A Staffing Agency Born Out of a Crisis
SmartSet began as the retail merchandising practice area within Stivers, one of the
oldest staffing firms in the nation. Then a global pandemic made us grow exponentially.
Our History
75+ Years of
Staffing Excellence
Our Stivers roots provide a strong foundation of best-in-class processes and tools. When Covid-19 turned the economy upside down, we were able to apply decades of experience to become the go-to provider of high quality, reliable workforce to retailers nationwide. Today, our hiring solutions span from retail to event support and beyond.
1945
Clifford Stivers opens his Chicago recruiting firm
1950's
Stivers expands into Chicago suburbs
1960s
Stivers established branch offices on both coasts
2019
Stivers is acquired by TalentLaunch
2020
Growth across the US as a result of COVID-19 pandemic
2023
Earned designation of independent operating company
Our Team
Right where you need us.
When you work with SmartSet, you’ll work with a team of staffing professionals who live (and play) all across the country. We collaborate remotely but can deliver dependability, flexibility, and the ultimate level of support for clients and job seekers. No matter where you’re located, SmartSet is right where you need us to be.
“I’m amazed at how fast they were able to staff my teams with quality people. My company has built a true partnership with SmartSet!”
Jayne, Director of Operations
“I’m amazed at how fast they were able to staff my teams with quality people. My company has built a true partnership with SmartSet!”
Jayne, Director of Operations
Our Network
Powered by TalentLaunch.
SmartSet is proud to be a member company of the TalentLaunch Network. TalentLaunch offers a transformative edge to the staffing industry, directly benefiting our clients and candidates by ensuring a more efficient, seamless, and quality-driven recruitment process. Through TalentLaunch’s comprehensive technology tools, strategic planning services, back office support, and best-in-class training, we deliver superior staffing outcomes. Our clients enjoy access to a broader, higher quality pool of candidates, faster placement times, and tailored staffing solutions that meet their specific needs. Overall, our partnership with TalentLaunch upgrades our hiring process and consultative workforce management services, leading to better productivity, retention, and satisfaction for our customers.
TalentLaunch
Network of Brands
Rooted
The values we live by…
Our culture and values are the foundation for our success. We believe that if you leverage the environmental “pillars” in the right manner, it will root each of us in the way we conduct business (our “values”) – supporting the vision and decision making process within our organization. This guides our approach to each and every engagement we make; helping us focus more on what matters – the customer.
Pillars
Accountability: Establish transparency through openness.
Vulnerability: Build connections through authenticity.
Gratitude: Appreciate life’s experiences– both the good and the bad.
Competition: Have a passion for winning.
Active Learning: Always be in pursuit to grow personally and professionally
Engaged: Be immersed in the hustle – work can be fun, fulfilling, and exciting.
Values
Make it Happen: Determination drives results.
Entrepreneurship: Take responsibility for your outcomes.
Teamwork: Make each other better because iron sharpens iron.
Relationships: Be a giver, not a taker.
Integrity: Choose courage over comfort.
Communication: Paint pictures to establish alignment.
Sense of Urgency: Achieve great outcomes, quickly.
We’re ready to help.
Need workers? Looking for a job? We are here to connect you with exactly what you need — ensuring you have the best possible experience.
