  • “I am so impressed with this team’s dedication, expertise and commitment to growing brands. Truly a super team of restaurant growth specialists.”

    ZACK KOLLIAS
    CEO - APPLEGREEN USA